Step-by-step — setup made professional
Below is a concise, security-first workflow. Follow each step in order; skipping or rushing phases compromises safety.
1. Unbox and inspect
Begin by verifying the outer packaging. A genuine device arrives with manufacturer seals and documentation. If the packaging feels tampered with, or if any security seal is broken, do not proceed. Contact the place of purchase or official support. Record the serial number printed on the device — you’ll need it for later verification and support requests.
2. Power and connect
Connect your Trezor® device to a trusted computer using the included cable. Avoid public or unfamiliar USB hubs. For mobile users, use only official cables and adapters. The device will display an initial prompt — do not accept firmware or trust requests until you confirm them through the Trezor Suite app.
3. Install Trezor Suite and verify authenticity
Install Trezor Suite from the official website and verify the download using the website’s verification instructions. Trezor Suite will check the device’s authenticity, guide the firmware installation if required, and keep your computer-side interactions isolated from untrusted websites. Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or smartphone — it should be created and stored offline.
4. Initialize device & create seed
When prompted, choose create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed — a sequence of words that can restore your wallet. Write these words down by hand on the supplied recovery card or another trusted medium; do not photograph, type, or store them digitally. Confirm the seed exactly as the device asks to ensure accuracy.
5. Set a PIN and label your device
Choose a strong PIN — long and memorable for you, but not guessable. The PIN protects access to the hardware wallet even if someone has the physical device. You can also label the device in Trezor Suite (e.g., "Primary BTC Wallet") to prevent confusion if you manage multiple devices.
6. Update firmware (if prompted)
Firmware updates deliver security patches and new features. Only install updates when prompted by Trezor Suite; the update process will show verified cryptographic signatures. During updates, follow on-device prompts carefully and do not disconnect the device.
7. Transfer funds securely
When sending or receiving funds, always verify addresses on the device display. Many malware types attempt to substitute addresses on the host computer. The Trezor device shows the exact receiving address — confirm the address fingerprint before completing a transaction.
8. Back up and protect
Consider storing copies of your recovery seed in secure, geographically separated locations. Use a tamper-resistant metal backup if you want maximum durability. Do not share seed words with anyone; no legitimate service will ever ask for them. If you suspect compromise, consider moving funds and creating a fresh device & seed pair immediately.
Professional best practices
Air-gapped verification
For large holdings, use air-gapped workflows. Create the seed on the device and verify transactions on an isolated machine or a live OS to reduce attack surface.
Multi-signature strategies
Distribute signing authority across multiple devices or custodians for an extra security layer. This limits single-point failures and adds operational resilience.
Periodic audits
Annually verify backups, check device integrity, and confirm that recovery material remains accessible and protected. Rotate seeds if long-term security practices require it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I recover without my seed?
No. The recovery seed is the single source of truth for restoring access. If lost, funds cannot be recovered. For this reason, create multiple secure copies stored in different locations.
What if my device is stolen?
If your device is stolen, funds remain protected by your PIN and seed — provided the seed remains secret. Immediately move funds to a new wallet if you suspect the seed has been compromised.
Is firmware safe to update?
Yes — if installed via Trezor Suite and verified by the device. Firmware updates are signed; never install firmware from untrusted sources.
Need assistance?
For official guidance, visit the manufacturer’s support center and knowledge base. If you bought from an authorized reseller, they can help with returns or suspicious packaging. Always prefer official channels for account, recovery, or device verification help.