Getting a hardware wallet like a Trezor is a huge step toward securing your crypto. This guide focuses on the essentials you need to start up your device safely: what to check before you power on, how to complete first-time setup, how to verify recovery details, and how to maintain secure habits going forward. It’s written for beginners but useful as a checklist for experienced users.
The initial setup is the single most important moment for your device’s security. Mistakes or skipped verification steps during setup can permanently expose your funds. Treat this like creating a bank vault: slow, careful, and verified.
Inspect the seal, check packaging for damage, and confirm the model you purchased. If anything looks wrong, contact the vendor immediately.
Connect your device to your computer or phone using the supplied cable. The device should boot to a start screen prompting you to visit trezor.io/start or the official app. Don’t follow instructions from unsolicited sources.
Use the link printed on the device or type the official URL directly — avoid clicking links from emails or search results. Close all unneeded browser tabs and consider using a fresh profile for setup.
If firmware is required, perform the firmware update via official instructions. Verify the update prompts directly on the device screen; never install untrusted firmware.
Choose to create a new wallet on the device. Set a strong PIN (longer than 6 digits is better). The device should show a random PIN layout — enter it only as shown on the device to avoid keyloggers.
The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 12/24 words). Write these words down in order on a recovery card or, even better, on a metal backup. Never store the phrase digitally (no photos, no cloud storage).
Follow the device’s verification procedure. The device may ask you to confirm a few words. If verification fails or behaves unexpectedly, stop and contact official support resources.
Once setup is complete, send a small test transaction to and from the device to confirm everything works. Don’t move large amounts until you’re entirely confident in the process.
Check the cable and try a different USB port or power adapter. If the hardware is unresponsive and the packaging looked tampered with, contact the seller.
Make sure you wrote words exactly as the device displayed them (spelling matters). If you can’t recover, pause — repeatedly trying may lock the device or complicate support. Reach out to official support channels for guided help.
No. This is an independent, user-friendly guide to help beginners. For official instructions or to verify your device, always consult the official Trezor website and support pages.
If your recovery phrase exists anywhere digitally (photo, cloud, text file), assume it’s compromised. Move funds to a brand-new wallet immediately and create a fresh recovery phrase stored offline.
Yes. Use another compatible hardware wallet or the appropriate recovery process — but only restore on trusted hardware following official instructions.
A passphrase provides an extra layer of security but becomes an additional secret you must store. Know the tradeoffs — if you forget the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable even if you have the seed.
Back up once when it is created by writing it down and storing it securely. Consider a metal backup and a geographically separate copy in case of disaster.
Good security is a habit. Treat your hardware wallet and recovery as physical valuables — slow down, verify what you see on the device screen, and never rush the recovery process. If anything feels off, stop and seek guidance from trusted official resources.