Welcome — quick overview
Congrats on your new hardware wallet! This guide walks you through everything you need to know to start up your Trezor device safely and confidently. It covers unboxing checks, connecting the device, installing or updating firmware, generating and safeguarding your recovery seed, using Trezor Suite and third-party integrations, and practical troubleshooting. The tone is friendly, actionable, and security-first.
Before you begin — simple checklist
Trusted source: Verify you purchased from an authorized retailer or the official store. If packaging looks tampered, stop and contact support.
Clean environment: Use your personal computer or a secure device. Avoid public machines or unknown USB hubs during setup.
Offline seed backup: Have a pen and the supplied recovery cards ready. Never photograph the seed or save it online.
Power & cable: Use the included USB cable or a trusted equivalent. Keep the device powered and don’t unplug during firmware install.
Unboxing & initial inspection
Open the box and inspect each item: the device, cable, recovery card(s), and quick-start leaflet. Check for physical damage or signs of tampering. Confirm the model you ordered (Model T vs Model One) and match any serial or packaging numbers to your order if available.
Connect your device
Firmware: install, verify, and update
Firmware is the device’s internal, signed software. Always install firmware only via the official Suite or official channels. During updates you’ll be asked to confirm a fingerprint or message directly on your Trezor device — this is crucial. Never approve unknown firmware or accept requests from third parties instructing you to install custom firmware.
Create & protect your recovery seed
When creating a new wallet, your Trezor will generate a recovery seed — a sequence of words that is the master key to your funds. Follow these rules:
- Write your seed on the provided recovery card in the exact order shown.
- Store the card(s) offline in a secure place like a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
- Do not photograph the seed, type it into any website, or save it digitally.
- Consider redundancy (multiple secure locations) but avoid creating many copies that increase exposure.
Seeds are typically 12, 18, or 24 words. If you opt for a passphrase (an optional extra secret word), treat it with the same care — it creates a separate hidden wallet and cannot be recovered if lost.
PIN & passphrase — balancing convenience and security
Set a PIN to protect access to the device interface. The PIN should be memorable to you but not trivially guessable. Enter the PIN only on the device screen — not on your computer. A passphrase adds an extra secret layer: if you choose to use one, understand that forgetting it makes the associated hidden wallet inaccessible.
Using your Trezor — Suite and integrations
Trezor works with the official Trezor Suite and many third-party wallets and dApps. Key practices:
- Prefer Trezor Suite for most operations, including firmware and portfolio management.
- When using browser extensions or dApps, always confirm all transaction details on the Trezor device screen.
- Install browser extensions only from the official browser stores and verify the publisher.
- When granting token approvals in smart contract ecosystems, limit allowance amounts and revoke unused allowances periodically.
Plugins & integrations — what to know
“Plugins” commonly means browser extensions, exchange integrations, mobile bridges, or dApp connectors. A safe integration strategy:
- Use well-known and widely-reviewed integrations from reputable providers.
- When an integration asks to connect, the device should ONLY be used to sign transactions; private keys never leave the device.
- Compare transaction data shown in the integration with the device-screen details before approving. If they mismatch, deny the transaction.
- On mobile, prefer official bridging apps or recommended partners. Avoid random apps that request seed words or full-access permissions.
Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes
Try another USB cable/port, restart your computer, and make sure the device screen is active. Some cables are power-only — use a data-capable cable.
Do not force power cycles. Reopen Trezor Suite and follow the recovery or reinstall prompts. If uncertain, consult official support resources.
Multiple incorrect PIN attempts may trigger exponential delay. If locked out, you can wipe and restore from your seed — so keep your seed safe.
Double-check the written words, spacing, and spelling. If unsure, generate a new seed and start fresh.
Long-term security best practices
To keep your crypto safe over years:
- Regularly update firmware and Suite from official sources.
- Keep your recovery seed offline and consider storing a duplicate in a separate secure location for redundancy.
- Periodically audit and revoke unneeded smart-contract approvals.
- Use multiple hardware wallets for large holdings or estate planning to reduce single-point-of-failure risk.
- Educate trusted family members about the existence of the hardware wallet (but not the seed), and prepare a legal plan for inheritance if desired.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: Can I restore my wallet on another device?
A: Yes — the recovery seed restores your wallet on another compatible device that supports the same standard. Only restore on trusted hardware.
Q: What if someone asks for my recovery seed?
A: This is a scam. Never share your seed. Official support will never ask for it.
Q: Should I use a passphrase?
A: Passphrases increase security but add complexity. Use them only if you can reliably remember/store them separately.