Trezor® Hardware Wallet | Start Your Device (Official)

An official-style walkthrough to get your Trezor device started securely — from unboxing and initial setup to best practices for everyday use and recovery. This guide is educational and intentionally avoids login links or embedded passwords.

Format: Setup guide • Scope: Unboxing, setup, security, recovery • Audience: New and returning Trezor users

Why start with a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets like Trezor are designed to store private keys offline in a hardened environment. They provide a strong boundary between your private keys and internet-connected devices, significantly lowering the risk of remote compromise. Starting your device correctly ensures that this boundary is preserved.

Before you begin: what you should prepare

Gather a clean workspace, the included USB cable, the recovery sheet that comes in the box, a pen, and a separate computer or mobile device for the companion app. Do not use public or untrusted networks during setup, and ensure the companion application you use is the official one verified from manufacturer instructions.

Unboxing and physical checks

When you open the package, verify that seals are intact and that the device appears new and undamaged. The standard package typically contains the device, a cable, a recovery card, and quick-start literature. If anything seems tampered with, stop and contact the place of purchase or the manufacturer for support.

Disclaimer:

This guide provides general setup and safety guidance. It does not include login pages, passwords, or direct links to account recovery services. Always follow official manufacturer instructions and verify software authenticity before interacting with your device. This content is educational and not financial or legal advice.

Step-by-step: initial device setup

Follow these high-level steps to initialize a new Trezor device. Exact screens and wording may vary by model.

Power on and verify: Connect the device to your computer or mobile device. Confirm the device displays the expected boot screen and model name. A legitimate device will show clear manufacturer branding during startup.
Install companion software: Use the official companion app that supports your device (desktop or mobile). Keep the app up to date and download only from verified sources following manufacturer guidance; we intentionally do not link to download locations here.
Create a new wallet: Choose the option to create a new wallet on the device. The device will generate a seed (recovery phrase) and display it directly on the device screen — never on your computer.
Record the recovery phrase: Write down the recovery words on the physical recovery card. Double-check each word and the order. This written backup is the only reliable way to recover your funds if the device is lost.
Set a PIN: Assign a PIN to protect access to the device if it is physically stolen. Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but not easily guessable. The device will lock after repeated incorrect PIN attempts.
Confirm setup with a test: After setup, consider sending a small test transaction to and from the device to confirm correct behavior before moving large amounts.

Understanding the recovery phrase

The recovery phrase (normally 12, 18, or 24 words depending on configuration) is the canonical backup for your wallet. Keep it offline — do not photograph, scan, type, or store it digitally. Consider these storage strategies:

Store the written recovery sheet in a secure, fire-resistant safe.
Use geographically separated backups to mitigate theft or natural disasters.
For high-value holdings, consider using a metal backup designed to survive fire, water, and corrosion.

Everyday security best practices

After setup, incorporate these routine habits to maintain a strong security posture:

Confirm on-device details: Always verify destination addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving transactions.
Use official software: Interact with your device using official, up-to-date applications and avoid unofficial forks or plugins you don’t trust.
Keep firmware updated: Apply firmware updates from the manufacturer when available; these often contain security fixes and improvements.
Protect your PIN and passphrase: Do not share your PIN or any optional passphrase with anyone. Treat them as secret keys.

Optional: passphrase and hidden wallets

Advanced users may enable an optional passphrase to create additional hidden wallets. A passphrase acts as an extra word appended to the recovery phrase and can create multiple distinct wallets from the same seed. Only enable this if you thoroughly understand the risk and responsibility: losing the passphrase means losing access to those hidden wallets.

Recovering or replacing your device

If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, restore your wallet on a new compatible device using your recovery phrase. If you suspect your recovery words have been exposed, move your funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated recovery phrase immediately. Remember: the safety of your funds depends on the secrecy and integrity of your recovery data.

Common setup pitfalls and how to avoid them

Never enter recovery words into websites, chat apps, or email forms.
Avoid using public or shared computers during setup.
Don’t ignore firmware or app updates—some updates close critical vulnerabilities.
Avoid sharing photos or copies of your recovery card.

Final notes

Starting your Trezor device properly provides a strong foundation for secure crypto management. By isolating private keys, recording recovery data offline, and verifying transactions on-device, you reduce the most common attack vectors. For device-specific screens and official troubleshooting, consult the manufacturer’s support resources.