Trezor Setup Guide — Get Started with Your Trezor Hardware Wallet

Before you begin — what to prepare

Before setting up your Trezor device, gather these items and follow a few simple safety steps:

• Your new Trezor device (Model T or One) and its original packaging.
• A computer or smartphone that meets the device requirements and is up to date (OS updates applied).
• A reliable USB cable (for Model One/Nano-style devices) or the device’s included cable. For Bluetooth-enabled models, ensure your mobile device supports Bluetooth pairing.
• Pen and durable backup medium (metal plate or recovery seed card) to record the recovery seed — never store the seed digitally.

Safety reminder: If the packaging appears tampered with or the device prompts you to enter a recovery seed during initial setup, stop and contact official support. Do not proceed until you confirm the device is genuine and secure.

Initial setup — step-by-step

The following steps are a general, platform-agnostic guide to setting up a Trezor hardware wallet for the first time. Always cross-check with the official manufacturer’s setup flow when you perform the process.

1. Connect the device: Plug your Trezor into your computer or follow the mobile pairing instructions. The device will boot and display a welcome screen.
2. Install companion software (if required): Use the manufacturer’s documented method to run their official companion app or web setup flow. Do not download companion software from third-party sites.
3. Create a new wallet: Choose the option to create a new wallet on the device (not to restore an existing seed) unless you already have a recovery seed to restore.
4. Set a device PIN: Choose a PIN on the device. This prevents local access if the device is lost or stolen. Memorize the PIN — do not store it online.
5. Write down the recovery seed: The device will display a 12-, 18-, or 24-word recovery seed (vendor-dependent). Write each word in order on paper or a durable backup tool. Verify the seed if prompted. The seed is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost or damaged.
6. Confirm seed & finish: The device will often ask you to confirm a few seed words to ensure you copied them correctly. Complete the confirmation and follow on-screen prompts to finalize setup.

Do not enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or website. Keep the seed offline and secure — ideally in multiple physical copies stored in separate, secure locations.

Add accounts & basic usage

Once setup is complete, you can add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies in the companion app or web interface. Typical tasks include:

• Adding accounts: Add a Bitcoin account, Ethereum account, or others supported by the device.
• Receiving funds: Generate and verify a receive address on the device and the companion app before sharing it.
• Sending funds: Build a transaction in the app, then verify recipient address, amount, and fees on the device screen before confirming.
• Managing multiple accounts: Use separate accounts for different purposes to improve privacy and bookkeeping.

Always cross-check the address shown in the app with the address shown on the physical device display. The device screen is the authoritative source.

Security best practices

Protecting your funds depends on secure habits as much as on the hardware itself. Follow these best practices:

• Only use official software: Install companion apps or browser bridges from the manufacturer’s verified channels. Avoid unofficial mirrors.
• Never share your recovery seed: Treat your seed like cash. If someone has it, they control your funds.
• Use a strong PIN: Choose a PIN that’s not easy to guess; avoid using the same PIN for other devices.
• Keep firmware updated: Apply signed firmware updates from the manufacturer to receive security improvements.
• Consider a passphrase: Advanced users may add a passphrase (another word or phrase) to create hidden wallets; understand risks and backup procedures before enabling this.
• Use air-gapped recovery when possible: If restoring from seed, consider doing so on a clean, offline device to minimize exposure.

Troubleshooting common issues

Here are helpful checks for frequent problems during setup and use:

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port; ensure the cable supports data (not charge-only).
• Companion app fails to connect: Restart the browser/app and the device; verify you installed the official bridge/agent if required.
• Seed words don’t match during restore: Double-check word order and spelling; ensure you’re using the correct seed length (12/24 words) for that device.
• Firmware update interrupted: If power was lost during firmware update, consult official support immediately — do not share your seed with anyone claiming to help unless verified by official channels.
• Suspicious prompts: If asked to reveal your recovery seed or private keys in a browser or by email, stop — it’s a scam.

If troubles persist, contact the manufacturer’s official support resources rather than relying on random forum posts — official channels can provide product-specific, safe guidance.

Advanced topics (optional)

After you’re comfortable with basic operations, you may explore additional features:

• Hidden wallets / passphrases: Adds an extra layer by deriving additional wallets from the same seed with a secret passphrase. This is powerful but adds complexity for recovery.
• Multisig setups: Use multiple hardware devices or signers for shared custody and higher security.
• Integration with software wallets & DeFi: Use the device to sign transactions for third-party dApps while keeping keys offline — always confirm addresses and data on the hardware screen.

Advanced features are useful but require careful planning and testing with small amounts before committing substantial funds.

Frequently asked questions

What do I do if I lose my Trezor device?

Use your recovery seed to restore your wallet on another compatible hardware wallet or recovery solution. If you have a passphrase-protected hidden wallet, you must supply that passphrase during recovery.

Can someone access my funds if they have my device?

Not without the PIN (and the passphrase if one is set). The recovery seed is the critical secret — anyone with it can restore and access funds.

Is it safe to use the web companion app?

Yes, when you obtain the companion/web app from official vendor sources and confirm every transaction on the physical device screen. The hardware device is designed to be the final arbiter of trust.

Final notes & next steps

Using a hardware wallet like Trezor is one of the most effective ways to achieve secure, self-custody of cryptocurrencies. This guide provides general setup and safety advice, but product features and exact steps can vary by model and firmware version. Always refer to the manufacturer’s official documentation for model-specific instructions and for links to official companion software and firmware.

Reminder: This document is informational only. To download official software or follow the verified setup flow, visit the device manufacturer’s verified website or their official support portal.