1. Unboxing & Preparation
When your Trézor® device arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence and confirm you purchased from an authorized retailer. Choose a private, well-lit space for setup — avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared computers during initialization.
- Check tamper seals and official packaging.
- Have a pen (preferably permanent) and a secure place to store your recovery seed.
- Keep your smartphone or PC nearby to download Trézor Suite from the official site:
trezor.io/start.
2. Initialize Your Trézor®
Initialization consists of setting a PIN, generating your recovery seed, and installing latest firmware (if prompted). Follow on-device prompts carefully — the device guides you through each step and displays critical information on its screen.
- Connect the device: Use the supplied USB cable to connect to your computer.
- Open Trézor Suite: Visit trezor.io/start and download the official Suite for your OS.
- Choose setup type: Create a new wallet or recover from an existing seed. For new users, select Create new.
- Set a PIN: Pick a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The device will ask you to confirm it twice.
- Write down your recovery seed: The device will generate a 12–24 word recovery seed. Write these words in order on the provided card. Do not store the seed digitally.
- Verify seed on-device: Trézor Suite will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
3. Securing Your Wallet
Your recovery seed is the single most important backup. Protect it physically and plan for long‑term durability.
- Offline storage: Keep your seed offline — on paper or (better) engraved metal plates for fire and water resistance.
- Multiple copies: Store copies in geographically separate secure locations if appropriate, but avoid increasing theft risk by oversharing.
- Use a passphrase (optional): Advanced users can add a passphrase to create hidden wallets. This is powerful but must be managed carefully — losing it means losing access.
4. Everyday Usage & Best Practices
Once set up, use Trézor Suite to manage accounts, send/receive crypto, and explore integrations. Every transaction must be verified and approved on the device screen — treat that confirmation as the final security gate.
- Always verify destination addresses on the hardware display before approving.
- Perform small test transactions with new services or addresses.
- Keep firmware and Suite software up to date from official channels.
5. Troubleshooting & Recovery
If the device behaves unexpectedly, or if you lose it, follow these steps carefully to restore access without compromising security.
- If missing device: locate your recovery seed and restore using a new Trézor® device or compatible wallet.
- If firmware or software errors: reinstall Trézor Suite from trezor.io/start and follow official guidance.
- Contact official support or consult community resources only after verifying links and channels are legitimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I type my recovery seed into my computer?
No. Never enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or web form. Doing so exposes it to theft via malware. Keep it offline.
Is a passphrase mandatory?
No. A passphrase adds an extra layer of security for those who need it. It also increases complexity — losing the passphrase can permanently lock access to funds.
Who can access my funds?
Only someone with both the recovery seed (or device) and any passphrase you used can access the funds. Treat both as highly sensitive.