Overview — what you'll learn

This guide walks you through unboxing, verifying, initializing (create new wallet or recover), choosing a PIN, backing up your recovery seed, testing transactions, and basic maintenance and safety practices for long-term use.

Why a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets store private keys in an isolated environment so that signing of transactions happens on the device itself. That greatly reduces the risk from malware on your computer or phone.

1 • Unbox & verify

When you receive your device, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence and verify you bought from an authorized seller. If packaging looks altered, do not proceed — contact the vendor.

  • Included items: device, cable, recovery card, quickstart leaflet.
  • Check the model number and physical details against official product photos.
Tip: Prefer buying direct from Trezor or verified resellers to reduce tampering risk.

2 • Download official software

Open your browser and visit the official start page (trezor.io/start). Choose the recommended Trezor Suite desktop or web option. Always verify the page is served over HTTPS and the domain is correct.

Why verification matters

Official software performs firmware checks and guides the setup flow; using third-party installers risks malware or modified firmware prompts.

3 • Connect & initialize

  1. Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable.
  2. Open Trezor Suite and follow the guided prompts.
  3. Choose Create new wallet (unless you are recovering an existing seed).
  4. If prompted, verify and install firmware only from the Suite interface.
Security warning: If any step asks you to enter your recovery seed into your computer or a web page, stop — that is a scam.

4 • Create your PIN

The PIN prevents unauthorized use of the device if it is lost or stolen. You enter the PIN on the device using a randomized numeric grid so keyloggers on the host cannot learn it.

  • Choose a PIN with sufficient length (6+ digits recommended).
  • Do not write the PIN down together with the recovery seed.
  • If you forget your PIN you can restore your wallet with the recovery seed on another device.

5 • Record your recovery seed (backup)

During initialization the device generates a recovery seed (12–24 words). This seed is the ultimate backup — anyone with it can recover your funds.

  1. Write each word down in order on the recovery card (or a robust metal backup).
  2. Do not photograph or type your seed into any online service or cloud-synced note.
  3. Consider multiple offline copies stored in separate secure locations for disaster resilience.
Tip: Metal seed plates resist fire and water; they are worth considering for long-term storage of significant holdings.

6 • Verify & test

Before moving large amounts, perform a small test transaction to confirm end-to-end operation.

  1. Create a receiving address in the Suite and verify it on the device screen.
  2. Send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet and confirm receipt.
  3. Try sending a small outgoing transaction to confirm signing and broadcasting work as expected.

Restoring a wallet on a new device

If your device is lost or damaged you can recover your funds using the recovery seed:

  1. Purchase a new compatible device and open the Suite.
  2. Choose Recover wallet and enter your recovery words using the device prompts.
  3. Set a new PIN once recovery finishes and verify accounts and addresses.
Tip: If your seed was generated by a different wallet brand, ensure compatibility (BIP39/BIP44) and be cautious about derivation path differences.

Ongoing maintenance & best practices

  • Keep your device firmware and Suite software up to date; read release notes before updating sensitive wallets.
  • Limit the number of places your seed is stored — fewer copies reduce accidental exposure.
  • Consider using a passphrase for additional hidden wallets (provides plausible deniability but increases recovery complexity).
  • For very large holdings, consider multisig setups or splitting funds across multiple devices.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my seed?
If your seed is lost and you no longer have access to the device, funds cannot be recovered. Keep secure offline backups.
Can someone hack my Trezor over the internet?
Private keys are stored on the device; remote extraction is extremely difficult. Social engineering and physical compromise remain the main risks.
Should I use a passphrase?
A passphrase adds security and hidden wallets but must be treated as an additional secret — losing it means losing access to those wallets.