This guide walks you through safely setting up your Trezor hardware wallet from unboxing to sending your first transaction. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline in secure hardware so that even if your computer is compromised, your crypto remains protected. Read each step, follow the on-device prompts, and keep all recovery material offline. The steps below are concise but practical — take your time the first time you set up a device.
Step-by-step setup
Open the package and check for intact factory seals and any unusual physical damage. Confirm the device model and serial number match documentation. If packaging looks tampered with, stop and contact official support — do not proceed with setup.
Use a trusted, private computer or mobile device. Avoid public Wi-Fi, shared machines, or unfamiliar USB hubs. If possible, update your operating system and scan for malware before connecting the device.
Power on the Trezor and follow on-screen instructions. Select “Create new” to generate a new wallet or “Recover” if you already have a recovery seed. The device displays prompts — always follow the screen and confirm actions on-device, not on your computer.
Choose a PIN to protect local access to the device. The PIN is required to unlock the device and approve transactions. Make it something memorable but not guessable; never store the PIN in plaintext with your recovery seed.
The device will display a sequence of recovery words. Write them down in the exact order on the supplied recovery card or another durable, offline medium. Do not photograph, email, or store these words electronically. They are the only guaranteed way to recover funds if the device is lost or damaged.
If you understand the tradeoffs, add an optional passphrase as an extra protection layer. A passphrase acts like a 25th word and creates a separate hidden wallet; however, losing the passphrase + recovery seed means permanent loss, so store it separately and securely.
Before transacting, install official firmware updates and use official companion apps downloaded from verified sources. Firmware often contains important security fixes and improvements.
Send a small amount first to confirm everything works as expected. Verify the address on the device screen before approving. Once confirmed, you can move larger amounts with confidence.
Why these steps matter
A hardware wallet isolates private keys, requiring manual confirmation for each transaction on the device’s screen. This prevents remote malware from silently transferring funds. The recovery seed is equivalent to the private keys — anyone with that seed can control the funds — so protecting it is paramount. Firmware and software updates reduce exposure to discovered vulnerabilities, and testing with a small amount mitigates human error risk.
Practical security checklist
- Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone; official support never requests them.
- Store your recovery seed offline in one or more secure physical locations (consider fireproof or waterproof storage).
- Verify official downloads and URLs carefully — avoid links in unsolicited emails or messages.
- Use strong, separate passwords for companion accounts and enable device-level protections like PIN and optional passphrase.
- Create a habit of confirming transaction details on the device — always read the recipient address and amount on the Trezor screen before approval.