Trézor.io/start — Getting Started

A friendly, step‑by‑step beginner guide to unboxing, connecting, installing Trezor Suite, creating your wallet, securing the recovery seed, and verifying your setup.

Before you begin

  • Use a clean, private workspace — avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared computers when possible.
  • Have a pen (or two) and the included recovery card or a dedicated metal backup device for the seed.
  • Make sure your computer/mobile device is up to date and has a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or a supported browser on mobile).

1. Unboxing your Trezor device

When your package arrives, inspect the box and tamper seals. A genuine Trezor device ships in secure packaging. If anything looks opened or altered, contact the vendor before using.

  1. Open the box and confirm the contents: device, USB cable, stickers, manual, and recovery card (paper).
  2. Check the device for visible damage — it should look clean and unused.
  3. Locate the recovery card (or paper) and set it aside for later — don’t write your seed yet until prompted by the device.

2. Connecting your Trezor

Power the device with the included USB cable. If you have a Trezor Model T, it may use USB‑C; older models use micro‑USB.

  1. Plug the USB cable into your Trezor and the other end into your computer or supported mobile adapter.
  2. When the device powers on, you should see the Trezor logo and an instruction on the device screen.
  3. If your operating system prompts to install drivers, follow the official guidance on trezor.io/start.

3. Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official app for managing your device and crypto. Install it from the official site — never from third‑party links.

On desktop

  1. Open trezor.io/start and choose the Trezor Suite download for your OS.
  2. Download and install the app, then open Trezor Suite.
  3. Grant any necessary permissions when prompted (USB access).

On mobile

  1. On supported phones, you can use the Trezor Suite mobile app or connect via a compatible mobile browser and a USB‑OTG / USB‑C cable or supported Bluetooth bridge (follow official docs).
  2. Always install the app from the official app store or the official site.

4. Create a new wallet

Trezor Suite walks you through initializing a new device. Follow the on‑screen prompts and always confirm actions on the physical device — never only in software.

  1. Open Trezor Suite and choose Set up a new Trezor (or similar option).
  2. The Suite will detect your connected device. Click Continue and follow the steps.
  3. Your Trezor will generate a recovery seed — a list of 12, 18, or 24 words. The device displays one word at a time; write them down in order on the provided recovery card.
  4. Create a PIN when prompted. A PIN protects the device from unauthorized USB access. Choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t trivial.
  5. After finishing, Trezor Suite will finalize the wallet creation and display your accounts.

5. Secure your recovery seed

The recovery seed is the single most important piece of information — it can restore your funds on any compatible hardware wallet. Protect it carefully.

  • Write it by hand: Use the recovery card or several copies of good paper. Preferably use a metal backup plate for long-term durability.
  • Never: take photos, store the seed in cloud storage, email it, or enter it into any computer or phone.
  • Multiple backups: Keep at least two secure backups in different physical locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
  • Consider a passphrase: Trezor supports an optional passphrase (a 25th word) for extra security. Understand how it works before enabling — if you forget the passphrase, funds may be permanently inaccessible.
Safety checklist
  1. Seed written legibly in the correct order.
  2. No digital copies exist.
  3. At least two physical backups stored separately.
  4. PIN and passphrase (if used) remembered or stored securely offline.

6. Verify your wallet setup

Verification confirms your device and Suite are correctly paired and that you alone control the seed and PIN.

  1. Check device screen: Always confirm important actions on the Trezor screen (addresses, transaction details, and device prompts).
  2. View your receiving address: In Trezor Suite, navigate to an account and click Receive. The address shown in the Suite must match the address displayed on your Trezor device before you accept it. Never accept a receiving address without checking both.
  3. Send a small test transaction: If you receive funds from an exchange or another wallet, try a small test deposit first. Confirm the transaction details on the device when sending from your wallet.
  4. Restore simulation (optional): If you want to fully test recovery, consider initializing a spare device and performing a recovery with your written seed (do this only if you understand the risks and have a secure environment).

7. Troubleshooting & best practices

  • If the device is not detected, try a different USB cable or port and ensure Trezor Suite is up to date.
  • Only install firmware updates from Trezor Suite when prompted. Firmware updates improve security but follow the official instructions carefully.
  • Keep your recovery seed offline and protected; treat it like cash.