Overview — What you’ll accomplish

This page covers everything a new Trézor® user needs to go from unboxing to secure operation. By the end you will have:

• Initialized your Trézor device and created a secure PIN.
• Generated and securely recorded your recovery seed.
• Installed Trezor Suite or configured browser access via Bridge.
• Sent and received a test transaction and verified on-device prompts.
• Learned the best practices to keep your assets safe long-term.

Unboxing and initial checks

Start by ensuring the device is brand-new and the package is sealed. Trézor ships with a device, USB cable, recovery card, and quick-start leaflet. If the seal is broken or the box shows signs of tampering, do not use the device — contact official support.

What to inspect

• Visual seal and packaging integrity.
• Included recovery card and documentation (do not rely on digital copies).
• Match the model number on the box to the device you ordered.

Safety first: Always buy Trézor devices from official channels or authorized resellers. Avoid secondary market purchases unless you can confirm the device is unopened and genuine.

Step 1 — Install Trezor Suite (recommended)

Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web interface for managing your device. It provides guided setup, firmware updates, account management, transaction signing, and integration with Web3 services.

Download & install

1. Visit the official Trézor website and navigate to the Downloads section.
2. Download the Trezor Suite for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or open the Suite Web in a supported browser.
3. Install and launch the application, then select Get started.

Note: Trezor Suite desktop communicates directly with your device. If you prefer browser-based dApp access, you'll also install Trezor Bridge to enable secure browser-device communication.

Step 2 — Initialize your device

Plug the device into your computer using the provided USB cable. Follow the on-screen prompts in Trezor Suite (or Suite Web). You will be guided through creating a new wallet or restoring from an existing recovery seed.

Create a new wallet

1. Choose Create new in the Suite interface.
2. The device will generate a recovery seed. Physically write every word on the supplied recovery card. Do not store the seed digitally.
3. Set a strong, memorable PIN on the device when prompted.
4. Optionally enable a passphrase for an extra hidden wallet layer (advanced users).

Never enter your recovery seed into any computer or website. The seed is the ultimate backup for your funds — treat it like cash.

Recovery seed best practices

Your recovery seed is the master key that reconstructs your wallet. Protect it with the highest care.

• Write the seed on the supplied paper or a metal backup plate to protect against fire and water.
• Store copies in physically separate, secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
• Consider Shamir Backup (if your device supports it) or a multisig setup for high-value holdings.
• Do not photograph, email, scan, or type your seed — these create digital traces that attackers can exploit.

If anyone asks for your recovery seed — even "support" — it is a scam. No legitimate service or representative will ever request your seed.

Step 3 — Firmware and device verification

After initializing, ensure your Trézor firmware is up to date. Firmware updates can include important security fixes and new features. Trezor Suite will check firmware status and guide you through secure updates.

Verify device authenticity

• Follow the Suite prompts to verify the device fingerprint and firmware signature during the first connection.
• Reject any update or prompt that looks suspicious or originates from an untrusted source.

Step 4 — Your first transaction (test send/receive)

Before transferring large amounts, perform a small test transaction to ensure everything works as expected.

1. From Suite, create a receiving address and verify it on the device display.
2. Send a small amount from another wallet or exchange to that address.
3. Once received, try sending a small amount out and approve the transaction on-device.

Always confirm that the address shown in your browser matches the address on the device before accepting funds.

Browser access & Web3 (Trezor Bridge)

If you plan to use browser-based dApps (DeFi platforms, NFT marketplaces, etc.), install Trezor Bridge to enable secure local communication between your browser and the device. Bridge acts as a local relay — it does not store your keys and requires on-device confirmation for all signing operations.

Tips for safe dApp usage

• Always verify contract interactions on your device screen.
• Use typed-data (EIP-712) where available for clearer signing context.
• Avoid "infinite" approvals unless necessary; revoke allowances you no longer use.

Ongoing security best practices

Keeping your funds safe is an ongoing effort. Adopt these practices:

• Keep firmware and Suite up to date.
• Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase for hidden wallets when needed.
• Segregate funds: use a cold-storage device for long-term holdings and a separate hot wallet for daily use.
• Be cautious with browser extensions and avoid installing untrusted plugins.

Troubleshooting common issues

Most setup problems have straightforward fixes:

• Device not detected: Check the USB cable and port, try a different cable, and ensure Suite or Bridge is running.
• Update failed: Reboot your computer and device, then retry the firmware update via Suite.
• Forgot PIN: If you forget your PIN you must restore the wallet from the recovery seed; keep your seed safe.
• Seed recovery issues: Double-check word order and spelling; if problems persist, contact official support for guidance — never share the seed publicly.

Advanced topics (optional)

Multisig and Shamir

For enterprise or high-value custody, consider multisignature wallets or Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039) to split recovery material across trusted parties or secure locations.

Hidden wallets using passphrases

Passphrases allow creating additional hidden wallets derived from your seed. Use them only if you understand the operational risks: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of access to the hidden wallet.

Frequently asked questions

Can I import a seed from another wallet?

Yes. Trézor supports restoring standard BIP39 seeds and many other formats — follow the Recover wallet flow in Suite and enter your seed only on the device when prompted.

What happens if the device is lost or damaged?

Use your recovery seed to restore your wallet onto a new Trézor device or compatible wallet. The device itself is replacable; the seed is the true backup.

Should I use a passphrase?

A passphrase provides an extra layer of account separation and deniability but increases complexity and risk of loss. Only enable passphrase if you understand how to manage it securely.

Support and official resources

For downloads, detailed guides, firmware files, and official support, always use the Trézor website and support center. If you encounter suspicious requests for your seed or PIN, contact official support and never share sensitive information.

Conclusion

Getting started with Trézor® is about combining the convenience of modern interfaces with the security of offline key storage. Follow the steps above: verify your device, install official software, create and protect your recovery seed, verify all on-device prompts, and adopt safe operational habits. With these foundations in place you can confidently manage, trade, and interact with the evolving world of Web3 while keeping your crypto assets under your control.