Welcome & Safety-first mindset

Welcome to your new Trezor® device. Hardware wallets are the most reliable way to keep cryptocurrency private keys secure — they generate and store keys in a dedicated device and require physical confirmation for every signature. Before you begin, adopt a security-first mindset: only use official software, never share your recovery seed, and treat the device and recovery material as the ultimate keys to access your funds.

Unboxing: Check the package

Inspect the box and tamper-evident seal. The package should include the device, a USB cable, a recovery card (or metal backup accessory if provided), and quick start documentation. If the seal is broken or the device looks modified, stop: contact official support or the vendor where you purchased the device.

What to verify

• Manufacturer seal and packaging integrity.
• Included accessories (USB cable, recovery card, documentation).
• Model number matches your purchase.

Do not power the device or connect it to the internet until you are ready to initialize it using official tools.

Step 1 — Download official software

Trezor Suite is the recommended interface for desktop and web management. For browser-based dApps you may additionally need Trezor Bridge. Always download installers and apps from the official Trezor website. Avoid third-party mirrors and check signatures when available.

Installation checklist

1. Open the official Trezor downloads page in a trusted browser.
2. Download Trezor Suite for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the Suite Web.
3. If you plan to use browser dApps, download Trezor Bridge and install it as instructed.

Tip: If you prefer a fully offline initial setup, you can initialize and create a seed on the device directly; Suite guides and cross-checks are optional but helpful for first-time users.

Step 2 — Initialize your device

Plug the device into your computer with a data-capable USB cable and open Trezor Suite. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. For a new wallet, the device will generate a recovery seed — a human-readable sequence of words — which you must record exactly.

Initialization steps

1. Choose "Create new wallet" in Suite or follow the device prompts.
2. Write down the recovery seed on the supplied recovery card — do not copy it digitally.
3. Confirm the seed words when prompted so the device verifies you copied them correctly.
4. Set a PIN to protect local access to the device.
5. Optionally enable a passphrase for additional hidden-wallet separation (advanced users only).

Never enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or website: the seed must remain offline to prevent compromise.

Recovery seed protection

Your recovery seed is the single most important piece of information. It reconstructs your wallet if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

• Write the seed on the supplied paper card or use a metal backup plate for fire/water resistance.
• Store copies in separate secure locations — consider a safe deposit box and a home safe.
• Consider splitting the seed using Shamir backup (if supported) or using multisig for enterprise-level custody.
• Never photograph, upload, email, or store the seed in cloud services.

Scams often ask for your seed — no legitimate support or service will ever request it. If asked, treat it as fraud.

Step 3 — Firmware & device verification

After initialization, check for firmware updates via Trezor Suite. Firmware updates often include security fixes and coin compatibility updates. Suite will help verify firmware signatures during the update process so you can trust the installed code.

Verification tips

• Install firmware updates only through Trezor Suite or official channels.
• Do not accept firmware prompts from unknown or modified software.
• If anything about the update looks suspicious, cancel and verify you downloaded Suite from the official site.

Step 4 — First receive and send (test transaction)

Before moving significant funds, perform a small receive and send test to ensure everything works end-to-end.

1. Generate a receiving address in Suite and verify it on the device screen.
2. Send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet to that address; confirm the incoming transaction.
3. Try sending a small outgoing transaction; verify all details on the device before approving.

Always compare the address shown in Suite with the one on your hardware device — the device display is the authoritative source.

Browser access & Web3: Trezor Bridge

If you plan to use browser-based dApps — decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, or governance portals — install Trezor Bridge. Bridge runs locally and allows compatible web apps to forward signing requests to your device. Bridge does not store keys and every signing request must be verified on-device.

Safe dApp habits

• Check on-device details carefully before approving contract interactions.
• Avoid granting unlimited token allowances unless absolutely necessary; revoke old approvals.
• Use a separate account for experimenting with new platforms.

Troubleshooting common issues

Most problems are environmental: cables, OS permissions, or browser state.

• Device not detected: Try another USB port or cable, restart Suite, and confirm Bridge is running for browser flows.
• Firmware update failed: Reboot your computer and device, then retry; ensure stable connection.
• Forgot PIN: A forgotten PIN requires wallet recovery from your seed — keep the seed secure.
• Seed restore issues: Double-check word order and spelling; contact official support if problems persist (do not share your seed).

Ongoing security best practices

Maintaining custody safety is an ongoing task. Adopt these practical habits:

• Always download Suite and Bridge from official sources and verify updates.
• Keep your firmware and software up to date to get security patches.
• Use a strong device PIN and consider a passphrase for separation if you understand the trade-offs.
• Segment funds: keep long-term holdings in cold storage and a separate small hot wallet for frequent use.
• Review transaction details on the device screen — cancel if anything looks unexpected.

Advanced topics & workflows

When you’re comfortable, explore advanced workflows such as:

• Passphrase-protected hidden wallets: Add extra hidden accounts derived from the same seed for deniability or separation (manage passphrases carefully).
• Shamir Backup & multisig: For high-value custody, use Shamir or multisignature schemes to split trust across parties or devices.
• Air-gapped signing: Use an offline signer and transfer signed transactions to an online machine for broadcast.

These patterns increase security but also operational complexity — document your process and test recovery thoroughly.

Support, resources & final checklist

For official downloads, detailed tutorials, firmware files and guided troubleshooting, use the official Trezor website and support center. Final checklist before you finish setup:

• Device initialized, PIN set, seed recorded offline.
• Firmware updated and verified through Suite.
• Performed a small test receive and send.
• Installed Bridge if you plan to use browser dApps.
• Stored recovery seed in secure, separated locations.

Conclusion

Starting up your Trezor® device properly sets the foundation for safe, long-term custody of cryptocurrency. Follow official installation steps, protect your recovery seed, verify everything on-device, adopt cautious Web3 habits, and keep software up to date. With these practices in place you can confidently manage assets while retaining the strongest practical security guarantees that hardware wallets provide.