Trezor.io/Start® | Starting® Up Your Device®

1 — Prepare: before you start

1.1 Inspect packaging and contents

When your Trezor arrives, check the packaging for tamper evidence and confirm the box contains the device, USB cable, recovery card(s), and documentation. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support — do not use the device.

1.2 Choose a clean, offline-friendly workspace

Pick a tidy, well-lit area free of cameras or unnecessary devices. Keep your recovery writing tools nearby (pen/pencil and the supplied recovery card). Avoid taking digital photos of the recovery seed.

Tip

Use a dedicated notebook or metal backup product to store your recovery seed physically — never store your seed phrase in a cloud note or on a phone.

2 — Set up: installing firmware & creating your wallet

2.1 Use official software

Always use the official Trezor Suite app or the official start page to begin setup. This ensures the device receives its genuine firmware and that communications are secure.

2.2 Install firmware

New Trezor devices are shipped without firmware. Connect the device to your computer and follow the prompts to install the latest official firmware. Confirm the firmware installation on the device screen; never skip this step.

2.3 Create a PIN

Choose a strong PIN directly on the device. The PIN protects the device from local physical attacks and adds a layer of security should the device be lost or stolen.

2.4 Generate and record your recovery seed

The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12 or 24 words). Write the words in order on the supplied recovery card and store it securely offline. Do not photograph or copy the seed to any online system.

Why ordering matters

The exact order of words is critical — the recovery seed is a deterministic representation of your wallet and must be recorded exactly.

3 — Protect: operational security best practices

3.1 Never reveal your seed

Trezor staff, websites, or services will never ask for your recovery seed. Treat it like cash — anyone with the seed has full control over your funds.

3.2 Use passphrases with care

For additional security, advanced users may use an optional passphrase. Understand its implications: a passphrase is effectively a second seed modifier and must also be kept secret and remembered.

3.3 Keep software up to date

Use Trezor Suite to keep the device firmware and companion software current. Updates may include security improvements or bug fixes.

4 — Maintain: ongoing care and recovery

4.1 Periodic checks

Regularly check that your device responds correctly and consider performing a test restore to verify your backup (do this safely on an empty device or using best-practice test workflows).

4.2 What to do if you lose your device

If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore your wallet on another compatible hardware wallet using your recovery seed. If you suspect compromise, move funds after restoring to a new clean wallet.

4.3 Contacting official support

Use official channels to report tampering, ask for help, or verify unusual messages — never rely on unverified third-party instructions for critical operations.

Safety checklist before major actions

1. Confirm you're using official software (Trezor Suite / trezor.io start pages).
2. Verify firmware and device prompts on the device screen.
3. Keep your recovery seed offline and physically secure.

Resources — official links

Below are direct links to official Trezor resources and guides to help with each step.