Trézor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device | Trézor®p

1 — Preparation & safety overview

Before you start: set aside a clean, private workspace free from cameras and prying eyes. Use a personal computer you trust and avoid public or shared machines for setup. Have a dedicated pen and the included backup card or a high-quality metal backup device ready for your recovery seed. The seed (recovery phrase) is the ultimate key; keep it offline and never share it with anyone or enter it into websites.

Why these steps matter

Hardware wallets like Trézor isolate your private keys from the internet. Proper setup ensures the device is genuine, firmware is authentic, and your recovery phrase is captured securely. Skipping steps increases the risk of theft or irreversible loss of funds.

2 — Unboxing & inspection (physical check)

What to check

• Packaging seals — confirm no tamper evidence.
• Device model and serial number — matches the box label.
• Accessories present — cable, backup card, stickers, quick start guide.

Note: If you see signs of tampering, contact the vendor immediately and do not use the device.

3 — Install official software

Trezor Suite (recommended)

Use the official Trézor Suite or the vendor-recommended software. Download it from the official Trézor domain (always verify the domain in your browser). Install the desktop app or use the web suite as instructed — but avoid third-party tools unless you understand the trade-offs.

Checklist

1. Go to the official start page (printed on your quick start card).
2. Download the latest Trézor Suite for your OS.
3. Verify signatures/checksums if offered by the vendor.

4 — Initial firmware & device configuration

When you connect the device to your computer and open the official app, follow prompts to install or update firmware. Do not use a device that requires firmware installation from unofficial sources.

Steps during first connect

1. Connect device with the supplied cable; allow the official app to detect it.
2. If prompted, let the app install the official firmware. Confirm the device screen shows matching fingerprint or version prompts.
3. Only proceed if the device displays the expected steps — mismatched prompts or unexpected behavior are red flags.

5 — Creating a wallet, PIN, and backup seed

The official app will guide you to create a new wallet. This involves setting a PIN (device unlock code) and recording the recovery seed. Follow each on-screen prompt and verify every word shown on the device when writing down the seed.

PIN selection

Choose a PIN that is long and not guessable (avoid birthdays or simple patterns). The PIN is entered on the device and/or via the app depending on model — the device screen ensures input cannot be captured by the host computer.

Recording the recovery seed

1. Write each seed word from the device (not the computer) onto the supplied paper card or a metal backup.
2. Never take a digital photo or store the seed in a password manager or cloud storage.
3. Make at least two physically separate, secure copies (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe).

6 — Passphrase and advanced protections

A passphrase (optional) adds a second-factor secret to your seed, producing a different wallet per passphrase. Use it only if you understand the recovery implications: losing the passphrase means losing access to the associated funds. Consider passphrase use for advanced users seeking plausible deniability or multi-account separation.

Passphrase best practices

• Store passphrase separately from the recovery seed.
• Test recovery in a safe environment before transferring significant funds.

7 — Verification & your first transaction

Before sending or receiving funds, always verify addresses on the device screen. The device shows the full receiving address; the computer can only display a copy. Use the device to confirm the address visible in your wallet app matches the device display.

Sending for the first time

1. Send a small test amount first (a tiny transaction) and confirm receipt.
2. Only after confirming the whole flow should you send larger amounts.

Common verification steps

• Confirm receiving address on-device.
• Confirm transaction details (amount, fee, destination) on-device before approving.

8 — Maintenance & updates

Keep firmware and the Trézor Suite up to date. Firmware updates patch security and add features — but only install updates via the official app. Periodically verify that your recovery copies are readable and intact.

Routine checks

• Monthly: check firmware & app for updates.
• Quarterly: confirm physical backups are intact and accessible.

9 — Troubleshooting

If the device is not recognized

1. Try a different USB cable or port (use the original cable when possible).
2. Restart the computer and open the official app again.
3. Reinstall the official Trézor Suite if detection fails (download from official domain).

If you suspect compromise

If you ever suspect your seed or passphrase was exposed, move funds to a new wallet created on a freshly purchased device and a new seed. This is a worst-case action but protects your funds if secrecy was breached.

10 — Checklist & printable resources

Quick printable checklist

1. Inspect package & device for tampering.
2. Download official software from the vendor site.
3. Install firmware through official app.
4. Create PIN & record seed from device onto offline medium.
5. Test recovery (small test tx) and verify addresses on-device.
6. Store backups securely and consider metal backup for long-term storage.