Welcome to your new Trézor® device. This guide walks you through the initial setup and essential security steps — from unboxing to firmware checks, PIN creation, backup, and basic troubleshooting. Follow each step deliberately and protect your recovery information; your seed is the key to your funds.
Unboxing and verification
What to check first
Before you power anything on, inspect the box and packaging for tamper-evidence. Your Trézor® should arrive with sealed packaging and genuine manufacturer labeling. Do not use the device if the seal looks broken or altered. Take photos for records if you notice anything suspicious and contact official support immediately.
Connect to your computer
Make the physical connection
Use the supplied USB cable to connect the Trézor® to a computer you trust. Modern Trézor® models may also connect to mobile devices via USB-C or an OTG adapter. When prompted, only visit the official trezor.io/start website in your browser to continue. Never enter your seed or PIN on any site other than the device's secure screen.
Open the official start page
Use the official software
Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. The official site will detect your device and guide you through the recommended flow: installing web-based or locally-run manager software, verifying device authenticity, and performing a firmware check. If your browser warns you about mixed content or unknown origins, halt and verify the URL carefully.
Firmware & authenticity
Crucial security step
Your Trézor® will check for authentic firmware on first connection. If the device requires a firmware update, follow the on-screen instructions. The device's screen will show cryptographic verification steps; always confirm the displayed fingerprint or welcome message on the hardware device itself — not only in your browser.
Create a PIN
Protect the device locally
Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but not obvious. Trézor® devices show the PIN entry grid on the device screen so your computer never sees the PIN directly. If you forget your PIN, you will need your recovery seed to restore access — do not attempt to brute force the device.
Write down your recovery seed (backup)
The most important step
Never take a photo, upload, or store your recovery seed in a digital place. Write it down on the supplied recovery card or another offline medium, and keep it in a safe, private location. Your recovery seed is the single most valuable piece of information for restoring your wallet. If anyone else obtains it, they can control your funds.
Optional: Set a passphrase
Extra layer of security
A passphrase (sometimes called 25th word) adds a hidden account that requires both the seed and the passphrase to unlock. Use a passphrase only if you understand the trade-offs: losing the passphrase means losing access to the funds at that hidden path; forgetting it cannot be recovered by the seed alone. Consider writing your passphrase down separately and storing it securely.
Install recommended apps
Add coin support
Trézor® uses companion apps to support various coins. From the official manager, install only the apps you need. Keep your app inventory minimal and remove any unused applications. Always use the official manager software and avoid third-party modifications unless you fully understand the security implications.
Test a small transaction
Verify everything works
Before moving large amounts, send a small test transaction in and out of the device. Confirm addresses on the device screen before approving transactions. This helps you become comfortable with verification and signing flows, and reveals any unexpected behavior early.
Security best practices
Use these principles to maintain long-term security:
- Always obtain devices from official channels.
- Keep firmware and manager software up to date from the official site.
- Never disclose your recovery seed or PIN to anyone.
- Consider multisig or split backups for higher-value holdings.
- Store your recovery seed in geographically separate, offline locations if possible.
Troubleshooting & tips
If the device is not recognized, try a different USB cable or port, or install the official bridge/manager suggested on the start page. If you receive a 'device integrity' error, do not override prompts — reach out to official support and provide device serial and photos. For forgotten PINs, the seed is the recovery path. For missing firmware or interrupted updates, follow the manager's recovery instructions carefully.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I restore my wallet on another device?
A: Yes. Using your recovery seed, you can restore the wallet on a compatible Trézor® device or other BIP39/BIP44-compatible wallet, though functionality may vary.
Q: Is the recovery seed device-specific?
A: No — the seed is universal (BIP-39 style). However, passphrases and derivation paths can create incompatible states if misused.
Q: What if I lose the recovery seed?
A: Losing the seed generally means losing access to funds. There is no central recovery. Consider using secure custody solutions if you are uncomfortable managing seeds alone.