Quick Introduction
Setting up a Trézor hardware wallet correctly is the most important step to protect your cryptocurrency. This guide walks you through the official workflow: download, connect, install firmware, create a wallet, record the recovery seed, set a PIN, and optional passphrase steps. Follow every verification step on your device screen — that’s where real security happens.
Before You Begin
Items you should have ready:
- Your Trézor device (Model One or Model T) and original USB cable.
- A modern desktop or laptop (Windows/macOS/Linux) and up-to-date browser.
- Paper and a pen to write the recovery seed — do NOT store seed digitally.
- Time and a distraction-free environment to complete setup securely.
Step-by-step Setup
1. Visit the Official Start Page
Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. Official pages contain current installers, firmware checks, and stepwise instructions tailored to your device model.
2. Download & Install Trezor Suite (or Bridge)
Download the recommended software for your platform. Trezor Suite provides an integrated desktop app; for browser flows, Trezor Bridge may be used to enable secure communication. Verify file signatures when available and avoid third-party mirrors.
3. Connect Your Device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Trézor. The device will boot and display instructions. Confirm on the physical screen that the expected prompts match the website guidance — never accept unexpected messages.
4. Install / Update Firmware
If prompted, update the device firmware from the official app. Firmware updates fix security issues and add features. During an update, the device will show a fingerprint or checksum you should compare with the official release notes.
5. Create Wallet & Record Recovery Seed
Choose “Create new wallet” and the device will display a 12/18/24-word recovery seed. Write these words in order on paper provided by Trézor or on a metal backup plate for durability. Store the seed offline in a safe place — multiple geographically separated copies reduce single-point failure risk.
6. Set PIN and Optional Passphrase
Set a secure PIN directly on the device. Optionally enable a passphrase for a hidden wallet — this is powerful but increases responsibility: losing the passphrase is irreversible.
Security Best Practices
Troubleshooting Tips
Device not recognized
Try another USB cable or port, ensure Bridge or Suite is running, and restart your browser. On macOS, check Security & Privacy settings if an installer was blocked.
Seed recovery questions
If uncertain about a seed word, do not guess. Use the device’s recovery flow and test restore with spare hardware. For high-value accounts, consider multisig setups as advanced protection.
Advanced Options
Power users may enable passphrase-derived wallets, use coin control features, and integrate Trézor with third-party wallets for advanced DeFi interactions. Maintain minimal approved allowances and revoke token approvals regularly.
Conclusion
Completing the Trézor setup securely takes time but pays dividends in peace of mind. Follow the official start page steps, verify everything on-device, keep your recovery seed offline, and update firmware from trusted sources. If anything looks unusual during setup, stop and consult the official support resources.