This practical guide walks you through every step to get your Trezor hardware wallet (Model T, Model One, Safe) from the box to a fully secure wallet — firmware, PIN, backup, recovery and best practices.
If you have a new Trezor device or are moving funds to a hardware wallet for the first time, this page explains the setup in plain language and highlights the essential security steps. Follow official prompts in Trezor Suite while using this article for extra tips and troubleshooting.
When your Trezor arrives, check the box for signs of tampering or damage. Trezor devices are usually shipped without firmware installed, and the packaging should include safety seals and documentation.
If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support. Do not proceed with a device you suspect has been compromised.
Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web companion app used to initialize, manage, and update your device. Download the official Suite for your OS from the manufacturer’s start page and follow on-screen instructions to install it. (You can also use the web app but desktop often gives the smoothest experience.)
Installing official firmware ensures you run verified code; avoid third-party firmware unless you understand the risk.
You will be offered two main choices: Create new wallet or Recover wallet. Choose the create option if this is a brand-new wallet. If you already have a seed phrase from another wallet and want to import, choose recover and enter the words in the exact order.
The default Trezor backup (seed) length is typically 24 words, but Trezor devices accept 12, 18 or 24 words for recovery compatibility. Always follow the device prompts when creating or recovering a wallet.
During initialization the device will generate a wallet backup (recovery seed) — an ordered list of words that allows full wallet recovery. Write down the words exactly in order and keep the copy offline. Do not photograph, screenshot or store the seed on any internet-connected device.
Best practice options:
Set a PIN to protect physical access to your device. Do not share this PIN. For additional security you can enable an optional passphrase (a “25th word”) which creates a hidden wallet — powerful but also easily lost if you forget it, so only use it if you understand and can reliably store it.
Before moving large balances, test your setup by sending a small amount of crypto from an exchange or another wallet to your Trezor-controlled address and then sending it back. Confirm addresses on the device screen to ensure nothing is being altered by malware or man-in-the-middle software.
Trezor supports advanced setups like multisig and integration with enterprise workflows. If you manage treasury funds, use multisignature schemes and documented policies to reduce single-point risks. For recovery, Trezor Suite provides guided restore flows — only use official steps when performing a recovery.
Try a different cable, USB port, or the desktop Suite instead of the web app. Ensure your browser and OS are up to date.
If you forget your PIN you must wipe the device and recover the wallet from your recovery seed. That’s why securely storing your seed is essential.
Without a valid backup seed, funds are irrecoverable. Consider using recovery testing on a spare device if you want to practice the recovery process without jeopardizing live funds.
Always consult the official Trezor start pages and guides for up-to-date, device-specific instructions and warnings before performing critical actions like recovery or firmware procedures.
If you need 1:1 assistance, Trezor offers expert onboarding sessions and official support resources.