Step 1 — Unbox and inspect
Open the package and verify the tamper-evident seal. Inspect the device and the accessories; check the packaging for unexpected damage or signs of prior opening.
Trezor.io/Start | Official Start Page — Initialize Your Device™
Clear, step-by-step guidance to safely set up your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide walks you through initializing the device, securing your recovery seed, installing official firmware and apps, and troubleshooting common problems.
Why initialize your Trezor properly?
Your hardware wallet is the single most critical piece of your self-custody setup. Initializing it correctly reduces risk, preserves long-term access, and protects your crypto from remote attacks. The initialization process creates a secure pairing between you and the device, generates a recovery seed (your last-resort backup), and ensures the device runs official firmware and software.
Quick essentials before you begin
- Do this on a trusted computer and a private network — avoid public Wi‑Fi.
- Never share your recovery seed — Trezor (the company) will never ask for it.
- Keep your device firmware and Trezor Suite (or web app) up to date.
Step-by-step: Initialize your Trezor device
Step 2 — Connect to the official start page
Open trezor.io/start and choose the model that matches your device. Follow the on-screen pairing instructions—this ensures you're using the official initialization flow and not a spoofed app.
Step 3 — Install Trezor Suite or use the official web installer
Download Trezor Suite from the official downloads page or use the web-based flow. Confirm the download checksum if you want to be extra safe. Launch the Suite and choose “Initialize new device”.
Step 4 — Create a new wallet (generate seed)
The device will generate your recovery seed. Write it down immediately on the included recovery card or another durable medium. Never store the seed digitally. For additional safety, consider a metal seed backup plate to resist fire, water and corrosion.
Step 5 — Confirm the seed on-device
After writing your seed, the device will ask you to confirm a few words. This ensures your backup matches the generated seed. Only confirm words shown on the Trezor display — never accept a seed typed or shown only on your computer screen.
Step 6 — Set an optional PIN and passphrase
Set a PIN to protect the device from physical tampering. If you want extra deniability and security, enable the passphrase feature (this acts as an additional seed modifier and can create hidden wallets).
Step 7 — Install apps and update firmware
Use the Suite to install coin-specific apps where necessary. If a firmware update is recommended, verify the update signature and apply it through the official Suite or updater tool. The Suite will typically guide you through safe firmware updates.
Step 8 — Receive a small test payment
Before moving large amounts, send a small test amount to a newly created address and confirm on-chain receipts. This verifies your configuration and the address derivation is correct.
Step 9 — Secure your recovery
Store your written seed in a secure place — preferably split across multiple secure locations or stored in a fireproof safe. If using a passphrase, store it separately from the physical seed.
Step 10 — Ongoing maintenance
Periodically check for firmware and Suite updates, review your device security settings, and rehearse recovery procedures (without exposing your seed). Keep software up to date to benefit from security patches and new features.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not recognized
If your computer doesn’t detect the Trezor, try a different USB cable or USB port, ensure the Suite or browser extension has permission to access the device, and restart both the computer and the device. If using a web browser, verify you’re on the official domain and check browser permissions for USB devices.
Device asks for a firmware update repeatedly
Follow the firmware update instructions in Suite. If the update fails, check your internet connection and try again. As a last resort, contact official support (links above) — do not install firmware from untrusted sources.
Lost or damaged recovery backup
If you lose the seed, you still have the device if it’s accessible and unlocked. However, if the device and seed are both gone, funds are unrecoverable. This is why multiple secure backups and geographically separated storage are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 — What is the recovery seed and why is it important?
The recovery seed is a human-readable list of words that encode your wallet’s private keys. It is the universal backup: anyone with the seed can reconstruct your wallet. Keep it offline and secure.
Q2 — Can I store my seed on a computer or cloud?
No. Storing your seed digitally exposes it to malware and remote theft. Use paper, metal plates, or other offline media.
Q3 — What if I get a used Trezor?
Never trust a used hardware wallet unless you fully reset it and generate a new seed. Ideally, buy directly from the official store or trusted retailers to avoid tampered devices.
Q4 — Is the passphrase mandatory?
No — it’s optional. A passphrase adds a strong layer of protection but also increases complexity and the risk of accidental loss. If you use it, ensure you remember/store it safely.
Q5 — How do I verify firmware authenticity?
Use the official Trezor Suite or the website links for firmware updates. The Suite verifies signatures and will only apply authentic firmware distributed by Trezor.
Q6 — Where can I get help?
Official support resources are linked at the top of this page. Use the official support portal for verified troubleshooting and guides.