How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet — Step‑by‑Step

This guide walks you through setting up a Trezor hardware wallet safely and correctly. Whether you have a Trezor Model T or a Trezor One, these steps cover unboxing, initializing, creating a seed, installing Trezor Suite, securing recovery details, and best practices for long‑term safety.

What you’ll need

Important security notes (read first)

Always download Trezor Suite only from the official site (trezor.io). Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or smartphone. The seed must remain offline. Treat the recovery phrase like the master key to your funds — anyone with it can access your crypto.

Step 1 — Unboxing and inspection

Open the packaging and inspect the tamper-evident seal. Genuine Trezor packaging includes a holographic seal and identifiable security markings. If the seal is broken, damaged, or looks suspicious, stop and contact Trezor support before proceeding.

Step 2 — Connect your device

  1. Connect the Trezor to your computer using the USB cable included. The Model T will show a touchscreen; the One will show a small screen with two buttons.
  2. Your browser may show a welcome or prompt to install Trezor Suite. If nothing appears, continue to the next step.

Step 3 — Install Trezor Suite (official app)

Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web application to manage your device. Always install the latest version from the official website.

  1. Go to https://trezor.io/start — this page guides you to the correct Trezor Suite download for your OS.
  2. Download and install the desktop app (recommended), or use the web version if you prefer.
  3. After installation, open Trezor Suite. The app will detect your connected Trezor and guide you through firmware updates and initialization.
If Trezor Suite prompts to update firmware, allow it. Firmware updates fix bugs and patch security issues. The update is signed and performed directly on the device; follow the on‑screen instructions.

Step 4 — Initialize your Trezor (Create a new wallet)

When prompted in Trezor Suite, choose Create a new wallet (unless you already have a recovery seed and want to restore an existing wallet).

  1. Choose a device name (optional) in the app so you can identify it later.
  2. The device will generate a recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words depending on model and selection). The device displays each word; write them down in order on the provided recovery card. Double‑check spelling and order. Use pen — pencils fade and erase easily.
  3. Confirm a few words on the device when requested. This verifies you recorded the seed correctly.
Never take photos or store the seed on any online service, cloud drive, or phone. Never enter seed words into text editors or websites.

Step 5 — Set a PIN (device passcode)

Next, the device will ask you to set a PIN. A PIN prevents someone who physically steals your Trezor from using it to sign transactions.

  1. Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable. Avoid obvious sequences.
  2. On Model T you enter PIN on the touchscreen; on Trezor One, the host computer shows a keypad shuffled each time and you input using device buttons. This protects against keyloggers.
  3. Store the PIN mentally or with a secure physical method — don’t write it next to the recovery seed.

Step 6 — Create a passphrase (optional advanced security)

Trezor supports an optional passphrase that acts as a 25th seed word — effectively creating a hidden wallet. Use this only if you understand the risks and mechanics.

Step 7 — Add accounts and receive funds

  1. In Trezor Suite, click Add account and choose the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
  2. For each account, Trezor Suite will display a receive address. Copy this address and use it to deposit funds from an exchange, another wallet, or a friend.
  3. Always verify the receive address on your Trezor device screen. The device shows the full address — never rely solely on the computer display because it could be manipulated by malware.

Troubleshooting common issues

Best practices for long-term safety

  1. Multiple backups: Consider making more than one paper backup stored in separate secure locations (safe, safety deposit box). Ensure backups are not accessible to others.
  2. Air‑gapped options: For maximum security, set up an air‑gapped signing system where the Trezor is used only to sign transactions offline while unsigned transactions are transmitted via a separate machine.
  3. Beware phishing: Bookmark the official Trezor website. Avoid following links in unsolicited emails or social media messages claiming to help recover funds.
  4. Software hygiene: Keep your OS and Trezor Suite up to date. Use antivirus and avoid public or untrusted computers.

How to restore a wallet from a recovery seed

  1. On a new or reset device, connect to Trezor Suite and select Recover wallet.
  2. Choose the correct seed length and carefully enter the words in order when prompted on the device. The device will confirm the words.
  3. Set a new PIN and (optionally) a passphrase again. Your accounts and balances will reappear once synchronized with the network.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can Trezor be hacked?

Trezor is designed to keep private keys offline. While no system is 100% immune, a properly set up device with firmware updates and a secure recovery seed is among the safest ways to store crypto. Many attacks target user mistakes (phishing, seed exposure) rather than the device itself.

Should I write down the recovery seed or store it digitally?

Always write it down on paper or metal backup — never store it digitally. Digital storage (photos, cloud drives, note apps) is vulnerable to compromise.

What if I lose my Trezor device?

If you have your recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on another Trezor or compatible wallet. If you also lost the seed, access is likely irrecoverable.

Final checklist before you finish