Get started with your Trezor — secure your crypto the right way

What is a Trezor and why use one?

A Trezor is a dedicated hardware wallet that stores private keys offline — isolated from online risks like malware, phishing, and exchanges. Keeping your keys off of phones and computers reduces attack surface dramatically. Use a hardware wallet like Trezor for long-term holdings, for transactions you sign personally, and whenever you want the strongest practical protection for your crypto.

Unboxing & items you'll find

When you open your Trezor package you should see the device (Trezor Model T or Trezor One), a USB cable, recovery seed cards or a recovery seed card pack (depending on your model), stickers, and printed quick start instructions. Verify the seal on the packaging hasn't been tampered with. If anything seems off — contact official support immediately and do not use the device.

Initial setup — safe first steps

Use a clean, trusted computer and connect the device via the included cable. Always go to the official URL shown on your printed card or the device screen rather than following a random search result. The official start flow will prompt you to:

• Install the official Trezor Suite or open the verified web installer.
• Create a new wallet (choose "Create new" rather than "Recover" unless restoring a known seed).
• Set a device PIN — this prevents unauthorized physical use if your device is lost or stolen.
• Write down your recovery seed exactly as shown. This is the single most important safeguard — store it offline and never photograph, email, or enter it into a website.

Important: Never share your recovery seed. Trezor support will never ask for it.

Recovery seed: protect it like gold

The recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words) is the master key to your funds. If you lose your Trezor but keep the seed safe, you can recover funds on a new device. Store the seed on the supplied cards or on metal backup plates for fire and water resistance. Consider splitting the seed (Shamir or other secure backup pattern) across multiple trusted locations. Resist convenience — no photos, no cloud backups, and no copy/paste into apps.

Using your Trezor day-to-day

For daily transactions, connect Trezor to a supported wallet app (Trezor Suite, WalletConnect-compatible wallets, or desktop apps with verified support). Always confirm addresses on the Trezor screen — the device verifies the address before signing. Disable and avoid browser extensions or questionable plugins that ask for wallet access. When you sign an operation, double-check amounts and destination addresses on the physical device display.

Firmware & software updates

Keep firmware and companion software up to date. Firmware updates often include security improvements and compatibility fixes. Only update firmware through the official Trezor interface and verify the update dialog on the device itself. Back up your recovery seed before a major firmware change if the update flow recommends it.

Troubleshooting quick tips

• If the device doesn't power on, try a different USB cable and port.
• If you forget your PIN, use the recovery seed to restore on a new device — the PIN does not reset the seed.
• If the web app cannot connect, check your browser, disable conflicting extensions, or use the desktop Trezor Suite.

Practical best practices (short list)

• Buy only from official channels.
• Write seeds by hand on non-digital backups; consider metal backups for long-term storage.
• Use a strong, unique PIN and consider a passphrase for extra account-level encryption.
• Verify all addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can Trezor be hacked if my computer is compromised?
A: A hardware wallet like Trezor is designed so private keys never leave the device. Even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot extract keys if you confirm operations on the device and verify addresses on the device screen.

Q: What is a passphrase?
A: A passphrase is an optional string you add to your seed to create a hidden wallet. It increases security but also increases responsibility: if you lose the passphrase you cannot recover the hidden wallet.

Wrap up — confidence comes from simple habits

Securing crypto is mostly about forming a few reliable habits: use a hardware wallet, protect your recovery seed offline, confirm everything on the device, and keep software up to date. With those foundations in place you’ll reduce nearly all common attack vectors and be in strong control of your assets.