Before you begin — what you'll need

• Your new Trezor device (Model One or Model T) and its USB cable.
• A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) or supported mobile device with a modern browser.
• A clean, private workspace where you can write down your recovery seed without interruption.
• Patience — security steps take a few extra minutes but protect your funds for years.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect

Open the box and verify the device shows no signs of tampering. Trezor packaging includes tamper-evident seals—if anything looks altered, stop and contact official support.

1. Take the device and cable out of the box.
2. Check the device screen (or display area) for damage.
3. Locate the quick-start card — it often contains the URL you should visit, model information, and recovery card sheets for writing your seed.

Step 2 — Connect and initialize

Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable. Open your browser and go to the official Trezor start page (confirm the URL carefully in your address bar). Follow the on-screen prompts to initialize the device.

1. When prompted, create a new wallet (unless you are restoring from an existing recovery seed).
2. Set a strong PIN on the device. The PIN is entered using the device screen — it prevents local attackers from accessing your accounts if your device is stolen.
3. The device will display a recovery seed (24 words for most Trezor models). Write these down in order — use the recovery card, do not store it on a phone, a screenshot, or cloud storage.

Step 3 — Secure your recovery seed

Write the seed slowly and clearly in the order shown. After writing, confirm the seed on the device when prompted.

• Store the written seed in a safe and private place — a home safe, bank safe deposit, or a secure off-site location.
• Consider splitting copies across two secure locations if that aligns with your risk model (but do not share seeds with anyone).
• For added resilience, consider using metal seed storage plates to protect from fire, water, and time.

Step 4 — Install firmware & bridge (if required)

Trezor devices occasionally require a firmware update during first-time setup — let the device update if prompted. Updates happen directly from the device and verified by the official web interface.

If you are asked to install a companion utility (for older setups), only download it from the official source and verify the URL in your address bar. Modern setups typically use browser-based communication and require no separate software.

Step 5 — Add accounts and install coin apps

After initialization, you can add cryptocurrency accounts. For coins requiring companion apps or integrations (e.g., certain altcoins or tokens), follow the official instructions inside the web interface or the compatible wallet software.

1. Open the Trezor web wallet (or other supported wallet like Trezor Suite).
2. Choose the coin you want to add (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
3. Follow prompts to add or create each account — the device signs transactions securely without exposing your private keys.

Everyday use — sending, receiving, and verifying

When you send crypto, you create a transaction in the web wallet and confirm the details on your Trezor device. This confirmation step is vital: it prevents the computer from tricking you into signing malicious transactions.

• Always verify the amount and address shown on the Trezor display before approving.
• Receive funds by giving only your public address — it’s safe to share publicly.

The Trezor screen is your source of truth. If the address or amount shown on the computer differs from the device, do not proceed.

Troubleshooting common issues

My device isn't recognized.

Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure your browser is up to date and that you used the official Trezor start URL. Rebooting the computer can also help.

I forgot my PIN—can I recover?

If you forget your PIN, you will need your recovery seed to restore your wallet on a new device. Without the seed, recovery is impossible.

Should I ever enter my recovery seed on a computer or phone?

No. Only enter your seed on a Trezor device during the official restore process. Never type it into a browser, app, or online form.

Advanced tips & best practices

• Enable passphrase protection if you require a hidden wallet with an additional secret word — use this only if you understand the implications.
• Keep firmware up to date — updates patch security improvements and add features. Always use the official update flow.
• Use a separate device or account for large holdings vs. daily spending — consider a staged approach to custody for risk management.
• Regularly verify small test transactions when sending to new addresses or using new software integrations.

FAQ — quick answers

• Can Trezor be used offline? Yes — the device signs transactions offline; connections are only for data exchange and broadcasting.
• Is the recovery seed compatible with other wallets? Most BIP39-compatible wallets can restore Trezor seeds, but some coins and features may behave differently.
• What if my device is lost or stolen? Your funds remain safe as long as your PIN and recovery seed were not compromised. Use your recovery seed to restore to a new device.