Trezor Wallet Setup — Trezor.io/start

Before you begin — what you'll need

Your brand-new Trezor device (Model One or Model Model T).
A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) or a supported mobile device and a USB-C/USB-A cable included with the device.
Access to the official website: trezor.io/start.
A private, quiet location to write down your recovery seed (the paper backup card included in the box) — do not store it digitally.
A trusted browser (Chrome/Edge/Brave) or the official Trezor Suite app; avoid unknown or modified browsers/extensions while setting up.

Note: Always use the official Trezor website or the Trezor Suite app. Do not follow unsolicited links or install software from unknown sources.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect

Open the box and verify tamper-evidence: the security seal should be intact and packaging should not show signs of prior opening. Inside you should find your Trezor device, a cable, and a recovery seed card.

Remove the device and cable from the box.
Check the device's screen for any physical damage.
Keep the recovery seed card somewhere secure — you'll use it to write down your seed during setup.

Step 2 — Connect and visit Trezor.io/start

Plug your Trezor into your computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. Open a browser and go to trezor.io/start — this page will detect your device and guide you through the rest of the process.

If prompted, install Trezor Suite or the Trezor Bridge (the site will tell you what to download for your device and OS).
Allow any browser permission pop-ups required to operate the device; these are normal for device communication.

Step 3 — Install firmware (if required)

Brand-new devices sometimes require a firmware install. The site will detect this and present an on-screen firmware installer. Follow these rules:

Only install firmware directly from the official Trezor installer displayed at trezor.io/start.
Do not interrupt the process — let it finish fully. The device will reboot when complete.

Warning: Never use firmware files from unofficial sources.

Step 4 — Create a new wallet

The setup flow will ask whether you want to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. To create a fresh wallet:

Choose Create new on the website or in Trezor Suite.
Follow on-screen prompts and confirm actions on the Trezor device screen (confirming directly on the device ensures security).
The device will generate a 12, 18, or 24-word recovery seed (depending on model and options). Write the seed exactly as shown on the recovery card — in order, no photos, no screenshots.

Store the recovery seed offline and in more than one secure location if possible (for example, a safe and a safety deposit box). Consider steel seed backups for better fire/water resistance.

Step 5 — Set a PIN

During setup you'll be prompted to set a PIN on the device. The PIN protects access to the device even if someone has the physical hardware.

Choose a PIN length you can remember but others won't guess.
Never write the PIN down with the recovery seed; store them separately.

Step 6 — Verify your wallet

After setup the Trezor site/app will verify that the recovery seed works by asking you to confirm a few words. This confirms you wrote them down correctly.

Complete the verification prompt on the device.
If verification fails, repeat the process — do not skip this step.

Step 7 — Add cryptocurrencies and receive funds

Once initialized you can use Trezor Suite or compatible wallet interfaces (e.g., Electrum, Exodus, or web wallets that explicitly support Trezor) to add accounts and receive funds.

Open Trezor Suite and connect your device.
Create accounts for the coins you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).
To receive funds, use the address shown on both the app and the device screen — always verify they match before sharing an address.

Troubleshooting & tips

Device not detected

Try a different USB port or cable, disable interfering browser extensions, or install the Trezor Bridge/Trezor Suite. Rebooting your computer can also help.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN you must perform a factory reset and recover your wallet using the recovery seed. Do not reset unless you have your seed.

Seed lost or damaged

If the recovery seed is lost and you still have the device unlocked, create a new wallet immediately and transfer funds to it. If you lose both device and seed, funds are unrecoverable.

Suspicious prompts

Never confirm transactions you did not initiate. If the device or website asks for unusual information, disconnect and verify you are on trezor.io or using Trezor Suite.

Security best practices

Always buy hardware wallets from official channels or authorized resellers.
Keep your recovery seed offline — never store it digitally, including photos or cloud backups.
Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase (hidden wallet) only if you understand the risks and backup requirements.
Regularly update device firmware from official sources when prompted.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Trezor with a mobile device?: Yes — modern Trezor devices support mobile usage through OTG cables and the Trezor Suite mobile app or compatible mobile wallets. Check official guidance on trezor.io/start.
What happens if my Trezor is stolen?: If an attacker only has the device but not your PIN or recovery seed, your funds are still protected. If they have your recovery seed, they can recover your funds elsewhere — treat the seed as the single most critical secret.
Can I add a passphrase?: Yes — a passphrase creates an additional hidden wallet. It increases security but also increases responsibility: if you forget the passphrase, the hidden wallet is irretrievable.