Fast, secure steps to get your Trezor set up and logging in safely. This guide covers initial unboxing, creating or restoring a wallet, PIN and seed handling, daily login patterns, and key security tips.
Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores private keys offline and requires physical confirmation on the device to sign transactions. This separation between the signing device and your internet-connected computer protects your funds against remote attacks, phishing, and malware. Use this quick start to begin interacting with your device confidently and securely.
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper-evident seals and damage. If anything looks altered, stop and contact the vendor or Trezor support through official channels. Keep the box and accessories in case you need to return or prove authenticity later.
trezor.io/start using a trusted browser and download the official Trezor Suite for your operating system.During setup, choose to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery seed. Creating a new wallet will generate a recovery seed—a list of words you must write down. Restoring requires entering your existing seed on the device. Always enter recovery seeds on the Trezor hardware and never type them into a computer.
Critical: The recovery seed is the ultimate backup. Anyone with the seed can restore and control your funds. Store it offline and secure.
Choose a PIN during setup to protect the device from unauthorized physical use. Trezor displays a randomized keypad to mitigate keyloggers. Optionally, advanced users can enable a passphrase — an additional secret that creates a hidden wallet. Understand the tradeoffs: a passphrase adds security but increases responsibility; losing it can make funds unrecoverable.
Logging in to view balances or prepare transactions depends on your workflow. Trezor Suite connects to your device to display account data; signing a transaction requires approving it on the device. Follow these steps for a secure login flow:
For watch-only monitoring, export your public keys or use the Suite's read-only options so you can see balances without having the device connected or while keeping signing offline.
To receive, generate an address in Trezor Suite and verify it on the device. To send, create a transaction in Suite then carefully confirm the amount, destination address, and fee on the Trezor screen before approving. Always verify addresses visually on the device to avoid address-replacement malware.
Consider periodic drills: simulate a recovery on a spare device to confirm that your seed and procedures work, and review who has access to backups. Small rehearsals can prevent costly mistakes later.
If Trezor Suite doesn't detect your device, try a different USB cable or port and restart the app. Ensure that Suite and your device firmware are up to date. If you forget your PIN, after multiple incorrect attempts the device will wipe itself and you must restore using your recovery seed. If the recovery seed appears corrupted or missing, reach out to official support only for guidance—never share the seed on support channels.
If your Trezor is lost or stolen, obtain a new compatible hardware wallet and restore your accounts using your recovery seed. If you suspect the seed has been exposed, create a brand new wallet with a new seed on a secure device and transfer funds to that new wallet immediately.
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