Before You Begin
Setting up your Trezor hardware wallet is a crucial process that requires attention to detail and security awareness. Your Trezor device is designed to provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrency holdings, keeping your private keys completely offline and protected from online threats. Never share your recovery seed with anyone, and always verify you're using official Trezor software downloaded directly from Trezor.io.
Connect Your Trezor Device
Unbox your Trezor hardware wallet carefully and inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. Your device should come sealed with security stickers. Remove your Trezor from the box along with the USB cable provided. Connect the USB cable to your Trezor device first, then plug the other end into your computer's USB port.
Once connected, your Trezor will power on automatically, displaying the Trezor logo on its screen. The device will guide you through the initial setup process directly on its display. Make sure you're using the official USB cable that came with your device to ensure proper connectivity and security. Avoid using third-party cables when possible.
Connection Tip
If your device doesn't power on, try a different USB port or use a USB hub with its own power supply.
Install Trezor Suite
Navigate to the official Trezor website at Trezor.io/start and download Trezor Suite — the official desktop application for managing your Trezor device. Trezor Suite is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Always verify you're downloading from the official Trezor website to avoid malicious software.
After downloading, install Trezor Suite by following the installation wizard for your operating system. Once installed, launch the application and it will automatically detect your connected Trezor device. The software provides a user-friendly interface for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio, viewing transaction history, and accessing advanced security features. Trezor Suite also includes a built-in exchange feature and supports thousands of different cryptocurrencies and tokens.
Windows
v22.0+
macOS
v10.14+
Linux
All distros
Create Your PIN Code
Your PIN code is the first line of defense protecting your Trezor device. When prompted by Trezor Suite, you'll create a PIN code directly on your device using its touchscreen or buttons. The PIN should be between 4 to 50 digits long. Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Avoid obvious combinations like "1234" or repeating digits.
The Trezor device uses a clever security feature: the PIN pad layout is randomized each time you enter your PIN, making it impossible for keyloggers or shoulder-surfers to steal your code. You'll see a blank grid on your computer screen, but the numbers appear only on your Trezor's display. This ensures that even if your computer is compromised, your PIN remains secure. After entering your PIN twice to confirm, you'll move on to the most critical step of the setup process.
Security Best Practices
- • Use at least 6-8 digits for stronger security
- • Never use birthdates or phone numbers
- • Don't share your PIN with anyone
- • Change your PIN periodically
Write Down Your Recovery Seed
This is the most important step in securing your cryptocurrency. Your Trezor will generate a 12 or 24-word recovery seed phrase. This seed is a human-readable representation of your private keys and is the master key to all your cryptocurrency holdings. Write each word down carefully on the recovery seed card provided in your Trezor package, in the exact order displayed on your device's screen.
Never take a photo of your seed, never store it digitally, and never share it with anyone — not even Trezor support staff. Anyone with access to your recovery seed can access all your funds. Store your written seed in a secure location, preferably in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Consider creating multiple copies stored in different secure locations. The recovery seed allows you to restore your wallet if your device is lost, stolen, damaged, or needs to be reset. Without it, there is no way to recover your funds if something happens to your Trezor device.
Critical Security Warning
Trezor will NEVER ask for your recovery seed. Anyone asking for it is attempting to steal your funds. Keep it completely private and secure.
Verify Your Recovery Seed
After writing down your recovery seed, Trezor Suite will ask you to verify it. This crucial step ensures you've written down the correct words in the correct order. The device will randomly ask you to confirm specific words from your seed phrase. Carefully check your written backup and enter the requested words using your device. This verification process prevents situations where users discover too late that they wrote down their seed incorrectly.
If you make an error during verification, don't panic — you'll be able to review your seed again and make corrections. Once verification is complete, your Trezor is fully set up and ready to receive cryptocurrency. You can now safely deposit Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other supported cryptocurrencies to your new hardware wallet, knowing they are protected by industry-leading security. Your device will remain secure as long as you keep your PIN private and your recovery seed in a safe location.
Your Trezor is now ready to use!
Advanced Security Features
Trezor offers additional security layers to protect your digital assets even further.
Passphrase Protection
Add an extra layer of security with an optional passphrase, creating hidden wallets that provide plausible deniability and protection against physical threats.
Firmware Verification
Every Trezor device verifies its firmware authenticity on startup, ensuring your device hasn't been tampered with and is running official Trezor software.
Mobile Access
Use Trezor Suite on your mobile device with full functionality, allowing you to manage your crypto portfolio securely from anywhere in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up and using your Trezor hardware wallet.