Trezor Suite® – Starting Up Your Device

Welcome to the official setup guide for your Trezor hardware wallet. Whether you have a Trezor Model T, a Trezor Model One, or another supported Trezor device, this step-by-step guide will walk you through initializing your device correctly, installing the software, securing your recovery seed, and getting ready to safely manage cryptocurrencies via Trezor Suite.

1. Why Use Trezor?

Hardware wallets like Trezor provide a critical layer of security by keeping your private keys offline — away from the reach of online hacks, malware and phishing attacks. By combining the device with Trezor Suite you gain a full interface for sending, receiving, tracking and managing your crypto assets.

Key benefits include:

• Secure key storage where private keys never leave the device.
• Support for hundreds of coins and tokens, via the Trezor ecosystem.
• A dedicated software interface – Trezor Suite – for desktop and web use.
• Full self-custody: you control your keys, seed, and access.

2. What You’ll Need Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following items ready before you begin the setup process:

• Your Trezor device (Model T or Model One).
• A USB cable (data-capable) to connect the device to your computer.
• A computer with internet access (Windows, macOS or Linux).
• A pen and paper to record your recovery seed. Make sure you have a safe place to store it offline.

Important: Do not store your recovery seed digitally (e.g., a photo, cloud storage or plaintext file). It must be kept offline and secure.

3. Visit the Official Setup Website

Open your web browser and go to trezor.io/start. This is the official onboarding portal from Trezor and the only trusted entry point for downloading software, following setup instructions, and verifying your device. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Always verify the URL. Be alert to phishing sites that mimic the official domain.

4. Unbox and Inspect Your Device

When you receive your Trezor device, inspect the packaging carefully. It should be sealed and show no signs of tampering. While Trezor devices often rely on cryptographic verification rather than visible seals, it’s still wise to confirm the packaging appears factory fresh. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Connect the device using the supplied USB cable and proceed to the next steps via the official site.

5. Download and Install Trezor Suite

From the setup portal, you’ll be directed to download the official Trezor Suite software. This is your main interface for managing crypto once your device is initialized. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Trezor Suite is available for:

• Windows
• macOS
• Linux

While a web version exists, the desktop version is strongly recommended for optimal performance and security. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

6. Connect Your Device and Install Firmware

Plug your Trezor device into the computer via the USB cable. Upon launch, Trezor Suite should detect the connected device and begin the initialization process. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

If your device ships without firmware (common for new units), Trezor Suite will prompt you to install the latest firmware version. This step is crucial: installing the latest firmware ensures optimal security and compatibility. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Follow the on-screen prompts exactly, verifying that the firmware is genuine and signed. Your device will reboot once the update is complete.

7. Create a New Wallet or Recover an Existing One

After firmware is installed, you will be presented with two main paths:

1. Create a new wallet: for a fresh wallet initialization.
2. Recover existing wallet: if you already have a 12-, 18- or 24-word recovery seed from a previous device.

Choose the option that matches your situation. For new users, select “Create a new wallet”. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

8. Backup Your Recovery Seed

This is the most critical step in securing your crypto: your recovery seed phrase. The device will generate a set of words (commonly 12-24 words) which represent your wallet’s master key. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Follow these guidelines strictly:

• Write the words down exactly in the order shown, on the supplied recovery card or a trusted offline medium.
• Never take a photo, screenshot, or store the seed electronically.
• Never share it with anyone. Whoever has this seed can access your funds.
• Store the written seed in a secure, offline location (e.g., safe, bank deposit box).

If you lose this recovery seed and the device is lost or damaged, you will lose access to your funds permanently.

9. Set Up a PIN Code

Once your seed is safely written down, the setup will prompt you to create a PIN code. This adds a layer of physical security: even if your device is stolen, the thief cannot access your wallet without the PIN. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Select a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for someone else to guess. You’ll need to enter it each time you connect the device.

10. Optional Security Features

For enhanced privacy and security, Trezor offers advanced options:

• Passphrase protection: an additional word (or phrase) you add to your seed that creates a “hidden wallet”. Without it, the funds are inaccessible.
• Hidden wallets: multiple wallets hidden behind different passphrases.
• Privacy tools: features like Tor support, coin-control, discrete account naming and more. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

While optional, these features are strongly recommended for users handling significant funds or requiring extra privacy.

11. Using Trezor Suite: Send, Receive & Manage Assets

Once your device is fully set up, you can start using Trezor Suite to manage your crypto assets. Key features include:

• Send and receive: Generate receive addresses via your device, verify them on the screen, and send funds securely.
• Account overview: Monitor your balances, transaction history, and portfolio composition.
• Exchange/swap integrations: Use built-in or third-party services for asset swaps without leaving the interface. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Advanced settings: Manage multiple accounts, label transactions, configure privacy settings and enable passphrase or hidden wallet functionality.

12. Security Best Practices

Your security doesn’t stop after setup – ongoing vigilance is key. Follow these practices:

• Always use the official URL trezor.io/start for downloads and instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone — no legitimate support will ever ask for them. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Keep your firmware and software updated regularly — device updates often include critical security fixes. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Avoid using public or compromised computers if possible, and ensure your environment is malware-free.
• If you must connect via USB on public/shared devices, consider extra caution or alternate methods (e.g., using a clean OS or new machine).
• Use a high-quality data-capable USB cable — some USB cables are “charge-only” and may cause connectivity issues. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

13. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are some frequently encountered setup issues and what to do about them:

• Device not recognized: Try another USB port, ensure you’re using a data-capable cable, update your OS/driver, install the latest Trezor Bridge (if applicable). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Firmware installation failed or device stuck in bootloader: Disconnect, reconnect, try a different cable or computer, make sure the firmware version matches your model. Some users report needing to reinstall drivers or using the CLI recovery. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Suspicious prompts or requests to enter seeds in a website or software: This is a phishing attempt — stop immediately and verify you’re using official software and domain. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

If you’re still stuck, visit trezor.io/support for help, support articles, and contact options.

14. Recovery & Migration

If you ever need to replace your device, migrate to a new one, or restore from your recovery seed, here’s how:

1. Always begin by going to trezor.io/start and ensure you’re using the official platform.
2. Plug the new Trezor device into your computer, install Trezor Suite, and choose the option “Recover wallet”.
3. Enter your 12/18/24-word recovery seed when prompted by the device (never on your computer). The device will rebuild your keys and account structure.
4. Once restored, verify your balances and addresses match your expectations.
5. Optionally wipe the old device if you will no longer use it, using the device menu in Trezor Suite (under “Device” → “Wipe device”).

Never restore your seed on an unknown or untrusted device or software. Always ensure you have a verified, secure environment.

15. Final Thoughts

By following this official setup process — unboxing, verifying, installing firmware, backing up your recovery seed, setting a PIN and optionally enabling advanced features — you’ll have given yourself a strong foundation for secure self-custody of your crypto assets. Trezor Suite provides a powerful and intuitive interface to interact with your wallet, while the hardware device keeps your keys safe offline.

Remember: Your keys. Your crypto. Your responsibility.

Thank you for choosing Trezor. Welcome to the world of secure crypto management.

© 2025 Trezor – All rights reserved. This document is based on the official instructions from trezor.io/start and Trezor support materials.