Trezor wallet® — Starting Up Your® Account®
A clear, practical walkthrough to get your Trezor wallet® ready: secure setup, PIN and recovery seed management, optional passphrase, firmware upkeep, and first transaction tips.
Before you start
Preparation saves time and drastically reduces risk. Gather the following and choose a quiet, private spot where you won’t be interrupted.
- Official device: Confirm you have an authentic Trezor wallet® purchased from an official store or authorized reseller.
- Computer or phone: A USB port (or compatible adapter) and a modern browser for the Trezor web or desktop app.
- Backup materials: Pen and paper or a dedicated seed backup tool (steel backup recommended for long-term durability).
- Time: Plan 20–40 minutes for a careful initial setup and seed backup.
Step-by-step setup (overview)
The following steps cover a standard first-time initialization. Follow on-screen prompts in the official Trezor web app or desktop Suite and never reveal your recovery seed to anyone.
1. Unbox and inspect
Check tamper-evident packaging. Confirm serial numbers and that seals are intact. If anything looks off, contact the vendor before proceeding.
2. Connect and open the app
Connect the device via USB and open the official Trezor application or web interface. The app will guide you through firmware checks and initialization.
3. Install or update firmware
If prompted, install the latest official firmware. Firmware updates fix security issues and add features—only install official firmware through the app.
4. Create device PIN
Choose a strong PIN. The device shows a randomized numeric grid for entry to protect against keyloggers. Memorize it — do not write the PIN on the seed paper.
5. Write down your recovery seed
The device generates a recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words in order on the provided card or a secure backup medium. This seed is the only backup of your account®.
6. Optional passphrase
For an additional layer, enable a passphrase (an extra word or phrase) which creates a separate hidden wallet. Treat the passphrase like a second seed — if you forget it, you cannot access funds protected by it.
First transaction checklist
- Verify the receiving address on your device screen (never trust the host computer alone).
- Send a small test amount first to confirm everything looks correct.
- Confirm transaction details physically on the device before approving.
Security — best practices for your® account®
Security is layered: device protections, cautious behaviour, and reliable backups. Follow these practices to minimize risk.
- Protect your recovery seed
- Never store your seed on a computer, phone, or cloud storage. Prefer offline paper or a metal backup. Consider geographically separated duplicates for disaster recovery.
- Keep firmware up to date
- Install official updates via the official app only. Updates patch vulnerabilities uncovered by the security community.
- Be phishing-aware
- Always confirm the URL of the web app and never enter your seed into a website. Trezor will never request your seed over email or chat.
- Use a passphrase carefully
- A passphrase adds plausible deniability and multi-account capability, but it is irreversible: if lost, funds are unrecoverable.
Pro tip: For long-term cold storage, consider a dedicated device that never reconnects to an internet-connected computer except when necessary.
Troubleshooting & recovery
Common issues are usually simple to resolve:
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the official app has permission to access the device.
- Forgot PIN: You will need to wipe the device and restore from your recovery seed.
- Seed lost: If the seed and passphrase are both lost, funds cannot be recovered — emphasize secure backups.
If you suspect device tampering, stop and contact official support. Do not enter your seed into any site or share it with anyone claiming to help.
Frequently asked questions
Can I create multiple accounts® on one device?
Yes. Using different passphrases or multiple accounts managed by the Trezor app, you can maintain multiple wallets while keeping one physical device.
Is my seed encrypted on the device?
The seed is generated and stored internally in the device’s secure environment and is not exposed to the host computer. Your written seed backup is the only external copy.
What if the device is stolen?
If the thief does not know your PIN and does not possess your seed (and passphrase, if used), your funds remain safe. A stolen device can be wiped by recovering the seed on a new device.
Final notes
Starting up your® account® with a Trezor wallet® combines physical device protections with user responsibility. Spend the time during setup to carefully store your recovery seed and select a strong PIN. Regular firmware updates and cautious online behaviour will keep your digital assets secure for the long term.