Overview
This guide walks you through every step of setting up a Trezor hardware wallet using the official web setup at Trezor.io/start. It’s written for beginners and experienced users alike and focuses on security best practices, safe backup methods, and troubleshooting common issues.
Who is this guide for?
Anyone who has a Trezor device (One, Model T, etc.) and wants a clear, secure, and reproducible process to:
- Initialize and update the device firmware
- Create and secure the recovery seed
- Connect wallets and manage cryptocurrencies
Before you begin (Checklist)
What you’ll need
- Your Trezor device and box
- A computer or phone with a modern browser
- A secure, private location to write down recovery words
- Optional: a hardware backup (metal plate) for seed redundancy
Safety tips (very important)
Step-by-step setup
1. Inspect packaging and device (Hygiene)
Before you power on, examine the device for any tampering: broken seals, unexpected glue, or suspicious stickers. If anything is off, contact the vendor.
2. Visit the official start page
Open a fresh browser tab and go to the official Trezor setup page:
Follow the prompts on-screen. The official page will detect your device and guide you through firmware installation if required.
Why use the official page?
The official start page verifies firmware signing and guides the device through a secure update flow. Third-party guides might omit crucial verification steps.
3. Connect your device
Use the provided USB cable to connect the Trezor to your computer. For Model T, the touch screen will guide you; for One, use the device buttons. Allow the browser to communicate with the device when prompted.
Browser & permission notes
Grant permission to connect the device in the browser. If the browser blocks the connection, try a different USB port or a different browser (Chrome, Edge, or Firefox are commonly supported).
4. Update firmware
If the device suggests a firmware update, allow it to download and install. This step is critical for security and compatibility.
// Example: follow prompts — do not disconnect the device until finished.5. Create a new wallet (initialize)
Choose the option to create a new wallet (as opposed to recovering an existing seed). The device will generate a recovery seed on its screen.
Write down your recovery seed
Write each word exactly as shown, in order, on the supplied recovery card or on a secure metal backup. Keep the seed physically secure — offline and fireproof is ideal.
Seed length and passphrase
Trezor typically uses 12, 18, or 24-word seeds (24-word is recommended for stronger security). You can also enable an optional passphrase for an extra layer of protection (it acts like a 25th word—do not forget it).
Best practices for your recovery seed
Never store seeds digitally
Do not photograph, screenshot, or store your seed in cloud storage, password managers, or on email. Digital copies are attack vectors.
Consider multiple physical backups
Store at least two secure backups in separate physical locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe) to mitigate theft, fire, or loss.
Metal backups (recommended)
Metal seed plates resist fire, water, and decay. Use a reputable metal backup product to engrave or stamp your words for long-term durability.
Using your Trezor with wallets
Web Wallets & Desktop Wallets
Trezor can be used with many wallet applications (Trezor Suite, Electrum, Exodus, etc.). The most direct official experience is through Trezor Suite or the guided web interface reached via Trezor.io/start.
Receiving and sending
To receive funds, generate a receiving address on the device-connected wallet and verify it on your Trezor screen. For sending, prepare the transaction in the wallet, then confirm the details (amount, destination address, fees) on the device screen — the device verifies transaction details independently from the computer.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not detected
- Try a different USB cable (charge-only cables won’t work).
- Try another USB port or another computer.
- Make sure your browser is updated and you’ve allowed the connection prompt.
Firmware update failed
If an update fails, reconnect the device and retry. If it remains stuck, consult official recovery instructions — do not expose your recovery seed to unsolicited assistance.
Forgot passphrase
If you used an optional passphrase and forget it, the wallet that used that passphrase is effectively inaccessible. This is intentional — a forgotten passphrase cannot be recovered. If you have the original seed, you can create a new wallet without the passphrase or with a new passphrase and move funds if you can access them elsewhere.
Advanced: Multisig, Shamir Backup, and power user features
Multisignature wallets
Trezor supports multisig setups via compatible software. Multisig spreads signing authority among multiple devices or parties, increasing security for large holdings.
Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039)
Some Trezor models or companion workflows support Shamir-style splitting of the recovery seed into multiple shares. This is an advanced backup method — follow official documentation closely.
Security checklist (short)
- Buy hardware directly from the manufacturer or trusted dealer.
- Verify packaging integrity before setup.
- Always visit trezor.io/start for firmware and setup instructions.
- Write your recovery seed physically and store securely.
- Enable device PIN and consider optional passphrase.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use Trezor with mobile?
A: Yes — Trezor works with certain Android apps and via USB/OTG or Bluetooth (depending on model and accessories). Check the official start page for the latest mobile guides: https://trezor.io/start.
Q: What if I lose my Trezor?
A: If you lose the device but still have your recovery seed, you can recover funds on a new Trezor (or compatible wallet) by choosing the recovery option at setup. If you lost both device and seed, funds cannot be recovered.
Q: Is the seed compatible with other wallets?
A: Trezor uses industry-standard BIP39/44 derivation by default for many assets; however, some coins or specific derivation paths can vary. Consult documentation for coin-specific details and always verify addresses on device.
Accessibility & usability tips
Screen readers and keyboard navigation
Trezor devices include a screen and physical buttons (or touchscreen) for independent verification. When using Trezor Suite or web interfaces, use your browser’s accessibility features. Keep the device physically reachable to confirm on-device prompts.
Low-vision users
Increase browser zoom, use high-contrast mode, and verify addresses slowly on the device screen. Consider a friend or family member only to help with non-sensitive parts (never share seed or PIN).
Recovery drill (practice)
Perform a recovery drill (without moving funds) by creating a temporary test wallet, generating a small test balance from another source, then practicing recovery onto a fresh device using your seed. This verifies your backup is accurate and that you can recover when needed.
Glossary
Seed / Recovery phrase
A human-readable list of words that encodes the private keys for your wallet. Essential to backup securely.
PIN
A local device PIN that protects access to the Trezor interface. Brute force attempts are slowed by the device (delays and wipe after many failed tries).
Passphrase
An optional secret (not stored on the device) that acts as an additional word appended to the recovery phrase to create a different wallet — powerful but dangerous if lost.
Quick reference (copy-friendly)
1. Go to https://trezor.io/start
2. Connect device → allow in browser
3. Update firmware if prompted
4. Create new wallet → write down 24-word seed offline
5. Set PIN and optional passphrase
6. Verify addresses on device for all transactions
7. Store backups in separate secure locations
Further resources
Official setup and troubleshooting resources are maintained on the Trezor website. For the most accurate steps and firmware verification, always use the official start page: