What you’ll need before you begin

Unbox your Trezor device and have these items ready: the Trezor hardware device, the included USB cable (or adapter), a clean computer you trust, and a pen and paper for writing down your recovery seed. Ensure your environment is private and free from cameras when you reveal recovery words.

• Device & USB cable
• Computer or phone with the latest browser (Chrome, Brave, Firefox)
• Pen and paper (do not store seed digitally)
• Time and attention — the process should be done carefully and without interruptions

Step 1 — Verify packaging & device authenticity

Before powering up, visually inspect the packaging. Genuine Trezor devices arrive with tamper-evident seals or packaging indicators. If anything looks compromised, do not proceed — contact official support immediately via trezor.io.

Important: Always start the pairing process from the official Trezor website (trezor.io/start). Avoid following random links or search results that might be spoofed.

Step 2 — Initial device setup

1. Go to trezor.io/start on your computer to download the latest Trezor Suite or to use the official web onboarding flow.
2. Connect the device via USB. The device screen will show a welcome prompt and a fingerprint image confirming the device UI is genuine.
3. Follow on-device prompts to install firmware. Installing the official firmware is essential — it ensures your device runs trusted code. Do not skip firmware installation.

During firmware installation the device may display short phrases — these are normal. Only accept and install official firmware; the Suite or web flow will verify signatures for you.

Step 3 — Create a new wallet & backup the recovery seed

The Trezor will generate a 12, 18, or 24-word recovery seed depending on model and options. Write every word on the supplied recovery card (or use a metal backup for long-term durability). Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed in cloud notes.

1. Write each word clearly in order. Confirm on-device prompts and never reveal these words to anyone.
2. Consider making two independent backups stored in different physical locations (e.g., a safe and a bank deposit box).
3. Test your backup by using a 'seed check' tool or test recovery on a secondary device only if you know how; otherwise keep backups secure and assume they work if written carefully.

If someone gains access to your recovery seed, they gain access to your funds. Treat the seed as the single most sensitive piece of information.

Step 4 — Add coins and accounts

Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies using the Trezor Suite or connecting to compatible wallets (e.g., Electrum, Exodus, other third-party interfaces). To add an account:

1. Open Trezor Suite (or the chosen wallet).
2. Select the cryptocurrency, create or import an account, and follow the UI to receive an address.
3. Always verify the receive address on your Trezor device screen before sharing it for incoming transfers — on-device verification prevents address-hijacking malware.

Practical security tips

• Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or phone.
• Keep your device firmware up to date. Updates patch security improvements and may add new coin support.
• Use passphrase protection (optional) for an additional layer — but understand it increases the complexity of recovery. If you enable a passphrase, record and protect it as carefully as your seed.
• Use a separate, dedicated computer for high-value transactions if possible.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Device not recognized? Try a different port, cable, or machine. Ensure the OS has up-to-date drivers and the browser allows USB devices.

Firmware install failed? Retry from trezor.io/start. If the device repeatedly fails signature verification, contact official support and do not proceed with suspicious files.

Lost seed? If seed is lost and you still have the device configured, create a new wallet and back up the new seed immediately. If both seed and device are lost, funds are unrecoverable.

Everyday usage checklist

1. Verify addresses on-device before sending or receiving.
2. Keep software (Trezor Suite, your OS, browser) updated.
3. Use the smallest possible transfer for testing new destinations.
4. Enable device lock/password where supported to guard against theft.