Official setup guidance • Step-by-step • Beginner & expert
Start your Trezor device the right way — secure, simple, and verifiable
This page walks you through everything you need to unbox, set up, and confidently use your Trezor hardware wallet. Whether it’s your first hardware device or you’re migrating accounts, follow the steps below for a secure, reproducible start. We cover downloads, verification, initialization, backup best practices, and how to connect to the official Trezor Suite.
No account required: Trezor devices are non-custodial. Your private keys are generated on-device and never leave the hardware. This guide helps you keep it that way.
Unbox & verify
Inspect the packaging for manufacturer seals and tamper evidence. Confirm model and serial on the device match documentation. Only proceed if the packaging looks intact and you purchased from a trusted retailer or the official store. If anything looks suspicious, contact support before powering the device.
Download official software
Visit the official downloads section (this page) to get the Trezor Suite desktop app or use the recommended Bridge for some web integrations. Always verify checksums or signatures when available — instructions are provided in the downloads section for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Initialize & create seed
When initializing, choose "Create new wallet" (unless restoring from a verified seed). The device will generate your recovery seed — write it down on the provided recovery card or another secure medium. Never take photos of your seed or store it digitally. Follow the on-screen prompts on the device and confirm each step.
Verify backups & set a PIN
Set a PIN to protect the device against local tampering. Confirm your written seed by re-entering a few words when prompted to ensure it was recorded correctly. Consider using a passphrase (advanced) for extra account segregation, but only if you understand the tradeoffs and how to recover the passphrase.
Detailed setup guide — unbox to first transaction
Step 1 — Inspect the box. Your Trezor should arrive in manufacturer packaging. Look for tamper-evident stickers and compare them to images in the official documentation. The device should not show signs of physical manipulation. If you receive a device from a third party, perform extra diligence: verify the seller and check serial numbers against purchase records.
Step 2 — Software. Download Trezor Suite (desktop) or relevant Bridge/driver if you plan to use a web interface. The Suite is the recommended starting point for most users because it provides guided setup, firmware updates, coin support, and portfolio views. For each OS, we provide signed installers and checksums. On macOS you may need to allow the installer in Gatekeeper; on Windows, confirm the publisher in the installer dialog and avoid third-party repackaged installers.
Step 3 — Power & connection. Use the official cable when possible. Connect the device; it will boot to an initial setup screen. The Suite will detect the device and walk you through initialization. If you’re restoring from a previous device, select the restore option and enter your seed words only on the device when prompted.
Step 4 — Seed handling. When the device generates your recovery seed, it will display words on the screen. Write every word in order. Do this privately — not on a phone, photo, cloud note, or a computer. Use the included recovery card or write the seed on a robust medium. Consider multiple geographically-separated copies stored in secure locations (bank safe deposit box, home safe, etc.). For maximum physical durability, metal seed plates exist from reputable vendors — ensure you vet such products before use.
Step 5 — PIN & optional passphrase. A PIN protects your device if it’s stolen. Choose a PIN that is memorable yet non-trivial; avoid using single-digit pins. The passphrase feature creates a hidden wallet derived from your seed and an extra passphrase — highly useful for advanced users who need plausible deniability or multiple accounts, but note that losing the passphrase means losing access to the derived accounts.
Step 6 — Firmware & verification. After setup, the Suite may prompt a firmware update. Always verify update notes and ensure your connection looks normal. The device will display firmware validation prompts; read them carefully before accepting. Firmware updates improve security and compatibility but follow the official prompts and don’t accept updates from unknown sources.
Step 7 — First transaction. Before sending large amounts, perform a small test transaction to confirm receiving addresses and correct operation. The device always displays a human-readable summary of transaction details — confirm recipient address and amounts on the device screen before approving.
These steps prioritize the security of your keys and funds. The most common mistakes we see are: storing seed phrases digitally, skipping verification of downloads, and sharing seed or passphrase information with anyone. Never share your recovery seed with anyone — not support staff, not friends, not exchanges.
Security best practices & explanations
Why hardware wallets? Hardware wallets keep private keys off computers and phones that are commonly targeted by malware. A Trezor device signs transactions internally and only exposes the signed transaction, not the private key. Physical confirmation is required for every signature, creating a deliberate human step that prevents many remote attacks.
Seed safety: Your recovery seed is everything. If someone else obtains your seed, they can recreate your wallet and move funds. Treat the seed like a physical bearer instrument: store it offline, in secure locations, and consider distributing copies across trusted, secure sites if you need redundancy.
Software verification: Download installers only from official pages. Use the provided cryptographic checksums and signature verification workflows if you require stronger guarantees. Open-source code is available for community inspection; building Bridge or Suite from source is an option for highly security-conscious users.
Downloads & verification
Official downloads are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Each release page includes SHA256 checksums and, where available, a detached signature to verify with the project's signing key. If you are unfamiliar with verifying checksums, the Suite provides in-app guidance and links to step-by-step verification instructions.
For developers and researchers, source distributions and build instructions are published alongside binaries. Reproducible builds allow third parties to confirm that published binaries match source code. If you depend on maximum assurance, consider following the reproducible builds guide and verifying outputs.
Troubleshooting & FAQ
My device is not detected — what should I do?
First, ensure the device is powered and unlocked. Try a different USB cable and port. Restart the Suite and, if using a browser, ensure Bridge is running. On Linux, check udev rules; on Windows, driver conflicts can occasionally happen — reinstall Bridge or use Device Manager to reset drivers. If problems persist, consult logs and contact official support (never share your seed).
Can I store my seed digitally?
We strongly advise against storing seeds digitally (photos, cloud notes, text files). Digital storage is vulnerable to online compromise. If you require digital alternatives for durability, use encrypted, air-gapped solutions and understand the trade-offs — physical offline storage remains the safest default.
What happens if I lose my device?
If you lose your device, you can recover funds on any compatible hardware by restoring your recovery seed. If you used a passphrase, recovery also requires that passphrase. Keep your seed safe; do not share it. If you suspect your seed was compromised, move funds to a new wallet with a new seed as soon as possible.
Ready to start?
Download Trezor Suite, follow the guided setup, and complete the quick checklist. Need help? Visit support or our step-by-step videos.