How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet

Introduction

This guide explains, step by step, how to prepare and set up your Trezor hardware wallet using the official Trezor Start flow. It covers unboxing, firmware installation, creating a wallet, writing down your wallet backup, and securing your device for day-to-day use. If you follow each step carefully, the setup usually takes around 10–20 minutes. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Before you begin (What you'll need)

Checklist

• Your Trezor device (Model T, Model One, or Trezor Safe series).
• A computer with a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox recommended).
• USB cable supplied with the device (or a compatible cable).
• Pen and the recovery seed card (or dedicated backup medium) — do NOT store the seed digitally.
• Access to https://trezor.io/start for official software and instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Step 1 — Inspect & connect your device

Unboxing & physical checks

Inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. If anything looks broken or seals are missing, contact the seller or Trezor support before proceeding.

Connect to your computer

Plug the Trezor into your computer with the supplied USB cable. Follow the on-screen instruction prompting you to visit the official trezor.io/start page. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite / firmware

Open Trezor Start

Go to the official setup: the Start page will guide you to download Trezor Suite or use the Web flow. Always confirm the URL is trezor.io/start and that your browser shows a valid HTTPS lock. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Install firmware (first-time users)

New devices ship without firmware. The Start flow offers a single click to install the latest firmware. Keep the device connected during the entire firmware update; interrupting power can damage setup. After firmware installs, the device confirms and you continue to wallet creation. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Step 3 — Create a new wallet (or recover)

Create new wallet

Choose “Create new wallet” in Trezor Suite / Start. The device will generate a recovery seed (wallet backup). Use the supplied recovery card or a secured metal backup if you have one. The default recommended seed length may be 24 words depending on the model. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Recover existing wallet

If you already have a seed, choose “Recover wallet” and carefully enter the words when prompted. Only recover seeds in a private, offline location.

Writing down your recovery seed

• Write each word legibly on the recovery card or metal backup.
• Store the backup in at least two geographically separated secure locations if holdings are significant.
• Never photograph, email, or store your seed on any connected device or cloud service.

Step 4 — Set a PIN and device label

Set a PIN

The setup will ask you to choose a PIN. This protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access. Use a PIN you will remember but which is not trivially guessable.

Optional: set a device label

Name your device (e.g., "My Trezor") to easily identify it if you manage multiple devices.

Step 5 — Add coins & verify addresses

Enable coins & check addresses

In Trezor Suite, enable the cryptocurrencies you plan to use. When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the Trezor screen — the hardware device displays the address independently of the computer to prevent malware substitution. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Common troubleshooting

Device not recognized

• Try a different USB cable or port.
• Ensure browser has USB permissions enabled.
• Restart browser or computer and reconnect device.

Firmware installation fails

Retry the official Start flow. If problems persist, consult Trezor support or official guides for model-specific steps. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Security best practices

Do

• Keep your recovery seed offline and physically secure.
• Verify addresses on the device screen before sending/receiving.
• Use official software and links only: trezor.io/start. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Don't

• Never enter your seed into a computer or phone app.
• Don't share seed words with anyone, even if they claim to be support.
• Avoid backing up the seed digitally or storing it in the cloud.

Recovery & lost PIN

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must wipe the device and recover from your seed. Keep your recovery seed safe — it is the only way to restore funds. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Lost seed

If you lose your recovery seed and cannot access your device, funds are likely unrecoverable. This is why secure seed storage is critical.

Resources & official links

Use the official Trezor Start and model guides for the most accurate, model-specific instructions. Below are colourful direct links to the official start page (repeated as requested).

Official model-specific guides: Model T, Model One, and Trezor Safe series can be found on the Trezor Guides section. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}