1. Unbox & Prepare
When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging for tamper evidence. Keep the anti-tamper seal intact until you confirm the device boots and shows the official Trezor logo. Use a dedicated, up-to-date computer or mobile device — avoid public or shared machines.
2. First Boot & Firmware
Connect the device using the supplied cable. Go to the official Trezor website (type the address yourself; don’t follow random links) and follow instructions to install the official Bridge or use the Web-based interface. The device will prompt you to install the latest firmware — always install official firmware directly through Trezor’s interface and verify the device confirms the installation with on-device messages.
3. Create PIN & Seed
Create a PIN on-device. Choose a PIN you can remember but that’s not guessable — avoid birthdays and simple sequences. Trezor will generate a recovery seed (12, 18 or 24 words). Write the seed physically on the recovery card and store it securely (a locked safe, deposit box or stainless steel plate). Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed in cloud services. The seed is the ultimate key to your funds.
4. Security Best Practices
- Keep the device firmware updated and verify messages shown on the device screen.
- Use a passphrase (advanced users): a secret word or phrase added to the seed that acts as an extra key. Treat the passphrase like an additional account — if forgotten, funds are gone.
- Split backups: consider multiple secure locations for backup copies, but beware of centralising them.
- Test recovery: before moving large sums, test that your recovery process restores the wallet on a second device or emulator.
5. Daily Use
For daily transactions, connect your Trezor only to your trusted device, confirm addresses on the hardware display, and double-check amounts. Avoid copy-pasting addresses from untrusted sources. When selling or spending, consider using a fresh receiving address each time.
6. Recovery & Lost Device
If your device is lost or stolen, your recovery seed and passphrase (if used) restore access to funds on a new device. Immediately move funds to a new wallet if you suspect your seed was compromised. Treat the seed as you would a physical bank vault key.
7. Troubleshooting
- Device not detected: check the cable, try a different port, use Trezor Bridge or official app.
- Firmware update failed: do not power off until the device completes; contact official Trezor support if uncertain.
- Forgot PIN: you can wipe the device and restore from seed — that’s why keeping your recovery words safe matters.
8. FAQ
Q: Can Trezor be hacked?
A: The device isolates private keys in secure hardware. User errors (phishing, compromised backups) are the most common risk.
Q: Should I use a passphrase?
A: Passphrases increase security but add complexity and risk if forgotten. Use only if you understand the trade-offs.
9. Final Tips
Use a dedicated hardware wallet for large holdings. Keep small, active balances in a hot wallet for daily spending. Practice recovery before committing. Stay wary of unsolicited support requests and never share your seed or private keys with anyone.