Overview — what this guide covers
This quick start guide walks you through the 1→8 core steps to initialize a Trezor hardware wallet, set a PIN, record a recovery seed, and securely log into Trezor Suite. It focuses on practical actions and security habits so you can use your device as cold storage for long-term protection.
Step-by-step Quick Start (1–8)
- 1) Verify official sources. Always start at the official Trezor pages: trezor.io/start and suite.trezor.io. Download apps and follow links from those pages only.
- 2) Unbox & inspect your device. Check for tamper seals and physical signs of interference. Genuine Trezor packaging is factory-sealed — if anything looks off, contact support before proceeding.
- 3) Connect & power the device. Use the supplied USB cable. When you power the device, you'll see a welcome screen; do not enter a recovery seed supplied by anyone.
- 4) Install Trezor Suite and Trezor Bridge if required. Open Trezor Suite. For some systems, the Trezor Bridge background service is required to enable browser connectivity — follow the Suite prompts.
- 5) Initialize: create a PIN and generate a recovery seed. Choose Create new device. The device will generate a 12- or 24-word recovery seed; write it down by hand on the supplied card or a metal backup. Never store the seed digitally.
- 6) Confirm the recovery seed and set optional passphrase. Your device will ask you to confirm words to ensure accuracy. Consider using an optional passphrase (advanced users) to create hidden wallets — understand the implications before enabling it.
- 7) Add accounts in Trezor Suite. In the Suite app, use Add account to add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported assets. Install any required blockchain apps via the Suite Manager.
- 8) Test with a small transaction. Send or receive a small test amount to validate the end-to-end process. Always verify the address and amount on your Trezor device display before approving a transaction.
Logging into Trezor Suite
Logging into Trezor Suite is device-centric rather than account-centric — you unlock and use your wallet by connecting your Trezor device and entering your PIN on the device itself.
- Open Trezor Suite (desktop or web).
- Connect your Trezor device via USB (or USB + OTG for mobile where supported).
- When prompted, enter your PIN on the device screen — not on your computer.
- Confirm the Suite’s device fingerprint if requested (helps detect counterfeit hardware).
Because private keys remain on-device, logging into Suite never exposes your private keys to the host computer or browser.
Best Practices & Advanced Tips
- Never enter your recovery seed online: No website, support agent, or software should ever request your seed.
- Use a strong PIN: Avoid obvious numeric patterns. If you suspect your PIN has been observed, reset the device and restore from your seed with a new PIN.
- Consider a metal backup: for long-term, fire- and water-resistant seed storage.
- Enable passphrase cautiously: A passphrase adds security but, if forgotten, can render funds unrecoverable.
- Keep firmware & Suite updated: Apply updates only from official sources and verify release notes before installing.
Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, restart Suite, or temporarily disable security software that may block device drivers.
- Suite shows unexpected prompts: Disconnect immediately and verify you are using the official Suite at suite.trezor.io.
- Seed entry mismatch during restore: Check keyboard layout settings and repeat carefully; incorrect word order will prevent restore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 — Can Trezor recover my funds if I lose my device?
Yes — as long as you have your recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on a new Trezor or any compatible BIP39 wallet. Without the seed, funds are irrecoverable.
Q2 — Is Trezor safe to use on an infected computer?
Trezor’s signing model minimizes risk: private keys never leave the device, and transactions must be confirmed on-device. However, avoid using highly compromised systems and always verify addresses shown on the device screen.
Q3 — What is a passphrase and should I use it?
A passphrase is an optional extra word (or phrase) appended to your seed to create a separate hidden wallet. It improves security but must be remembered exactly — lost passphrases cannot be recovered.
Q4 — How many words are in the Trezor recovery seed?
Depending on the model and options, seeds are commonly 12, 18, or 24 words. Use the length presented by your device during initialization and record it exactly.
Q5 — Where can I find official Trezor support?
Official resources: trezor.io/start, suite.trezor.io, and trezor.io/support.