This friendly, practical walkthrough will take you from unboxing to a secure, working hardware wallet using Trezor Suite (the official app). Expect to spend ~10–20 minutes. If anything looks tampered with, stop — safety first.
Quick facts:
Trezor devices ship without firmware — you will install the firmware during setup.
Trezor Suite (desktop or web) is the recommended app to manage your device and wallets.
Keep your recovery (seed) phrase offline and private — it is the single master key to your funds.
Before you begin — what to have ready
Your new Trezor device (Model One, Model T, Safe 3/5, or other model).
A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and the supplied USB cable (or the cable appropriate for your model).
A printed backup/seed card and a pen (or Trezor Backup Pack if included) to record your recovery phrase.
15–30 minutes of uninterrupted time and a private space to write down the recovery phrase.
If anything in the package looks damaged or tampered with — do not use the device. Contact Trezor support. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Step 1 — Visit trezor.io/start and choose your device
Open a browser and go to trezor.io/start. The official start page will automatically guide you to download Trezor Suite (recommended) or, for some older workflows, Trezor Bridge. Choose the option that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and your Trezor model. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Always confirm you’re on the real site (look for the trezor.io domain) before downloading or connecting your device.
Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite (or use the web version)
Download and install the Trezor Suite desktop app (or choose the web app if preferred). The desktop app provides a consistent, secure experience and supports firmware installation, wallet creation, coin management, and device settings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Minimum system notes: recent Windows/macOS/Linux is supported — follow the Installer prompts. If the Suite asks to install drivers/plugins (or to grant permissions), permit it for the installation to complete.
Step 3 — Connect your Trezor and install firmware
Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable.
Trezor Suite will detect a new device and run a basic authenticity/security check.
Because Trezors ship without firmware, the first action is to Install firmware. Click the button in Suite and follow on-screen directions; confirm any prompts on the Trezor device itself.
Firmware installation is a one-time process that ensures your device runs the latest, signed firmware from Trezor. Do not interrupt the process. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Step 4 — Create a new wallet and set a PIN
Once firmware is installed, Trezor Suite will present the option to Create a new wallet. Follow these steps:
Choose a PIN: Your PIN protects the device if someone gets physical access. Enter it on the computer (confirmed by your device) — the PIN is never shown or transmitted.
Back up your recovery (seed) phrase: The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 12, 18, or 24 words, depending on the model and choice). Write the words down exactly in order on the provided backup card. Do this offline — never store it digitally or photograph it.
Suite will ask you to confirm a few words to verify your backup. Complete the check to finish wallet creation.
The recovery phrase is the ultimate master key to your funds. If you lose it, you risk permanent loss. If anyone else obtains it, they can take your funds. Treat it like cash. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Step 5 — Add coins, accounts and manage assets
In Trezor Suite you can:
Create accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other supported coins and tokens.
Receive funds by using the receive address — verify the address on the Trezor device display before sending funds from an exchange.
Send funds: enter the amount, set fees, and confirm the full transaction details on the device screen before approving.
Use built-in exchange or swap features if you want to trade (consider fees and counterparty risk).
Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device display (not only in the app). This prevents malware from altering addresses on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Optional: Advanced settings and device personalization
Trezor Suite allows a number of optional actions:
Set a device name and change homescreen (models with screens support custom wallpapers, with size/format limits).
Enable or disable anonymous analytics / telemetry in the app.
Change PIN, passphrase settings, and other device security features.
A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) is a powerful optional layer of security: it creates a separate hidden wallet. Use it only if you understand the operational risk — losing the passphrase means losing access to the hidden wallet. Keep passphrases offline and secret.
Safe models (Safe 3 / Safe 5) have device-specific customization and require following the device guide in Suite for wallpaper and naming. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Troubleshooting & safety tips
Device not detected? Reboot your computer, try a different USB port/cable, or reinstall Trezor Suite. Use the official Suite installer only.
Firmware installation failed? Retry via Trezor Suite; if problems persist, contact Trezor support. Do not install firmware from third-party sources.
Lost seed phrase? If you have no backup and the device is damaged or lost, recovery is impossible. Always make multiple physical backups and store them in secure locations.
Scams & phishing: Only use trezor.io and official Trezor Suite downloads. Never enter your recovery phrase into any website or app. Trezor Team will never ask for your seed phrase.
Final checklist before you finish
Have you installed firmware via Trezor Suite? ✔
Have you set and memorized (or safely stored) your PIN? ✔
Have you written down and verified your recovery phrase in order, on physical media? ✔
Did you verify addresses and confirmations on the device display before sending or receiving? ✔
If you answered “no” to any item above, stop and complete that step before moving large amounts of crypto to the device.
That’s it — your Trezor is set up and ready to protect your crypto. If you want guided, one-to-one help, Trezor also offers expert onboarding sessions for a fee.