Plug in your Trezor and open the official Trezor Suite to begin. The device walks you through creating a new wallet or restoring an existing one. Choose a quiet, private place for setup; physical control is the first line of defense. Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, and avoid entering it on a computer or online form.
When creating a new wallet, the device generates a recovery seed — typically 12, 18, or 24 words — that is the sole backup of your keys. Write the words down in order on the provided recovery card or another durable medium, store copies in separate safe locations, and consider fireproof and waterproof storage. Treat the recovery seed like cash: anyone with access can control your funds.
Set a strong PIN on the Trezor. The PIN prevents casual access if the device is lost or stolen. Trezor uses a randomized keypad on the device screen during PIN entry so malware on your computer cannot learn your PIN from clicks. Memorize your PIN pattern rather than writing it down; if you forget it, the only recovery path is your seed.
Install firmware updates promptly and only from the official source. Firmware updates patch security issues and add features; applying them keeps your device resilient. Verify firmware integrity through Trezor Suite prompts and the device display. Avoid unofficial firmware or third-party modifications — they can compromise the device.
Use the device’s passphrase feature for optional, advanced protection. A passphrase acts like a 25th word added to your seed and creates a separate wallet accessible only with that passphrase. Choose a passphrase you can reliably reproduce and never store it with the seed. Be aware that losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.
Practice with small amounts first. Send a minimal test transaction to confirm you understand the confirmation process, address verification on the device screen, and the difference between sending to exchange addresses versus personal wallets. Confirm every receive address on the device display before accepting funds.
Keep recovery operations offline when possible. Restorations require entering the seed into the device rather than a software wallet. If you must use a computer, disconnect from the internet during recovery to reduce exposure. After restoring, verify balances and transaction history in Trezor Suite.
If you encounter issues, consult Trezor’s official support resources and community documentation. Avoid advice from unknown sources that requests your recovery seed or instructs you to move funds under pressure. Security is layered: device, seed management, firmware vigilance, and careful transaction habits together protect your assets.
Follow these steps and you'll maintain a practical, resilient setup that keeps your crypto under your control.