Quick start — prepare and verify
Before you plug in, take a moment to prepare a clean workspace. Put away phones or cameras if you prefer extra privacy. Find a pen and paper to record your recovery seed — write clearly, and keep the paper in a safe place.
Check that the tamper-evident seal is intact if your device is brand new. If anything looks damaged or unusual, pause and reach out to the vendor or the official support channels.
Use the cable included with your Trezor or a compatible alternative. For model One, you'll use micro‑USB; for Model T, use USB‑C. Avoid connecting through hubs with questionable power behavior when possible.
Open a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave) and navigate to the official setup page for your device. Confirm the page address carefully when in doubt — securing the URL prevents phishing.
Connect & power
Plug your device into your computer. The device screen should light up and display a welcome message. If nothing appears, try another USB port or cable. Never use a computer you do not trust for initial setup.
If your OS prompts about drivers or permissions, follow official guidance. On macOS and Linux, the device is usually recognized automatically. On Windows, allow the browser to access the USB device.
Install firmware
Firmware is the small operating system that runs on your device. During first setup, the official flow may prompt you to install or update firmware. Only install firmware offered directly through the official setup flow; do not install randomly sourced firmware files.
- Follow on-screen prompts on your computer and confirm actions on the device screen.
- Do not disconnect while upgrading firmware; interruptions may require recovery steps.
- When finished, the device will reboot and show a confirmation message.
Create & store your recovery seed
This step is the most important: the recovery seed is the master key to your crypto. Write the words down on the supplied card or a separate piece of paper. Avoid storing the seed electronically (photos, cloud notes, or plain text files) to minimize theft risk.
Options include paper, engraved metal plates, or secure deposit boxes. Metal plates offer the highest durability and resistance to fire/water; paper is simple but vulnerable to damage.
Write the seed words in the exact order shown. Double-check each word spelling and their sequence. If your device shows additional confirmation checks, complete them carefully.
Most devices will ask you to confirm a few randomly selected seed words to ensure you recorded them correctly. Complete the checks and do not skip this verification.
Never share your recovery seed with anyone. No legitimate support channel will ask for your seed. If asked, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately.
Install apps & manage coins
After setup, the Trezor interface will let you install coin apps and manage accounts. Each coin type (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) may require an app. Use the official bridge or companion software as instructed by the setup flow.
Ongoing security & best practices
Treat your hardware wallet as a safe that must be cared for. Keep firmware up to date using official channels. Maintain a backup of your recovery seed in a secure location, and consider a multisig setup for larger holdings.
- Enable device passphrase if you need deniable wallets (advanced users only).
- Use anti-phishing techniques: bookmark official sites and verify URLs.
- Limit physical access: secure the device when not in use.
FAQ & common issues
A: If your seed is lost and the device is the only key, you cannot recover funds. If you suspect the seed is compromised, move your funds to a new wallet as soon as possible and create a new seed on a fresh device.
A: Technically possible but not recommended. Photos can be uploaded to cloud services or left on devices that might be hacked. Use an offline physical method instead.
A: Try a different cable, port, or computer. Make sure the browser has permission to access USB devices. If the issue persists, check official troubleshooting resources.
Deep-dive: Device anatomy and UI walkthrough
Understanding the device UI helps you follow prompts confidently. Buttons, confirm/reject screens, and small icons are designed to minimize mistakes. When in doubt, read what the device displays before confirming actions.
Model One uses two physical buttons for confirm/reject; Model T has a touchscreen. Press deliberately and avoid rapid tapping to reduce mis-presses.
Battery, connection, and firmware update icons tell you the device state. Look for clear checkmarks for successful steps.