Quick start checklist

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

  • A Trezor device (Model One, Model T, or supported edition).
  • A data-capable USB cable or adapter for your device and computer.
  • A secure, offline location to write down your recovery seed (pen and paper recommended).
  • An up-to-date desktop or laptop with a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Firefox) or the Trezor Suite app.

1. Download official software

The safest way to interact with your Trezor is via the official channels. From this start page you can download the following:

  • Trezor Suite — Official desktop application for managing coins, firmware updates, and secure transactions.
  • Trezor Bridge — Lightweight transport for browser-based connections (if you prefer web wallets).
  • Documentation — Manuals, troubleshooting articles, and developer resources.

Download official software

2. Unbox & inspect

When your device arrives, verify the packaging seals and physical condition. A tampered package is a red flag. Official devices ship in tamper-evident packaging — if the box looks damaged or the seal broken, contact support before proceeding.

3. Initial setup

Plug the device into your computer using a data-capable USB cable. Launch Trezor Suite or open a supported website that implements the official connect protocol. Follow the guided setup to:

  • Initialize the device as new or recover from an existing seed.
  • Set up a device PIN to protect local access (choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable).
  • Write down the recovery seed (24 words for most devices) exactly as shown. Store the seed securely offline — do not photograph or store it digitally.

On-device verification

Always verify sensitive information (like the recovery seed and transaction details) on the Trezor screen. The device is the last trusted authority: if the screen differs from what your computer shows, trust the device and stop the process.

4. Firmware updates

Keep device firmware up to date. Trezor firmware updates add new coin support, fix bugs, and patch security issues. Only update firmware using the official Trezor Suite or through official instructions. During an update, never disconnect your device until the process completes.

5. Managing accounts and sending transactions

Create or import accounts inside Trezor Suite. When sending transactions:

  • Verify recipient addresses and amounts on your Trezor display before confirming.
  • Double-check change addresses if shown, especially when using third-party apps.
  • Use smaller test transactions when sending to a new or unfamiliar address.

6. Recovery & emergency procedures

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore access using your recovery seed. To recover, obtain a new compatible Trezor device (or compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 as needed), select Recover during setup, and enter your seed words in the correct order. After recovery, set a new PIN and verify balances.

Advanced: passphrase protection

For additional security, you can enable a passphrase. A passphrase adds an extra word to your seed, effectively creating many separate wallets from a single seed. Use passphrases with caution — losing the passphrase means losing access to the funds it protects. Do not store passphrases in plain text.

Security best practices

  • Never enter your recovery seed into a website or email. The seed belongs only on the device and on your offline backup.
  • Maintain multiple, geographically separated backups of your recovery seed (paper, metal plates) to protect against fire, theft or loss.
  • Use a strong PIN and change it periodically if you suspect it has been exposed.
  • Keep your computer free of malware and avoid using public/shared computers for device setup.
  • Watch out for phishing sites — always verify you are on the official domain before connecting.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized: Use a different USB cable and port, confirm Bridge (or Trezor Suite) is installed, and ensure your OS USB drivers are up to date.

Screen frozen or unresponsive: Try a forced restart if supported, or reconnect the device. If the device remains unresponsive, consult official recovery instructions.

Firmware update failed: Do not panic. Follow official recovery steps — many failures can be recovered by repeating the update or using the recovery option in Trezor Suite.

Developer & advanced usage

Developers can integrate Trezor using Trezor Connect, the transport APIs, or the documented device protocol. Always use the official libraries and ensure your integration enforces on-device verification for any transaction-related or sensitive operations.

FAQ

Is Trezor open source?

Many Trezor components, including firmware and suite code, are open source. Review the project repositories for build instructions, releases, and audit history.

What if I forget my PIN?

If you forget the PIN you must perform a device wipe and restore from your recovery seed. This is by design: the PIN protects local access but cannot be bypassed without the seed.

Can I use Trezor with mobile?

Mobile support varies by model and app. Some mobile wallets support direct USB OTG or Bluetooth adapters; consult official mobile guides for compatibility and setup instructions.

Legal & privacy notes

Trezor devices do not hold account balances — they store keys that sign transactions. Using Trezor does not anonymize blockchain activity by itself. Always consider privacy best practices (e.g., coin control, avoiding address reuse) and consult tax/legal advisors for compliance in your jurisdiction.

Support & resources

For official support, documentation, firmware releases, and community resources, use the links below. If you suspect tampering, compromise, or a security incident, contact official support immediately and avoid using unknown third-party tools.

  • Official documentation and guides
  • Firmware release notes
  • Community forums and developer docs