Thank you for choosing a Trezór® hardware wallet. Hardware wallets are purpose-built to keep your private keys offline and under your control. This official Trezor.io/Start guide walks you from unboxing to your first secure transaction with clear, actionable steps and essential best practices that minimize risk while keeping setup simple. Follow each recommended step, keep your recovery information offline, and confirm every action directly on your device.
Inspect the packaging for factory seals and tampering. Verify authenticity using serial numbers or official verification tools. If anything looks altered, stop and contact official support before proceeding.
Use a private, trusted computer or mobile device. Avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared machines during initialization. If possible, run verified operating system updates and antivirus scans prior to setup.
Pick a PIN that resists guessing but you can remember. The device will require this PIN to unlock and authorize transactions. Never write the PIN on the device or online.
The recovery seed (12, 24, or more words) is the ultimate backup to restore your wallet. Write the words exactly, in order, on the supplied recovery card or another secure, offline medium. Do not photograph, copy to cloud storage, or store the seed digitally.
For advanced security, enable an optional passphrase (a 25th word). A passphrase significantly increases protection but must be stored separately; loss of both seed and passphrase means permanent loss of funds.
Before transacting, install official firmware updates and companion apps downloaded only from verified sources. Firmware updates include security improvements and may be required to support newer coins.
How setup protects you
A hardware wallet isolates your private keys inside secure hardware so they never touch potentially compromised devices. Requiring manual confirmation for transactions ensures malware on your computer cannot silently move funds. The recovery seed enables recovery but also must be protected carefully — it is the single most important asset to keep secret and offline.
Practical checklist
- Only use official Trezór® apps and downloads; verify links and signatures.
- Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone — support will never ask for them.
- Store copies of your recovery seed in secure, offline locations (consider fireproof safe or bank deposit box for long-term storage).
- Test recovery by restoring to a secondary device if you rely on the funds heavily.
- Start with a small test transaction before moving larger amounts.
Accessibility & privacy
This guide is designed for clarity and accessibility. The device uses deterministic wallets and open-source firmware to enable transparency and independent audits. Your privacy is respected — Trezór® never stores your recovery seed or private keys off-device.