How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet | Trezor.io/Start Guide

Overview (What this guide covers)

This guide walks you through unboxing, verifying authenticity, installing firmware, using Trezor Suite, creating a wallet backup, setting a PIN, and making your first receive & send transactions. Typical setup takes ~15 minutes when you follow the official steps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Before you start (Checklist)

• Computer with internet access and a USB port (or a compatible phone + adapter).
• Your Trezor device and the official USB cable included in the box.
• A private, well-lit place to write down your wallet backup words (do not store them digitally).
• Ability to download Trezor Suite (desktop or web) from the official site. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Step 1 — Inspect & Authenticate (H1 → H2)

Why: Prevent tampering and ensure you received a genuine device. Check packaging, holographic seals, and use the Authenticate instructions on the Trezor site if anything looks off. If packaging is damaged, contact support — don't set it up. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How to authenticate

1. Open trezor.io/start and follow the device authentication checklist.
2. If prompted, run the on-screen authenticity check for your specific model (Model T / Model One / Safe series). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Step 2 — Install & Open Trezor Suite (H2)

Download Trezor Suite from the official page and verify the app if you use the desktop installer. You can use the web app, but desktop often gives the smoothest experience. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Install tips

• Prefer the official trezor.io/trezor-suite page to download/install.
• On first launch, connect the device and follow firmware install prompts (devices ship without firmware). If prompted, install the latest firmware. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 3 — Create or Recover a Wallet (H2 → H3)

Choose Create new wallet if this is your first time. If you are restoring, choose Recover wallet and follow the recovery-word entry steps for your device. Default backup/seed lengths differ by model (Model One commonly uses 24 words; Model T may present different defaults). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Wallet backup best practices (H4)

• Write down words on the physical backup card(s) provided — never store your seed on a cloud drive, photo, or plaintext file. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Keep backups in at least two secure locations (e.g., safe, bank deposit box, fireproof safe).
• Do not enter your wallet backup anywhere except when specifically prompted on your Trezor device screen. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step 4 — PIN & Optional Security (H2)

Set a PIN to protect the device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a PIN you can remember but isn’t guessable (avoid simple sequences). Consider enabling passphrase features only if you understand the extra responsibilities. Official docs explain PIN/passphrase tradeoffs. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Advanced security — Passphrase & Backup strategies (H3)

A passphrase acts as a 25th word. Use it only if you understand that loss of that passphrase means loss of access to funds. Consider metal backup plates for disaster protection (Trezor recommends secure, offline storage of backup words). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Step 5 — Using Your Wallet: Receive, Send, & Manage Coins (H2)

After setup, add accounts in Trezor Suite, generate receive addresses, and optionally move funds from exchanges. Always verify the address on your physical Trezor screen before sending. If something looks wrong, abort the transaction. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Quick safe-ops checklist (H5)

• Verify receive address on device screen each time.
• Use small test transactions when sending to new addresses.
• Keep firmware & Trezor Suite updated from official downloads. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Troubleshooting & Support (H2)

If you see tampering, firmware errors, or device issues, stop and contact official Trezor support. Don’t use third-party “help” that asks for your seed or private keys.