Secure by design
Beginner-friendly
Self-custody
New to hardware wallets? This friendly guide mirrors the onboarding journey you’d expect when setting up a Trezor device. It explains what happens, why each step matters, and how to move with confidence. Whether you’re unboxing a Model T or a Model One, the flow is simple: prepare the device, initialize securely, and learn the everyday moves that keep your coins under your control.
Think of it as a roadside map: short signposts, practical notes, and no jargon you don’t need. If a term looks technical, we translate it on the spot so you can stay focused on the essentials.
Check the hologram seal and make sure the contents match the manual. Genuine packaging protects you from tampered hardware. If anything seems off, pause and verify before plugging in.
Connect the device via USB and install the desktop app (Trezor Suite). During first run you’ll likely be offered a firmware update. Let the device handle it—firmware is signed and verified on-device for safety.
Tip: Keep your computer’s OS up to date. Good hygiene reduces most common risks.
Choose Create wallet on the device. You’ll be guided to generate a recovery phrase (also called a seed). This phrase is your master key. Write it by hand on the provided cards—no photos, no cloud, no copier apps.
Important: Anyone with your recovery phrase can control your funds. Guard it like a vault code.
Your device PIN prevents casual access if the wallet leaves your desk. A passphrase (advanced, optional) adds another secret that’s never written to the device. Use it only if you can manage it reliably—losing a passphrase means losing access to that specific hidden wallet.
In the app, pick an account and click Receive. Verify the address on your device screen and compare it with what’s shown on your computer. Only confirm when they match perfectly, then share the address with the sender.
Send a tiny amount first to practice fees and confirmations. Review the transaction on your device display and approve it there. When the network confirms, you’ll see the balance update in the app.
You can hold multiple coins and create distinct accounts to keep activity organized. For example, maintain a “long-term” account for savings and a “spending” account for regular moves. Clear labeling today saves time next month.
Your recovery phrase is the backup. Consider storing a second hand-written copy in a separate secure location. If you ever replace the device, you can recover your funds by entering the phrase on the new unit.
Always trust the device screen over your computer. If malware tried to swap an address on your PC, the device display would still reveal the correct one. Confirm on the device or don’t proceed.
Fees vary with congestion. Use the app’s presets or customize for time vs. cost. Different networks confirm at different speeds; a small delay is normal and expected.
If your device is lost or damaged, connect a new device and choose Recover wallet. Enter the words carefully on the device when prompted. Once restored, your accounts and balances become visible again in the app.
Label accounts, write short notes on transactions, and export statements for your records. Small habits make tax time and audits much easier.
Explore coin-control, custom fees, and watch-only wallets to monitor balances safely from a daily computer without plugging in the device.