Secure hardware wallet

Compact guide • 5–10 minutes setup

Overview

Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores your private keys offline. This presentation walks you through unboxing, initial setup, securing your recovery seed, installing Trezor Suite, and safe day-to-day use. Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets protect your crypto by keeping keys off the internet.

Step-by-step setup

1. Unbox & verify

When you open your device, check tamper-evident seals and packaging. Only buy Trezor from official vendors (links provided). A genuine device has manufacturer's packaging and quick-start information inside.

2. Connect & initialize

Visit trezor.io/start and follow the guided flow. Choose a strong PIN on the device — the PIN protects access even if someone holds the device. Never type your recovery seed into any computer or phone.

3. Write down the recovery seed

During setup you will be shown a 12/24-word recovery seed. Write it down on the supplied recovery card (or metal backup) and store it securely offline. This seed is the only backup to restore funds if the device is lost.

4. Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official desktop app for managing accounts and firmware. Download it only from the official site and verify signatures when prompted. Keep firmware updated — it contains security fixes and feature improvements.

5. Add accounts & transfer funds

After installation, add the blockchain accounts you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Test with a small transaction first to confirm everything is working and that addresses displayed on your device match what the app shows.

6. Daily safety tips

Always verify addresses on the device screen, never share your seed or PIN, avoid installing untrusted browser extensions, and consider using a passphrase (also called a 25th word) for additional security if you understand the risks and recovery implications.

Troubleshooting & best practices

Firmware updates

Only update firmware via the official Trezor Suite interface. If an update fails, follow official recovery guides — do not use unknown third-party tools.

Lost or damaged device

If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore funds using your recovery seed on a new Trezor or compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 standards. Keep seeds physically protected and consider a fireproof metal backup.

Phishing & scams

Beware of phishing sites. Always confirm domain names and bookmark official pages. Trezor employees will never ask for your recovery seed. Report suspicious communication to official support.

Advanced: Passphrase

A passphrase adds a hidden wallet layer. It offers extra security but if forgotten, funds become irrecoverable. Use it only if you can safely manage the additional complexity.

Resources & learning

Learn more about how Trezor works, cryptography basics, and step-by-step tutorials using official documentation and the links on the right. Start small, use cold storage for long-term holdings, and practice with minimal funds until you're confident.

Quick checklist:
• Verify packaging
• Set PIN
• Write recovery seed (2 copies)
• Install Trezor Suite from official site
• Update firmware
• Send small test transfer
• Store backup offline