Trezor Suite® | Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®

A clear, secure, and colorful walkthrough to get your Trezor device ready — step-by-step startup, essential security practices, and quick troubleshooting.

Overview

Welcome! This guide shows the correct sequence to start up a new or reset Trezor hardware wallet using Trezor Suite. It is focused on safety: verifying official software, creating and safeguarding your recovery seed, and confirming device authenticity. Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets protect your keys, and a single mistake can put funds at risk.

Step-by-step: Start Up Your Trezor

Before you begin

Only use the official Trezor Suite app and official cables that came with your device. Never disclose your recovery seed to anyone or type it into a website.

1. Verify official software

  1. Open your browser and go to the official Trezor Suite site (see links below). Download the Suite for your OS — Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  2. Verify checksums if provided, or use the in-app verification that Suite offers after installation.

2. Connect your device

  1. Connect the Trezor hardware to your computer using the supplied cable. The device will show a welcome screen and a device model.
  2. When Suite prompts, allow the connection. The device screen and Suite must match the same unique code or fingerprint — always compare them visually.

3. Initialize or recover

  1. Choose Create new wallet to generate a fresh recovery seed, or Recover wallet if restoring from an existing seed.
  2. If creating new, the device will generate the recovery seed words on its screen. Write them down on the supplied card (or metal backup) in order.
  3. Confirm the seed by following prompts on the device — this prevents copy attacks and ensures you recorded it correctly.

4. Set a PIN & passphrase

  1. Set a PIN on the device (choose a length and pattern you can remember but that is non-trivial). Never store the PIN digitally in plain text.
  2. Optionally enable a passphrase (this acts as a 25th word). Use passphrases with caution — losing it can make funds inaccessible.

5. Finalize and receive

  1. After setup, create a receiving address in Suite and check it on the device screen to confirm it matches (address verification is vital).
  2. Send a small test amount first to confirm everything works, then send larger amounts.

Security Best Practices

Protect your recovery seed

Always store the written seed offline, in multiple secure locations if possible. Consider a metal backup for fire/water protection. Never photograph, type into a cloud note, or share the seed.

Device authenticity

Only buy from official channels. When device prompts to install firmware, follow official guidance and verify firmware signatures when available.

Software hygiene

Keep Trezor Suite updated. Use a secure, patched operating system, and avoid third-party plugins that interact with cryptocurrency software unless thoroughly vetted.

Quick checklist
  • Downloaded Suite from official site.
  • Verified device screen and app pairing code.
  • Wrote down and verified recovery seed in order.
  • Set a strong PIN and considered a passphrase.
  • Tested with a small transaction.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Device not recognized?

Try a different USB port/cable, restart the Suite app, or reboot your computer. Ensure your OS grants USB access (macOS or Linux may require permissions).

Forgot PIN or lost seed?

If you forget your PIN but have your recovery seed, you can wipe the device and recover with the seed. If you lose your seed and PIN, recovery becomes practically impossible — physical seed security is critical.

Phishing or fake sites

Always check the site domain in the address bar. Suite runs at official domains — don't enter seeds into any website; Trezor will ask you to confirm on the device only.