A hardware wallet puts an important responsibility in your hands: protecting the keys that control your assets. The first setup does not need to be complicated. A few deliberate checks can help you begin with confidence and recognize what a legitimate onboarding process should—and should not—ask of you.
A calm start beats a rushed one
Before you begin
Find a quiet moment and a trusted computer or phone. If you ordered your device from a marketplace or reseller, take time to review its packaging and follow the authenticity guidance published by Trezor. Do not rely on a link in an unexpected message, search advertisement, or social post; type the official address yourself or use a bookmark you created.
Keep the device, its cable, and the supplied recovery materials nearby. Your recovery backup is the way to restore access if the device is lost or damaged, so plan to store it somewhere private and physically secure. No genuine support agent needs to see it—not even to “verify” your wallet.
Let the official flow lead
Connect, install, and update
Visit Trezor.io/start and choose the instructions for your specific model. The official onboarding pages guide you through installing the recommended wallet software, connecting your device, and checking for a firmware update when one is offered.
Read each prompt on both your screen and the device itself. Confirm actions directly on the hardware when requested, and pause if something looks different from the official instructions. Never download a wallet app from an unsolicited link or approve a transaction you did not intend to make. Taking an extra minute to verify a prompt is part of using a hardware wallet well.
Your backup is yours alone
Protect your recovery information
During setup, your device may guide you through creating a recovery backup. Write it down exactly as instructed and check it carefully. Store it offline in a place that only you can access, away from casual visitors, cameras, and cloud-connected documents. Consider what would happen if your home were unavailable, while avoiding locations that make the backup easy to discover.
Never photograph, email, message, or type your recovery words into a website, form, or app. Anyone who obtains them may be able to take control of your assets. If a page or person asks you to disclose them, stop immediately and consult Trezor’s official support resources instead. A recovery phrase is not a password to troubleshoot with; it is a master key.
Keep trusted references close
Know where to go next
Bookmark the official Trezor Learn library for clear explanations of wallet basics, security, and common tasks. If you need help with a device or setup question, use the Trezor Support center reached through Trezor’s own website. Check the domain carefully before entering information or downloading software.
Once setup is complete, start with a small, familiar task and verify every address on the hardware screen before approving. Self-custody is not about mastering everything in one sitting; it is about building careful habits and knowing which sources deserve your trust. When in doubt, stop, return to the official site, and take the next step only when it makes sense to you.