Trezor Setup Guide: Getting Started with Your Hardware Wallet
Congratulations on purchasing your Trezor hardware wallet! This guide will walk you through the complete setup process to ensure your cryptocurrencies are secure from the start.
Security Warning: Only purchase Trezor devices from official sources. Third-party sellers may compromise device security.
Before You Begin
Ensure you have the following items ready:
- Your Trezor device (Model T or One)
- USB cable
- Recovery seed card
- Computer with internet access
- Google Chrome or Firefox browser (recommended)
Step-by-Step Setup Process
1Connect Your Trezor
Connect your Trezor device to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device should power on automatically.
If this is your first time using the device, you should see a welcome message on the screen.
2Install Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge is a communication tool that allows your Trezor device to talk to your browser. It's required for the setup process.
Visit trezor.io/start and follow the instructions to download and install Trezor Bridge for your operating system.
3Initialize Your Device
After installing Trezor Bridge, refresh the trezor.io/start page and click "Setup your Trezor."
Follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware on your device. This ensures you have the most recent security updates.
4Create Your Wallet
You'll be given two options: "Create new wallet" or "Recover wallet." Since this is your first setup, select "Create new wallet."
Choose between "Standard seed backup" or "Shamir Backup" (available on Model T). For most users, standard backup is recommended.
5Backup Your Recovery Seed
This is the most critical security step. Your recovery seed is a list of 12, 18, or 24 words that can restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.
Write down the words in exact order on your recovery card. Never digitize this seed (no photos, cloud storage, or digital documents).
Pro Tip: Store your recovery seed in multiple secure locations, such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. Never share it with anyone.
6Verify Your Seed
After recording your seed, the device will ask you to verify it by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures you've properly recorded your recovery phrase.
Complete this verification carefully. If you make a mistake, you'll need to start the setup process over.