Trezor.io/Start — Full Onboarding Guide
This longer section is purpose-built to provide comprehensive context for each step of starting with a Trezor hardware wallet. It explains why each step exists, what to watch for, and how to adapt the guidance for different threat models. Read through it carefully and consider keeping a printed checklist nearby while you set up your device.
When you unbox your Trezor device, the first visual check is the external packaging. A genuine device will show factory seals and tamper-evident materials depending on manufacturing date and model. Never use a device that shows obvious signs of tampering, deformation, or mismatched labels. If anything looks suspicious, pause and contact the seller or procure a replacement from a trusted, authorized source. On a laptop screen, you should also ensure your browser is updated, that you are using a clean session, and that you are comfortable working offline with any sensitive notes.
For the next step, connect the device to your laptop. Many modern laptops support USB-C; if your model uses USB-A, use the cable supplied with your device. When connected, the device itself will show prompts on its physical screen. This is the fundamental security model: the hardware device displays the transaction and confirmation information and the user verifies visually. If the laptop displays something different from the device, trust the device.
Firmware verification is essential. Genuine devices provide ways to confirm firmware authenticity. On earlier hardware this could include checking a fingerprint or following an online verification flow; whichever method the device prompts, follow it carefully. The device will often display a short code or fingerprint that you can compare with the application. If you are unsure, avoid proceeding and consult official documentation or support channels. In this document we avoid linking any external resources because the instruction was to keep a standalone guide without external links — instead, rely on the device prompts and printed documentation included in the box.
When generating your recovery seed, the device will present you with a series of words. These seeds are usually 12, 18, or 24 words depending on configuration. The security principle is simple: keep the seed offline and on a medium that you control. Use a high-quality pen and write on a secure sheet or plate designed for seed storage. Do not store the seed in a photo, on your phone, or in cloud storage. Consider using a metal seed backup for durability against fire and water. A best practice is to create at least two copies — one primary and a geographically separated second copy — to provide resilience against local disasters.
When confirming the seed during the verification step, the device may ask for random words from the list. This ensures you actually wrote down the seed correctly. If you cannot verify the seed because some words are missing or illegible, do not proceed with funding the device. Instead, reset and generate a fresh seed, taking extra care to write every word plainly and in order.
Device passwords (passphrases) provide an extra layer of security. A passphrase is effectively an additional word appended to the recovery seed and is not stored anywhere on the device. If you opt to use a passphrase, remember it exactly — losing the passphrase loses access to funds associated with that derived account. Passphrases are advanced: they offer plausible deniability and the ability to create multiple hidden wallets from a single seed. If you are new to hardware wallets, practice with small amounts before applying passphrases to significant balances.
During setup, you will be encouraged to set a device PIN. Choose a PIN that is memorable but not easily guessable from your personal data. Some users make the mistake of choosing a short numeric PIN; for enhanced security, choose a longer PIN. On-screen input for PINs may use randomized key layouts on the device screen to mitigate keyloggers on the laptop — always confirm the layout on the physical device rather than typing blindly.
After setup, exercise your device with small transactions. Send a tiny amount of crypto to your new wallet as a practice run. Confirm on the device that the receiving address displayed on the laptop matches the device's screen. If they diverge, stop — this could indicate malware or interception. Repeat the exercise until you are comfortable that the device shows accurate transaction data and confirmations.
For long-term security, consider these additional measures: use a dedicated laptop with minimal software to manage your hardware wallet; keep system backups and security updates current; and partition large holdings across multiple devices or accounts to reduce single points of failure. Stay informed about known vulnerabilities and firmware updates and update firmware only through the device's recommended processes.
If you ever suspect your recovery seed is compromised, transfer funds to a fresh wallet immediately and then properly destroy the compromised seed medium. Avoid using 'temporary' or 'throwaway' seeds for significant holdings. Treat hardware key material with the same respect you would give to physical cash or legal documents.
Finally, build habits. Regularly verify the physical integrity of your device, rotate backup locations occasionally, and remain skeptical of unsolicited messages asking you to reveal seed words. Hardware wallets like Trezor make strong security accessible — with consistent, careful use they provide robust protection for your crypto assets.