Complete onboarding — detailed walkthrough
This full guide explains each step from unboxing to sending your first secure transaction. It includes best practices for backup, recovery, firmware updates, and advanced security strategies for larger holdings.
1. Unbox & inspect
Check for tamper evidence on the packaging. Trezor ships devices sealed and with clear labeling. If packaging appears altered, contact the seller or Trezor support before proceeding.
2. Download Trezor Suite
Download the latest Suite version from the official site. Verify the package if you require high-assurance installs (checksums / signatures). Install the desktop app compatible with your OS or use the web-based Suite where supported.
3. Initialize your device
Connect the Trezor device and follow Suite prompts. Choose 'Create a new wallet' for a new device or 'Recover wallet' to restore an existing seed. Set a secure PIN when prompted — this protects against casual physical access to the device.
4. Record your recovery seed
Write your recovery seed on the supplied recovery card or another secure medium. Treat the seed as the ultimate key to your funds: never store it digitally, never photograph it, and never share it. Consider metal backup plates for long-term durability.
5. Verify firmware & device authenticity
Trezor Suite performs firmware verification during setup. Confirm firmware fingerprints displayed by Suite and on-device. If firmware checks fail or prompts look unexpected, pause and contact support to avoid malicious firmware installation.
6. Add accounts & receive funds
In Suite, add accounts for the coins you want to use. To receive funds, generate a receiving address and always verify that address on your Trezor device's screen before sharing it. This prevents man-in-the-middle malware from altering addresses.
7. Sending transactions & confirmation
Create the transaction in Suite, then verify amount, destination, and fee on-device. Trezor's screen displays critical details; only approve when the device confirms the exact information. For very large transactions, consider a test transfer first.
8. Backup strategies & advanced recovery
For high-value holdings, diversify backups across multiple secure locations. Consider using Shamir backups (if supported) or splitting seeds with trusted custodians using secure protocols. Always test recovery procedures on a spare device to confirm your backups are usable.
9. Passphrase & hidden wallets
A passphrase adds an additional secret layer on top of your seed to create hidden wallets. This increases security but also increases recovery complexity — if you lose the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable. Use it only if you understand the trade-offs and have secure passphrase management.
10. Maintenance & updates
Keep Suite and device firmware updated. Check release notes for breaking changes, migration steps, or security advisories. Never skip firmware verifications and avoid third-party tools that promise quick fixes for complex problems.
Troubleshooting & support
Lost seed: if you lost your seed and don't have backups, funds are unrecoverable.
Phishing: Trezor support will never ask for your seed or PIN — treat any such request as a scam.