Introduction

This document walks you through the recommended sequence for bringing a Trezor hardware wallet online for the first time. We emphasize actions you should take to preserve the device's security guarantees: verifying packaging, creating and safeguarding the recovery seed, setting device PINs, performing firmware checks, and using companion software in a trusted way. Follow the steps carefully — hardware wallets protect your private keys, and mistakes during initial setup can lead to irreversible loss.

What you’ll need before you start

A Trezor hardware device (model-specific instructions may vary slightly).
A desktop or laptop computer or mobile device with a compatible USB or connection method.
A reliable USB cable that supports data transfer (not just charging).
Access to a clean, private workspace (avoid public computers or public Wi-Fi during setup).
Paper and a pen (or a metal seed backup plate) to write your recovery seed — never store the seed in cloud storage or on a computer.
Optional: a password manager for storing account metadata (never store your recovery seed in it).

If you are setting up an institutional device, coordinate with your security policy: multisig, air-gapped flows, and multiple key custodians may change the steps below.

Unboxing & visual inspection

Before powering or connecting the device, inspect packaging and accessories. Signs of tampering — broken seals, mismatched stickers, or damaged packaging — should be treated as suspicious. If anything looks compromised, stop and contact the vendor or the manufacturer's official support channel from a different, secure device.

Check the outer packaging for intact tamper seals.
Confirm that the device model and serial number match the information provided with your purchase.
Locate the quickstart card, USB cable, and any included documentation.

Unboxing is the first chance to reduce supply-chain risk. Buying from authorized, reputable sellers lowers the likelihood of pre-tampered devices.

First connection: hardware & companion software

Modern Trezor workflows use a companion application (desktop/web) to manage accounts. The application communicates with the device through a local bridge or USB. For a secure start, obtain the companion software using a trusted device and official sources.

On a trusted computer, install the official companion app or open the official web interface using a bookmarked domain you verified earlier. Avoid links from email or social networks.
Connect your Trezor device using the supplied USB cable and wait for the device to power on. The device should show a simple welcome screen or a “Ready” prompt.
Follow the on-screen instructions in the companion app — it will guide you through device initialization or restoration.

If the companion app requests permissions or asks you to install supplemental bridge software, accept only if you are on the correct domain and using a trusted machine.

Create a new wallet (recommended for first-time setup)

Creating a new wallet generates a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words depending on the device and configuration). This seed is the master backup: anyone with the seed can restore the wallet and control funds, so protect it with the utmost care.

Select “Create new wallet” in the app when prompted.
The device will generate your recovery seed word-by-word and display them on the device screen. Write each word down exactly as shown — do not photograph the words or copy them into any digital device.
Confirm seed words when prompted; the device may ask you to verify random words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
Store the written seed in a secure, offline location. Consider using a stamped metal backup for long-term durability.

Important: Never enter your recovery seed into a website or share it with anyone. Official support will never ask for your full seed.

Set a device PIN and optional passphrase

A device PIN prevents immediate use if the device is lost or stolen. An optional passphrase creates hidden wallets derived from the seed and adds another layer of protection — but it also increases recovery complexity.

Choose a PIN of reasonable length (longer is better). Avoid simple, guessable patterns.
Enter the PIN on the device itself — never on the connected computer. The device will confirm the PIN entry.
Decide whether to enable a passphrase: if you do, create a secure, memorable passphrase and store it like a secret (separate from the seed). Losing the passphrase means losing access to passphrase-protected wallets.

Treat the passphrase as a separate secret. Some users use a passphrase for plausible deniability or to segregate funds; consider operational risk before enabling it.

Verify and update firmware

Firmware is critical: it contains the device's low-level code. Before transacting, confirm the firmware is the official, signed release and apply updates if available.

In the companion app, check the device firmware version. If an update is offered, follow the official update flow presented by the app carefully.
During updates, do not disconnect the device. Interrupting firmware installation can lead to recovery steps that may require your recovery seed.
After updating, verify the device screen and companion app indicate a successful, signed firmware installation.

Only accept firmware prompts from the official companion application on a trusted machine. Do not apply firmware from unknown or unofficial sources.

Receive test funds and verify address

Before moving large sums, test the full receive-and-confirm workflow with a small amount to confirm addresses and confirmations behave as expected.

Generate a receive address in the companion app for the chosen account.
Confirm the address on the device screen — the device display is the canonical confirmation.
Send a small test amount from another wallet or exchange and verify it arrives and has the expected number of confirmations for your needs.

Testing with small amounts reduces risk and validates your overall setup, including address verification and network fee handling.

Backup and recovery planning

A robust recovery plan prevents permanent loss. Your recovery seed is the centerpiece; design redundancy without increasing exposure.

Store at least two offline copies of the seed in geographically separated, secure locations.
Consider metal seed plates for fire/water resistance. Ensure any third-party backup solutions are offline and tamper-resistant.
Test recovery on a spare device with minimal funds periodically (this verifies your process without risking large amounts).
Document the recovery procedure and, if appropriate, designate a trusted individual or lawyer with clear instructions in the event of incapacity — but do not reveal seeds until required and under secure conditions.

Balance redundancy with security: more copies increase reliability but also broaden the threat surface.

Security best practices

Always verify transaction details (address and amount) on the Trezor device screen before approving.
Keep the companion computer updated and minimize unnecessary software to reduce malware exposure.
Use a dedicated machine for high-value operations if possible.
Enable strong PINs and consider using a passphrase only if you can securely manage it.
Revoke third-party app permissions and API keys you no longer use.

These practices preserve the device’s security advantages and make remote compromise of funds far less likely.

Troubleshooting common startup issues

Device not detected

Check the USB cable and try a different port; use a data-capable cable.
Restart the companion app and, if necessary, the computer.
On some operating systems, permissions or driver settings may require adjustment.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the PIN, you must reset the device and restore from the recovery seed. This is why secure seed backups are essential.

Firmware update failed

Reconnect the device, do not improvise with unofficial tools, and follow the official recovery steps. Keep the recovery seed available if the device requires a reset.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start without a seed?

No — creating or restoring a seed is part of initialization. The seed is the ultimate backup; without it you cannot restore a wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

Is it safe to buy used devices?

Exercise caution. A used device should be fully reset and you must create a new seed. Buying new from authorized sellers reduces supply-chain tampering risk.

What if I suspect device tampering?

Stop using the device, do not enter your seed or PIN on it, and contact the vendor or the manufacturer's support from a different, trusted device for guidance.

Closing notes

Initializing your Trezor device carefully is the most important step in protecting your crypto. The sequence — inspect packaging, use a trusted host, create and securely store your seed, set a PIN, verify firmware, and test with small amounts — is intentionally conservative. If you follow these steps and adopt the security practices described, you'll preserve the strong protections hardware wallets are designed to provide.

This guide is informational; for device-specific edge cases, follow official manufacturer documentation and support processes. Do not share your recovery seed, and keep device and recovery information physically secure.