Why a hardware wallet matters
Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline, inside a small device that you control. That means even if your computer is compromised, your funds remain safe because signing is done inside the device. If you value ownership, privacy, and long-term custody of crypto, a hardware wallet like Trezor is foundational.
What you'll need
- Your Trezor device and the USB cable that came with it (or a compatible USB-C cable).
- A clean computer or phone and access to the official Trezor suite or a supported wallet app.
- A pen and the included recovery card (or a reliably secure place to write down your recovery words).
Simple step-by-step setup
- Unbox and inspect. Ensure the tamper-evident seal is intact. If it looks altered, contact support rather than using it.
- Connect to Trezor Suite or the official start page. Use the official site or app—never a random link. Follow on-screen steps to initialize the device.
- Create a new wallet. The device will generate a seed (your recovery words). This step happens on the device display—never on your computer screen alone.
- Write down your recovery words. Write them in order on the recovery card. Do not store them digitally (no photos, notes, cloud storage).
- Confirm the seed. The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
- Update firmware. If prompted, allow the device to update using verified firmware from the official app. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add features—keep up to date.
Best practices for safety
Security is about habits. A few small rules protect you:
- Never share your recovery words. No one from support or community moderators will ever ask for them.
- Use a strong PIN. The PIN protects the device itself. Set something memorable but not guessable; avoid simple sequences.
- Keep a physical backup. Multiple copies stored in separate secure locations protect against fire or loss—consider a safe or deposit box.
- Be careful with downloads and links. Only use official Trezor software or trusted wallet integrations.
Daily usage: sending and receiving
Receiving is straightforward: generate a receive address in the Trezor app and share it. For sending, always verify on the device screen that the destination address and amount are correct—this step prevents malware from swapping addresses.
Advanced tips
- Passphrase feature: For advanced users, a passphrase can create hidden wallets. Use it only if you understand the implications—losing the passphrase means losing access.
- Multisig and accounts: Trezor is compatible with multisignature setups and many external wallets if you want extra security or shared custody.
- Be mindful of dusting: Small incoming transactions can be nuisance vectors—ignore tiny deposits unless you expect them.
Troubleshooting
If the device doesn't respond, try a different cable and port. For firmware or software issues, reinstall the official app from the official website and follow recovery instructions. If your device is lost or destroyed, use your recovery seed on a new compatible device to restore access.
Privacy and ownership mindset
Owning your keys means responsibility. Use privacy-preserving habits: avoid reuse of addresses for sensitive transactions, consider coin-join or mixers where appropriate and legal, and separate funds across accounts for different purposes (spending, savings, long-term cold storage).
When to seek help
Contact official support only when you have device identifiers and clear notes about the steps you've taken. Never input your recovery seed into a website or share it. If someone pressures you for your seed—it's a scam.