A clear, step-by-step walkthrough to set up Trezor Suite, create and restore wallets, receive and send crypto, and follow essential security practices.
Safety reminder: Your recovery seed (the words generated by your device) is the single most important secret. Never share it, photograph it, or store it on a phone or cloud drive.
What you’ll need
A Trezor hardware device (Model One or Model T).
A computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) or a supported Android device.
A USB cable (usually included) and a quiet, private place to write your recovery seed.
Internet access only for downloading Trezor Suite and occasional updates.
Download & install Trezor Suite
Always download Trezor Suite from the official site: trezor.io. You’ll find a desktop app and a web interface. For stability and full functionality, install the desktop app for your OS.
Visit trezor.io/start (or the official downloads page) and choose your operating system.
Install and run Trezor Suite, then follow the on-screen prompts.
When Suite opens, it will guide you through connecting your Trezor device for the first time.
Initial connection & firmware update
Connect your Trezor
Plug the device into your computer. The Trezor screen will show a welcome message and ask you to confirm actions on-device. Always verify and approve prompts on the device, not only on the computer screen.
Install firmware if prompted
If a firmware update is required, Trezor Suite will prompt you. Follow the instructions and do not disconnect the device until the update finishes. Firmware updates include security fixes — keep your device up to date.
Create a new wallet
Choose Create a new wallet in Trezor Suite unless you have an existing recovery seed to restore. The device will generate a recovery seed (12/18/24 words depending on the model and options).
Write the words down exactly and in order on the provided recovery card or a notebook.
Do not take photos, screenshots, or store the seed digitally.
Consider a metal seed backup for durability against fire and water if you want long-term protection.
Suite will prompt you to confirm a few randomly selected seed words to ensure the backup is correct.
Set a PIN
Set a secure PIN to protect your device. Trezor randomizes the keypad shown on the device, preventing keyloggers from deducing your PIN. If the wrong PIN is entered too many times, the device may factory reset — but you can restore from your seed.
Tip: choose a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable (avoid birthdays, repeated sequences).
Adding accounts in Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite supports many blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and many more). To add an account:
Open Trezor Suite → Accounts → Add account.
Select the cryptocurrency you want to add.
Suite will derive the account from your seed and display its balance and history.
You can add multiple accounts for the same currency (e.g., different Bitcoin derivation paths) for privacy or organizational reasons.
Receiving crypto
Select the account to receive into, then click Receive.
Trezor Suite will display a receiving address, and your device will show the same address — always verify that both match.
Share the address or QR code with the sender.
Addresses can be regenerated for privacy. Confirm on-device each time to prevent malware from substituting an attacker’s address.
Sending crypto
Click Send, enter recipient address and amount.
Choose a fee level (if applicable) and review the total.
Confirm transaction details on your Trezor device screen. The device signs the transaction internally; only after on-device confirmation will the signed transaction be broadcast.
Because signing happens on the hardware, malicious software on your computer cannot silently change destination addresses or amounts without you seeing a different address on-device.
Optional: Passphrase / hidden wallet
Trezor supports an optional passphrase that, combined with your seed, creates an additional hidden wallet. This can increase security or provide plausible deniability, but it adds complexity: if you lose the passphrase, you lose access to that hidden wallet.
Use passphrase only if you understand the implications and have a secure way to store it.
Security best practices
Never share your recovery seed. Anyone with the seed can spend your funds.
Keep backups offline. Use paper or preferably metal backups kept in secure locations (safe, bank safe deposit box).
Verify everything on-device. Always confirm addresses and transaction details on the Trezor screen.
Be phishing-aware. Double-check URLs and never enter your seed on websites. Trezor support will never ask for your seed.
Update firmware & Suite only from official sources. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities — apply them when offered via Trezor Suite.
Consider splitting backups. For very large holdings, split your seed (using Shamir or other secure methods) or use multisig setups for extra protection.
Troubleshooting
Device not recognized
Try a different USB cable/port (avoid hubs), ensure Suite is up to date, and reboot your computer if needed.
Forgot PIN
After multiple wrong PIN attempts the device may wipe. Restore using your recovery seed on a new or reset device.
Seed exposed
If you suspect your seed has been seen by someone else, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a freshly generated seed. Treat exposure as an emergency.
Device lost or damaged
If you lose or damage your Trezor but still have the recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on another Trezor or any compatible BIP39 wallet.
Advanced tips
Use multiple accounts for different purposes (spending, savings, trading) to separate risk and privacy.
Consider multisig for high-value storage — require multiple signatures across devices/people to move funds.
Integrate Trezor with trusted third-party wallets (Electrum, MetaMask) for specialized features, but always confirm operations on-device.
Use a metal backup plate for long-term physical durability of your recovery phrase.