Why hardware wallets?

Hardware wallets like Trezor store your private keys offline — away from hackers, phishing sites, and malware. This slide deck walks through setting up a Trezor device, connecting it safely, backing up your recovery phrase, and best practices for daily use. The goal: leave with a working device and the confidence to manage crypto securely.

What you'll need

A Trezor device (Model One or Model T), a computer or smartphone, a USB cable (or adapter), and a quiet, private space to record your recovery phrase. Visit trezor.io/start for the manufacturer’s official instructions and firmware checks.

Check the box

Inspect the packaging for tamper-evident seals. A genuine Trezor comes with a sealed box and tamper labels. If anything looks damaged or altered, do not use the device — report it to the vendor and Trezor support via their website. Authenticity checks reduce supply-chain attack risks.

Included items

Most kits include the device, USB cable, recovery seed cards, stickers, and a quick start card with the link trezor.io/start. Keep the box until setup is complete and you’ve verified firmware.

Use the official start page

Open a browser and go to trezor.io/start. Follow the prompts to download Trezor Suite or use the web onboarding. The website walks you through firmware verification — do not skip firmware checks. Only install software from the official site.

Allowing device

When you connect the Trezor, the device screen shows a confirmation. Use the device buttons or touchscreen (Model T) to confirm actions. Never approve unexpected actions or transactions you did not initiate.

Create a PIN

During setup you'll be asked to choose a PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn't guessable. The PIN adds a layer of device access protection. The Trezor will display numbers in a random order — enter them on the host computer as shown to prevent keyloggers from learning the layout.

Generate recovery seed

The device will generate a recovery phrase (usually 12–24 words). Write these words down in order on the supplied recovery card. Never store them digitally: not on your phone, cloud storage, or screenshots. This phrase is the ultimate backup of your funds.

Storing the phrase

Write the seed on physical paper or metal backup plates designed for seed storage. Consider multiple geographically separate backups (e.g., a safe deposit box, a home safe). Ensure backups are accessible only to trusted people — plan for inheritance if relevant.

Testing recovery

After setup, practice a recovery on a spare device or follow the simulated recovery in Trezor Suite. Confirm that the recovery phrase genuinely restores the wallet before relying on it for long-term storage.

Receiving funds

Generate a receiving address in Trezor Suite or supported wallets and verify the address on the device screen. Always compare the address shown on the device to the one in your wallet — this prevents address substitution attacks.

Sending funds

When sending, review the transaction details on your Trezor's screen. The device displays amounts, destination addresses, and fees for you to confirm. Transactions must be confirmed on the device to be signed.

Keep firmware updated

Regularly check for firmware updates through Trezor Suite and only use official update paths. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add new features — verify updates using the official site.

Phishing awareness

Beware of fake sites, emails, and social engineering. Always type trezor.io directly or use bookmarks. Never trust unsolicited support messages asking for your seed or private information.

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port, update your browser, and ensure you're using the official Trezor Bridge or Suite. Check device firmware: if it’s empty, follow trezor.io/start to install firmware safely.

Missing coins

Some tokens require third-party integrations or manual add-ins. Use Trezor Suite and check supported asset lists on trezor.io for guidance.

Passphrase (hidden wallet)

Adding a passphrase creates a hidden wallet accessible only with that passphrase + seed. It provides plausible deniability but increases complexity — if you forget the passphrase, funds are lost. Use only after understanding emergency recovery plans.

Multisignature & integrations

Trezor can be used as a signer in multisig setups with compatible software (e.g., Electrum, Sparrow). This increases security for high-value holdings by distributing signing power across devices.

Next steps

Finish setup at trezor.io/start, verify firmware, write down and securely store your recovery phrase, practice a recovery, and make a small test transaction. Build good habits: verify addresses on-device and update firmware regularly.

Resources

Official start page: trezor.io/start. Help center and knowledge base at trezor.io/support. Community forums and advanced guides are available for multisig, integrations, and developer documentation.