Overview
This presentation walks you through the essentials of using a Trezor hardware wallet: what it is, why it matters, how to unbox and set it up, and best practices for keeping your crypto safe. Follow the steps below, and you'll be transacting confidently in minutes.
What is Trezor? (Short)
Trezor is a hardware wallet — a small physical device that stores your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets, private keys on Trezor never leave the device, dramatically reducing exposure to hacks, phishing, and malware.
Key benefits
- Offline key storage and transaction signing.
- Open-source firmware and transparent security model.
- Easy recovery using the seed phrase if the device is lost.
Before you begin
Gather these essentials: your Trezor device (Model One or Model T), a computer with a USB port, a stable internet connection, and a secure place to write down your recovery seed (not on a phone or online).
Safety checklist
- Buy only from official stores or authorized resellers. (See links below.)
- Never share your 12/24-word recovery seed with anyone.
- Keep firmware updated and verify firmware signatures when prompted.
Step 1 — Unbox & Inspect
Open the packaging and visually inspect the tamper-evident seal. Verify device model and that it powers on when connected to your computer. If anything looks suspicious, contact official support.
Step 2 — Visit Trezor Start
Go to the official start page to initialize the device. We'll link several official Trezor resources below so you can follow the exact onboarding flow.
Step 3 — Initialize & Create PIN
Follow the on-screen prompts: create a device PIN and write down the recovery seed exactly as shown. The PIN protects access to the device; the recovery seed is the ultimate backup. Store the seed offline and consider using steel backup plates if you want long-term durability.
Do's and Don'ts
- DO write the seed on paper or a metal backup, and keep it in a safe.
- DON'T photograph, screenshot, or store the seed online.
- DO verify addresses on the device screen when sending funds.
Step 4 — Install Trezor Suite (optional but recommended)
Trezor Suite is the official desktop app for managing your device and accounts. It provides a modern UI for transaction history, coin management, and firmware updates. Download it from the official trezor.io/suite page and follow installation instructions.
Step 5 — Receive and Send Crypto
To receive funds, generate a receive address in the Suite or wallet interface and confirm it on your device. To send, create the transaction in the app, then confirm the details (amount and destination) on the device screen — always confirm on hardware, never blindly approve on your computer.
Quick example — verify address
1. Open account > 2. Click Receive > 3. Verify the address on your Trezor device's screen > 4. Share that address to receive funds.
Best practices for long-term safety
- Keep firmware up to date but validate update prompts via official channels.
- Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) to create hidden wallets — only if you understand the risks and backup process.
- Divide funds: keep a small hot wallet for daily use and a larger portion in cold storage on Trezor.
Troubleshooting & recovery
If your device is lost or broken, use your recovery seed to restore your wallets on a new device. If you suspect a compromised seed, move funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated seed as soon as possible.
Glossary (short)
Seed phrase
A human-readable list of 12, 18, or 24 words that encodes your private keys. Treat it like cash.
Passphrase
An optional extra word or sentence combined with the seed to create different hidden wallets — powerful but risky if lost.