Trezor.io/Start — Learn How to Set Up & Protect Your Crypto Wallet

Why a hardware wallet matters

Hardware wallets place your private keys in a dedicated device that never exposes them to the internet. Compared to custodial or hot wallets, hardware wallets drastically reduce the risk of remote theft, phishing, and malware. But the hardware alone isn’t enough — correct initialization, handling of the recovery phrase, and safe day-to-day habits complete a secure self-custody solution.

Before you start — preparation & safety checks

Preparation reduces mistakes. Before initializing a hardware wallet, gather the following and take these precautions:

• Your new device in original packaging. Inspect packing for signs of tampering.
• A reliable computer or smartphone with up-to-date operating system and browser.
• A data-capable USB cable (some cables only charge and won’t allow data) or the vendor’s recommended cable.
• Pen and durable backup medium (paper recovery card, or metal seed plate) to record the recovery phrase.
• A quiet, private place to write your seed words without interruptions or cameras.

Red flag: If the device asks you to enter a recovery phrase during the initial power-on, if the packaging is broken, or if someone else set up the device for you, pause and contact official support. Never proceed with a device that appears compromised.

Initial setup — conceptual step-by-step

The exact onscreen prompts and companion software flows depend on model and firmware versions. Treat the following as a safe checklist to follow along with the official on-device and manufacturer documentation.

1. Connect the device to your computer or pair via Bluetooth (if applicable). The device should show a welcome or “device ready” screen.
2. Use official setup flow — open the vendor’s verified companion app or web suite. (Do not download software from unverified third-party sites.)
3. Create a new wallet on the device (unless you are restoring an existing recovery phrase).
4. Choose a secure PIN on the device to prevent unauthorized local access. Memorize it — avoid storing it digitally.
5. Write down the recovery phrase exactly as displayed by the device, in order, on physical backup media. Make at least two separate copies and store them in different secure locations.
6. Confirm the phrase when prompted by the device so you’re sure it’s recorded correctly.
7. Finish setup and add cryptocurrency accounts in the companion interface.

Never enter your recovery phrase into a website, document, or image. Treat it as the single most sensitive secret — anyone with it can fully restore and control your funds.

Daily usage: receive, send, and verify

Once initialized, keep the following checks as part of every transaction:

• Receiving: Generate a receiving address in the app and always verify that exact address on your hardware device display before sharing it.
• Sending: Construct the transaction in the app, then verify recipient address, amount, and fee on the device screen. Approve only if they match exactly.
• Beware clipboard malware: Some malware tampers with copied addresses; verifying on device prevents misdirected transactions.
• Test first: For a new service, send a small test amount before transferring large sums.

Recovery phrase — storage & advanced protections

Your recovery phrase (seed) is the ultimate key to your crypto. Protect it using these practices:

• Record the seed on paper and on a durable metal backup if possible; store copies in separate secure locations (safe, bank safety deposit box).
• Never store the seed digitally — no photos, screenshots, cloud backups, or plain text files.
• Consider using a passphrase if offered — it creates an additional hidden wallet derived from your seed. Note: the passphrase must be backed up separately; losing it means losing the hidden wallet.
• For organizations or high-value holdings, consider multisig (multiple signers) or secret-sharing schemes to split recovery responsibility across trusted parties or locations.

Never share your seed.

Companion software & safe download practices

Companion apps and bridge utilities enable the device to communicate with your browser or desktop but should only be installed from verified sources. Follow these rules:

• Download companion software, bridge tools, and firmware only from the manufacturer’s official website or from official app stores. Avoid third-party mirrors.
• If the vendor publishes checksums or signed releases, verify the file integrity before installing.
• Keep the companion app, bridge, and device firmware updated to receive security fixes — apply vendor-signed updates only.

This guide does not provide download links. Visit the hardware vendor’s verified documentation for official downloads and installation instructions.

Troubleshooting common issues

Connection or setup problems are common and often resolvable with basic checks:

1. Try a different USB cable or port; some cables are power-only and won’t transmit data.
2. Restart the companion app/browser and your device; sometimes a fresh session resolves detection issues.
3. Ensure any required local bridge/agent is installed from official channels and that your browser is up to date.
4. Temporarily disable overly aggressive firewall or antivirus settings that might block local inter-process communication.
5. If a firmware update fails or the device displays unexpected prompts, stop and contact official support rather than sharing your seed with unknown helpers.

Advanced options for power users

After mastering basic operations, advanced users can consider:

• Passphrase / hidden wallets: Adds privacy/security by deriving extra wallets from the same seed plus a secret passphrase. Use only if you understand recovery implications.
• Multisignature (multisig): Split signing authority among multiple devices or participants for shared custody or enhanced security.
• Air-gapped signing: Sign transactions on an offline machine and transfer signed transactions via QR code or removable media to broadcast — useful for highest isolation.

Test advanced setups with small amounts thoroughly before moving large funds.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my device?

Restore your wallet on a new compatible device using your recovery phrase. If you used a passphrase for a hidden wallet, you’ll need that passphrase too.

Can someone use my device without my PIN?

No — the PIN prevents local access to the device. However, anyone with your recovery phrase can restore and control your funds, so keep the seed safe.

Is using a web companion safe?

Yes, when you download companion/web software from the vendor’s verified channels and confirm every transaction on the hardware device screen. The device display is the authoritative source of truth.

Conclusion & final safety reminders

Hardware wallets are a powerful tool for secure self-custody of cryptocurrencies. Correct initialization, careful handling of the recovery phrase, downloading software from official sources, and verifying each transaction on your device keep funds protected. Follow vendor documentation for model-specific steps and always be skeptical of any request that asks you to reveal your seed, PIN, or passphrase.

Reminder: This page is an educational, non-official guide. For official setup flows, downloads, and troubleshooting tools, consult the hardware manufacturer’s verified website and official support resources.