How to Set Up Your Trezor Wallet

Trezor.io/Start Guide — Clear, safe, and colorful walkthrough

Quick overview

In this presentation you'll learn how to unbox, initialise, secure, and use a Trezor hardware wallet step-by-step. Follow manufacturer guidance at trezor.io/start and keep your recovery seed offline.

Approx. 10 slides — presentation text ≈1500 words for speaker notes and handout.

What you'll need

A genuine Trezor device (Model One or Model T)
Computer or phone with USB or USB-C and internet
Pen + secure place to store backup
Time: about 15–30 minutes for initial setup

What is a Trezor?

Hardware wallet fundamentals

Hardened private key storage

Trezor is a hardware device that stores private keys offline. This prevents many online-threat vectors (malware, browser attacks). Keys never leave the device — transactions are signed inside the device and broadcast from your computer or phone.

Why it matters

Private keys are isolated from internet-connected devices.
Recovery seed lets you restore on a new device if lost.
Supports many coins and integrations via Trezor Suite or third-party wallets.

Model differences

Model One

Affordable, provides strong protection for most users.

Model T

Touchscreen, broader coin support, advanced features.

Speaker tip: reassure users that Trezor is widely used and reputable — but always verify device authenticity on unboxing.

Unboxing & Safety Checks

Inspect, verify, and stay cautious

Physical inspection

Check tamper-evidence seal (if provided).
Ensure packaging is intact and genuine.
Do not use a device that shows obvious tampering.

Buy from official sources

Purchase from the official Trezor shop or trusted retailers to minimize supply chain risk.

Initial power-up

Connect your Trezor to your computer or phone using the provided cable. If a PIN prompt or strange behavior appears before setup, disconnect and verify authenticity instructions at trezor.io/start.

Do not rush this slide — emphasize tamper evidence and official purchase channels.

Prepare your computer & resources

Install required software and make a safe workspace

Trezor Suite or compatible wallet

Visit trezor.io/start to download Trezor Suite or use a recommended third-party wallet. Always verify the official domain and download checksums when provided.

Work in a safe environment

Use your trusted personal device — avoid public/shared computers.
Ensure OS and antivirus are up to date.
Have a pen and backup location for your recovery seed (paper, metal backup).

Tip: show a quick demo of downloading Trezor Suite and verifying the site address bar.

Initialize Your Trezor

Follow guided steps in Trezor Suite

Step-by-step

Open Trezor Suite (or visit trezor.io/start and follow instructions).
Choose "Create new wallet" or "Initialize device".
Follow on-screen prompts — connect device and confirm model.
Set a device PIN when prompted — choose a memorable but not obvious PIN.

Important: PIN & passphrase

A PIN protects your device locally. An optional passphrase is an extra word added to the seed — it creates a hidden wallet; treat passphrases like additional private keys.

Warn users: if they forget PIN without seed, funds could be inaccessible. Emphasize backup first.

Create & Secure Your Backup

Write down the recovery seed — keep it offline

Write the recovery seed

When prompted, Trezor will display a series of words (typically 12 or 24). Write them down exactly, in order, on the provided card or durable medium. Do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed digitally.

Store backups securely

Store copies in separate secure locations (safe, deposit box, metal backup).
Consider metal backups for fire/water protection.
Never share your recovery seed — anyone with seed can control funds.

Practical demo: show example of writing seed and storing a backup in two places (not real words!).

Using your Trezor: Send & Receive

How transactions are signed and verified

Receive funds

Open the wallet app, select the coin, and copy a fresh receive address from the device interface. Confirm the address on the Trezor screen before sharing it.

Send funds

Create a transaction in the app, then confirm the details on the Trezor device. The device displays destination and amount; check them carefully before approving.

Highlight: always verify addresses on device screen, not solely on computer.

Security Best Practices

Daily habits to keep funds safe

Do

Keep firmware up to date (check only via official sources).
Verify transactions on the device screen.
Keep recovery seed offline and hidden.
Use passphrases for extra privacy if you understand tradeoffs.

Don't

Don't enter seed or PIN into a computer or phone.
Don't use passwords or seed images stored online.
Don't buy used devices without factory reset & verification.

Reiterate: social engineering is common — never reveal your seed, even to "support".

Troubleshooting & Recovery

Common issues and how to fix them

If device won't connect

Try a different cable or USB port.
Restart computer and reconnect.
Check official troubleshooting on trezor.io/start.

If device is lost or broken

Use your recovery seed on a new Trezor or compatible wallet to restore funds. If you suspect seed exposure, move funds to a new wallet with a new seed.

If recovery seed stolen: assume compromise and create new wallet, transferring funds when safe.