Offline key storage
Private keys are created and stored within the device’s secure environment. Malware on your computer cannot read or export them.
This comprehensive, security‑first guide explains what a hardware wallet is, how Trezor protects your private keys, and how to set up, operate, and maintain your device using the companion application, Trezor Suite. You’ll learn to verify downloads, approve transactions safely on the device, optimize privacy, and avoid common pitfalls. A troubleshooting section and printable checklist are included for quick reference. Always use the official trezor.io domain and trust your hardware screen over anything on your computer.
Private keys are created and stored within the device’s secure environment. Malware on your computer cannot read or export them.
Transaction details appear on the device screen. You physically confirm with buttons or touch, blocking remote tampering.
Your funds are tied to a recovery seed, not a single device. If the device is lost or damaged, you can restore on a replacement.
PIN lock, optional passphrase, on‑device address verification, and firmware updates reduce risk from multiple attack angles.
Trezor integrates with widely used wallet software. Transparency and community scrutiny help improve security practices.
Once configured, daily operations are simple: connect, verify on the screen, approve, and you’re done—no custodial accounts required.
A hardware wallet is a small computer with a trusted display. It generates a secret (your master key) and never reveals it. When you want to send crypto, your computer prepares an unsigned transaction and sends it to the device. The device displays the details; if you approve, it signs internally and returns only the signature. The secret never leaves. Addresses are derived deterministically from the seed using standard paths, which means a compatible wallet can reproduce your accounts from the same seed when needed.
Proven, cost‑effective device with physical buttons and a simple screen. Suitable for most users who want robust security without extras.
Touchscreen for smoother passphrase entry and address review. Favored by power users who transact frequently and want a more fluid UX.
Both devices enforce the same core principle: verify on the hardware screen you control. Choose based on ergonomics and frequency, not speculative security myths.
Packaging should be intact. If you receive pre‑printed recovery words, stop—replace the device and notify support. No legitimate unit ships with a completed seed card.
Connect with the included or a known‑good data cable. Avoid hubs and low‑power adapters, especially during firmware updates.
New wallet: Create a new wallet and write down your words clearly. Restore: Enter existing words on the device only—never on a computer or phone.
Choose a non‑pattern 6–10 digit PIN. Too many wrong attempts will wipe the device, protecting you from brute‑force attempts.
Navigate to the official domain manually and download Trezor Suite for your OS. Avoid sponsored links and third‑party mirrors.
When hashes or signatures are published, compare them locally (Get-FileHash
on Windows; shasum -a 256
or sha256sum
on macOS/Linux).
Let Suite confirm your device authenticity before depositing funds. Treat any warnings seriously and re‑verify.
Apply the latest firmware if prompted. Read on‑device instructions and avoid touching cables until finished.
Trezor Suite is the companion application that helps you view balances, generate fresh receiving addresses, send transactions, and manage device settings. The app relays requests and shows results; the device performs approvals and cryptographic signing.
Add accounts for supported coins. Accounts are deterministic sets of addresses derived from your seed; you can create multiple for organization (e.g., savings vs. spending).
Click Receive to generate a new address, then verify the full address on the device display. Only use or share an address after you’ve verified it on the hardware screen.
Paste the destination, set amount and fees, and review carefully. The device shows destination and amounts; approve only when every character matches.
Use labels for bookkeeping. When exporting transaction history, treat CSVs or reports as sensitive and store them securely.
Adjust fees for speed or cost. Understand mempool conditions before sending large transfers; consider a small test send to new services.
Disable optional analytics if you prefer. Use fresh addresses and consider coin control where supported to reduce linkability.
Write your 12/18/24 words clearly. Keep two offline copies in separate locations. Consider a metal backup for fire and water resistance. Never photograph the seed.
The device screen is the source of truth. If the address differs between the computer and device, cancel and investigate—do not send.
Apply firmware and app updates promptly. Schedule maintenance time so you can read prompts carefully without rushing.
Avoid public Wi‑Fi for sensitive operations. If unavoidable, use a reputable VPN and double‑check details on the device screen.
Type official domains yourself. Ignore link shorteners and sponsored search ads. Support will never ask for your seed or PIN.
Treat the device like cash. Enable auto‑lock, don’t leave it unattended, and store backups separately from the hardware.
Adding a passphrase creates a different wallet from the same seed. It protects against someone who finds your seed without the passphrase. Memorize it or store offline; losing it means losing access to that passphrase‑protected wallet.
For high‑value funds, use wallets that support multi‑signature so multiple devices or people must approve transactions. This distributes risk and reduces single points of failure.
Consider a second device initialized from the same seed and stored separately. In emergencies or travel, redundancy reduces downtime while preserving separation.
Advanced users may prepare unsigned transactions on one machine and sign on the hardware device, keeping secret material isolated.
Buy from official channels. Avoid used devices. Inspect packaging and run genuine checks before funding.
Share only what’s necessary. Limit analytics, control permissions for screen recording and USB debugging, and prefer local over cloud storage for sensitive exports.
Try a different cable and USB port; avoid hubs. Close competing wallet apps. On Linux, install and reload udev rules, then replug the device.
Check network and firewall. If using a VPN, switch servers. Clear cache in settings and restart Suite.
Reconnect; Suite usually resumes. Use a short, stable cable and direct port to prevent power issues.
If the address on your device doesn’t match the computer, cancel immediately, update software, scan for malware, and retry only after exact match.
After too many wrong attempts, the device wipes by design. Restore using your seed on the device and re‑add accounts in Suite.
Your funds remain on‑chain under your seed. Acquire a new device and restore; then re‑index accounts in Suite.
Yes. Downloading and using Suite is free. Beware fake paid versions and any site requesting your seed.
Suite supports Bitcoin and many others; some assets may require third‑party wallets. Suite will indicate when external software is needed.
Yes. Install Suite on any trusted machine. Private keys stay on the hardware device.
Funds remain on‑chain and tied to your seed. You can reinstall later and reconnect your device.
Your backup is your recovery seed. Keep it offline, private, and durable; consider a metal backup for resilience.
Desktop is primary. For mobile workflows, follow official guidance and only use trusted apps recommended by the manufacturer.
List of 12/18/24 words that backs up your wallet. Anyone with these words controls the funds.
Public identifier for receiving funds. Generate new ones frequently to reduce linkability.
Unspent transaction output; the building blocks of Bitcoin balances and spending.
Requires multiple signatures from different devices/keys to spend, distributing trust.
An extra secret that derives a distinct wallet from the same seed. Lose it, lose that wallet.
Select which UTXOs to spend to manage fees and privacy where supported.