Secure Wallet Guide

Trezor.io/start — A Hands-On Beginner’s Guide to Protecting Your Crypto

Step-by-step instructions to prepare, configure, and maintain a hardware wallet safely — no jargon, just practical security.

Introduction

Hardware wallet devices provide an air-gapped environment for private keys. This guide walks through unboxing, initial configuration, firmware checks, seed management, sending/receiving assets, and long-term maintenance. The goal: reduce mistakes and follow clear, repeatable routines that keep funds safe.

1. Prepare your workspace and inventory

  1. Choose a clean, private area with a trusted internet connection.
  2. Unpack the device and confirm the tamper-evidence seals are intact. Inspect for physical signs of alteration.
  3. Keep a pen and paper set aside for writing recovery words; avoid electronic devices for backups.

2. Power on and verify firmware

  1. Power up following the included instructions and visit the official onboarding address as indicated in the device wallet documentation.
  2. Confirm the device screen shows matching prompts when asked by the companion web interface. Only proceed when prompts match exactly.
  3. If a firmware update is recommended, apply it via the device menus; firmware integrity checks occur on the device itself.

3. Set a PIN and secure seed

  1. Create a numeric PIN directly on the device; avoid writing it where others can access.
  2. Generate the recovery seed on the device — write each word clearly on the provided recovery card or high-quality paper. Do not photograph or store it digitally.
  3. Consider using a passphrase feature only if you understand the tradeoffs; a passphrase amplifies security but increases recovery complexity.

4. Verify addresses and practice transactions

  1. Before moving large amounts, send a small test transfer both in and out to verify address correctness.
  2. The device will show the exact receiving address on its screen — confirm it matches the interface before approving.
  3. Use the companion wallet only to view and prepare transactions; approvals must be made on the physical device.

5. Backup strategy and redundancy

  1. Create at least two physical backups of your recovery seed and store them in separate, secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
  2. Label backups discreetly; avoid obvious markers that they hold recovery information.
  3. Consider using metal backup plates for fire and water resistance if storing long term.

6. Routine maintenance and security hygiene

  1. Regularly check for firmware updates and apply only when confirmed through official resources.
  2. Do not plug the device into unknown computers or public charging stations.
  3. Keep device seed and PIN separate; if you suspect compromise, move funds to a new device with a fresh recovery seed.

7. Handling emergencies

  1. If the device is damaged, the recovery seed lets you restore funds to a compatible hardware or software wallet that supports the same standards.
  2. Test restore procedures on a spare device or virtual environment before relying on them in a crisis.
  3. Educate a trusted person about what to do if you become unable to manage your holdings — without revealing full sensitive details.

Conclusion

Taking time to set up a hardware wallet carefully and following sound backup practices drastically reduces the risk of loss. Treat your recovery seed as the ultimate key: store it safely, plan for redundancy, and verify every action shown on the device itself. With routine checks and cautious habits, a hardware wallet remains one of the most reliable tools for long-term custody of digital assets.