Get started with the Trezor Model T

The Trezor Model T is no longer sold, but will continue to receive maintenance until at least 2031 and critical security fixes until at least 2036, ensuring your device stays secure and fully supported. Learn more here.

This guide shows you how to unbox, connect, and set up your new Trezor Model T in about 15 minutes.

If you’re new to self-custody or want extra guidance, you can book a one on one onboarding session with a Trezor Expert. They will walk you through setup and answer questions.

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Session d'Intégration Trezor Expert

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*Vous devez avoir votre appareil Trezor avec vous pour cette session.

Choose mobile or desktop setup below.

What you'll need

  • Your Trezor Model T
  • USB-C cable: for connecting your device to your computer or Android phone
  • The included wallet backup cards and a pen
  • About 15 minutes
  • For mobile setup: an Android phone with USB-C support
  • For desktop setup: a computer with Trezor Suite installed

Your backup cards say "recovery seed" - this is the same as "wallet backup." To learn more, please read Understanding Trezor wallet backups: 12, 20 or 24 words.

1. Install and run Trezor Suite

If you don’t have Trezor Suite installed yet go to trezor.io/start and click Download for desktop.

Once the installation is finished, open Trezor Suite.

2. Plug in and verify your Trezor

When Trezor Suite opens, you’ll see “Connect & unlock your Trezor.”

Trezor Suite dashboard prompting the user to connect and unlock their Trezor device

Plug in your Trezor Model T using the USB-C cable.

After connection, Suite will display the Device security check. When you're ready to proceed, click on Set up my Trezor:

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If anything looks unusual, see Authenticate your Trezor Model T for guidance on verifying your device.

3. Install firmware

Your Trezor ships without firmware for security.

Trezor Suite will guide you to install the latest version of the firmware.

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You can choose between Standard or Bitcoin-only firmware.

Click Install firmware and wait for the installation to complete.

Your Trezor will restart automatically.

4. Create your wallet and make a backup

Trezor Suite now guides you through creating your wallet and your wallet backup.

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Click Create a new wallet if this is your first setup, or Recover if you’re restoring one from an existing backup.

After selecting Create a new wallet, you’ll see a screen where you can choose your wallet backup type.

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By default, Trezor Suite recommends the 12-word wallet backup.

For a detailed explanation of backup standards and number of words, see Understanding Trezor wallet backups

Click Create wallet. Your Trezor will ask you to agree to the Terms of Use. Press and hold to create your wallet.

Once your wallet is created, tap Continue.

Then on Trezor Suite, click Continue to wallet backup.

Trezor Suite will first show you backup instructions. Read them carefully and confirm you understand by checking the boxes.

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Once you have reviewed those messages, click Create wallet backup.

Your Trezor device will instruct you to write down the words and keep them private.

Write down your 12 words:

Your Trezor Model T will display 12 words, one by one. These words form your wallet backup and are the key to restoring access to your wallet.

Your backup is the only way to recover your wallet. Write all 12 words in the exact order on one of the provided recovery seed cards. If the words are lost or written incorrectly, your wallet cannot be recovered.

Navigate using the up and down arrows on the device. You can go backwards to review your words order and spelling. When you are finished, tap Continue.

Your Trezor will then ask you to select specific words from your backup to verify you've written them down correctly.

Never enter your backup anywhere other than directly on your Trezor device. Fake apps and websites may try to trick you into typing your words. If you do, your funds can be stolen. Keep your backup written on paper or metal and stored safely offline.

5. Set a PIN

After your wallet backup is created, Trezor Suite will ask you to set a PIN.

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Your PIN protects your device from unauthorized access.

Click Set PIN and follow the on-screen instructions.

Your Trezor Model T will prompt you to enter the PIN directly on the device’s touchscreen.

  • Use a PIN of at least 4 digits. You can use up to 50 digits.
  • Avoid simple sequences (for example, ‘12345’) and numbers that are personally meaningful (birthdays, etc.).
  • You can change the PIN later in Settings → Device.
  • The device allows 16 incorrect PIN attempts.
  • After 16 incorrect PIN attempts, the wallet will be erased from the Trezor device. You can only restore your wallet with the wallet backup (recovery seed).

To learn more about creating and managing your PIN, see PIN protection on Trezor devices.

You can use the space provided on your recovery seed card if you want to write down your PIN. Always keep your wallet backup private and offline.

6. Setup complete

You’ve successfully set up your Trezor Model T.

You’re now ready to send, receive, and manage your crypto securely. Activate the assets you want to trade by clicking on Get started on the Trezor Suite Dashboard:

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Next steps after setup

  • Verify your wallet backup using the recovery check feature in Trezor Suite. This lets you enter your backup words on the device to verify that they are correct. This ensures you recorded your backup accurately. For detailed steps, visit Check backup on Trezor Model T.
  • Receive crypto into your wallet
  • Buy crypto directly in Trezor Suite
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