Get started with the Trezor Model T

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 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.

Trezor Expert Onboarding Session

Trezor Expert Onboarding Session

Get a personal 1:1 wallet setup
session with Trezor Expert
*It’s necessary to have a Trezor device with you for this session.

Choose mobile or desktop setup below.

What you'll need

  • 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." Learn more.

1. Install and run Trezor Suite

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

Once the installation is finished, open Trezor Suite.

2. Connect and verify your Trezor

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

Trezor Suite desktop screen showing “Connect & unlock your Trezor” with a green Connect button and device illustration.

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

After connection, Suite will display the Device security check.

Dashboard showing a connected Trezor Model T with security check steps and a green Set up my Trezor button

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

3. Install firmware

Your Trezor ships without for security.

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

Trezor Suite screen prompting the user to install the latest firmware for their Trezor device, with an Install firmware button displayed at the bottom.

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.

Setup screen prompting to create a new wallet or recover one with two large action buttons

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.

Create-wallet screen showing the selected 12-word backup type and a green Create wallet button

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.

A Trezor Suite screen prompting the user to create a wallet backup. It shows three confirmation boxes, each with a green checkmark, acknowledging understanding of recovery, not storing the backup digitally, and keeping it secure.

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.

Set-a-PIN screen in Trezor Suite showing a lock icon and a green “Set PIN” button during device setup.

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. Activate assets

The last step is to select which cryptocurrencies you want to manage in Trezor Suite.

Trezor Suite’s coin activation screen showing selectable asset buttons and a green “Complete setup” button.

By default, only Bitcoin is enabled. Click to select any additional assets you’d like to use. For a full list of supported assets, visit trezor.io/coins

You can change these selections anytime later in Settings → Coins.

You don’t need to enable every coin now. You can always add or remove assets later without affecting your wallet or backup.

7. Setup complete

You’ve successfully set up your Trezor Model T.

You’re now ready to send, receive, and manage your crypto securely.

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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