What Does “Backing Up” Your Wallet Mean?

In the world of self-custody, backing up your wallet doesn’t mean saving it to a cloud or USB drive. Instead, it means creating a secure record of your recovery seed—the randomly generated list of words that gives full access to your funds.

When you create a new wallet in Trezor Suite, your Trezor device generates this recovery seed phrase. This is your backup. With it, you can recover your wallet and all assets on any Trezor device if yours is ever lost, stolen, or damaged.

Without this backup, you have no way to recover your crypto.

Step-by-Step: Backing Up with Trezor Suite

Step 1: Launch Trezor Suite

Begin by opening the Trezor Suite app on your computer. Make sure your Trezor device is connected via USB. If this is your first time, you’ll be guided through setup. If you’ve already created a wallet but skipped the backup, you’ll see a warning message prompting you to complete it.

Step 2: Create or Confirm Your Wallet

If you haven’t created a wallet yet, choose “Create new wallet” in Trezor Suite. After that, the software will prompt you to back it up immediately.

If you already have a wallet but didn’t perform a backup during setup, Trezor Suite will remind you to do it every time you log in until it's completed.

Step 3: Start the Backup Process

Click “Create backup” when prompted. Trezor Suite will explain that your device will display a series of words—usually 12, 18, or 24 depending on your model and settings.

Important:
The backup process takes place entirely on the device screen. The seed is never shown on your computer or stored anywhere digitally.

Step 4: Write Down the Recovery Seed

As each word appears on your Trezor screen, write it down by hand on the provided recovery card or another secure medium. Double-check the spelling and order of each word.

Tips for recording your seed:

  • Use pen and paper, not a digital device
  • Don’t take photos or screenshots
  • Don’t store your seed in cloud services, email, or text files
  • Ensure you are in a private environment when writing it down

Once complete, Trezor will ask you to confirm several of the words in random order. This ensures you wrote them down correctly.

Where to Store Your Backup

Now that you’ve written your recovery seed, the next critical step is secure storage. Your seed gives full access to your funds—anyone who finds it can steal your crypto.

Safe storage tips:

  • Store in a fireproof and waterproof location
  • Consider a metal backup device for added durability
  • Keep your backup offline and hidden
  • Avoid places like your wallet, phone case, or shared desk drawers
  • Don’t tell anyone where you’ve stored it

If possible, keep a second backup in a separate, equally secure location—such as a safety deposit box or locked safe in another building.

Best Practices After Backing Up

Once you’ve completed your backup, follow these practices to maintain security:

  • Do not share your seed with anyone—not even with “support agents”
  • Check your backup periodically to ensure it’s still legible and intact
  • Label your backup subtly, without revealing it’s a crypto recovery phrase
  • Consider enabling passphrase protection for additional security, but only if you understand how it works

If you ever suspect your recovery phrase has been compromised, the safest option is to create a new wallet and transfer your funds to it immediately.

What Happens If You Lose Your Backup?

If you lose your recovery seed and your Trezor device is damaged, stolen, or reset, your funds are unrecoverable. This is why Trezor puts so much emphasis on performing and securing the backup during setup.

Trezor Suite will continue to remind you until the backup is completed. Take this reminder seriously—it’s not a warning you want to ignore.

Conclusion

Backing up your wallet with Trezor Suite is a simple yet powerful step that puts full control—and full responsibility—in your hands. By carefully recording and storing your recovery seed, you ensure that your digital assets remain safe, even in the event of device failure, theft, or disaster.

Think of your Trezor backup as your personal crypto insurance policy. Take the time to do it right, store it securely, and review it occasionally. In the world of decentralized finance, your backup is your lifeline—and with Trezor, it’s 100% in your control.