### **How to Back Up a Trezor Wallet**
Backing up your Trezor wallet ensures you can recover your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged. The **most critical part of the backup** is securely storing your **recovery seed**. Follow these steps carefully.
---
## **1. Understand the Backup Process**
When you set up your Trezor, it generates a **12-word or 24-word recovery seed**.
This seed **is the only way** to restore your wallet if something happens to your device.
🚨 **Important:**
- If you **lose your recovery seed**, you lose access to your crypto forever.
- **Never store your seed digitally** (not on a computer, phone, cloud, or email).
---
## **2. Find Your Recovery Seed**
If you’ve already set up your Trezor but haven't backed up your seed:
- Open **[Trezor Suite](https://trezor.io/trezor-suite)**.
- Connect your Trezor and go to **Settings → Device → Backup**.
- If you see **“No Backup”**, you need to back up your seed immediately.
---
## **3. Write Down Your Recovery Seed**
- Your Trezor will display **12 or 24 words** on its screen.
- Write them down **in order** on the provided recovery card.
- **DO NOT** take a screenshot or save it online.
✔ Use **pen and paper** (not digital storage).
✔ Double-check spelling and word order.
✔ Store in a **safe, fireproof location**.
---
## **4. Securely Store Your Recovery Seed**
### **Best Storage Options:**
✅ **Fireproof & waterproof metal backup** (e.g., Cryptosteel, Billfodl)
✅ **Safe deposit box** or secure **home safe**
✅ **Multiple secure locations** (e.g., home + trusted family member’s safe)
### **What NOT to Do:**
❌ **Never store your seed on a phone, computer, or cloud storage**
❌ **Never share it with anyone** (scammers may try to steal it)
❌ **Never enter it online** (only on a Trezor device for recovery)
---
## **5. Enable Extra Security (Optional)**
### **Passphrase Protection**
- Adds an extra layer of security (requires manual input when accessing your wallet).
- If someone steals your recovery seed, they **can’t access your funds** without the passphrase.
- Can be enabled in **Trezor Suite → Settings → Security**.
### **Shamir Backup (Trezor Model T only)**
- Splits your recovery seed into **multiple shares** for extra security.
- Requires **a minimum number of shares** to recover the wallet.
---
## **6. Test Your Backup (Highly Recommended)**
Before storing large amounts, do a **test recovery**:
1. Reset your Trezor.
2. Recover it using your **backup seed**.
3. Check if your funds appear correctly.
---
### ✅ **Final Backup Checklist**
✔ Recovery seed **written down and stored safely**
✔ **Not stored digitally** (no screenshots, no cloud storage)
✔ Consider **a metal backup** for extra protection
✔ **Tested the recovery process** to confirm it works
Would you like help with a **Shamir Backup** setup or **passphrase security**? 🚀
