Paper backups — simple but fragile
Paper is the lowest-cost backup but is vulnerable to fire, water, and physical wear. If you choose paper, laminate and store in a waterproof envelope and a secure location (safe or bank box).
Metal backups — long-term resilience
Metal backup plates or engraved options resist heat, corrosion, and physical damage. For long-term cold storage of large holdings, metal is the safer choice compared with paper.
Shamir & multisig — advanced distributions
Shamir’s Secret Sharing splits the seed into parts where a subset can restore. Multisig splits control across devices/people and offers excellent protection against single-party compromise. Both require careful planning and documentation.
Pink backup tips:
- Test restores from backup copies before full reliance.
- Label discreetly; avoid obvious "crypto" marks.
- Plan who can access backups and who will act in emergencies.
Backups are the most critical part of your trezor start lifecycle. Choose, test, and document a plan that matches your tolerance and needs.