Welcome to Trezor
Congratulations on choosing Trezor — the world's first hardware wallet designed to secure your cryptocurrency assets. Your Trezor device is engineered to provide the highest level of security, simplicity, and usability. This guide will walk you through the process of starting up your device safely and confidently.
What is a Trezor Device?
Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores your private keys offline, providing a secure environment to manage your cryptocurrencies. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, which are vulnerable to hacks and malware, Trezor keeps your assets safe from online threats by isolating your keys on a physical device.
With Trezor, you maintain full control of your assets — your keys never leave your device, and you verify transactions directly on the device screen. This means you can confidently send, receive, and store cryptocurrencies without worrying about third-party breaches.
What You Need Before Starting
Before setting up your Trezor device, make sure you have:
- A computer or smartphone with an internet connection.
- A USB cable (usually included with your Trezor) to connect the device.
- A secure and private environment to complete your setup.
- A pen and paper for writing down your recovery seed phrase.
Important: Never share your recovery seed with anyone and never enter it on a device connected to the internet, except your Trezor during setup.
Unboxing Your Trezor
When you receive your Trezor device, it will come in tamper-evident packaging. Before proceeding, carefully check the packaging and device for any signs of tampering or damage.
- Verify the tamper-evident seal is intact.
- Check the holographic stickers and security seals.
- Confirm the device model matches what you ordered.
If you notice anything suspicious, do not use the device and contact Trezor support immediately.
Step 1: Connect Your Device
Use the provided USB cable to connect your Trezor device to your computer or smartphone. When connected, the device will power on, and the screen will display a welcome message.
If this is your first time connecting, your computer may install necessary drivers automatically.
Step 2: Visit trezor.io/start
Open a secure browser on your computer or smartphone and navigate to trezor.io/start. This is the official starting point for initializing your device.
From here, follow the on-screen instructions to download the Trezor Suite application — the official software interface for managing your device.
Step 3: Install Trezor Suite
Download and install Trezor Suite on your computer or smartphone. Trezor Suite is an open-source application that lets you configure your device, manage your accounts, and interact securely with your cryptocurrencies.
Installation instructions vary by operating system, but the website provides clear guidance for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Step 4: Initialize Your Trezor Device
Launch Trezor Suite and connect your device if you haven't already. You will be prompted to initialize your device. You have two options:
- Create a new wallet: Generate a brand new recovery seed and start fresh.
- Recover wallet: Restore your wallet using an existing recovery seed.
If you are new to Trezor, choose Create a new wallet. This will generate a new recovery seed phrase — the most critical component of your wallet security.
Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Seed
Your device will display a series of 12, 18, or 24 words — your recovery seed phrase. This phrase is the master key to your wallet and all your assets. Write down these words exactly as they appear on the device screen, in the correct order.
Keep your recovery seed safe in a physical location that only you can access, such as a secure safe or a dedicated seed storage device.
Step 6: Confirm Your Recovery Seed
To verify that you have correctly written down your recovery seed, your device will ask you to confirm certain words from the phrase. Carefully input the requested words on the device.
This confirmation step helps ensure you can restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.
Step 7: Set a PIN Code
For additional security, you will be prompted to set a PIN code. This PIN will be required every time you connect your device to a computer or smartphone.
Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. Your PIN adds a layer of protection against unauthorized access in case your device is lost or stolen.
Step 8: Start Using Your Trezor
Once your device is initialized, PIN set, and recovery seed backed up, you can start using Trezor Suite to manage your cryptocurrencies.
Use the software to create new accounts, receive and send coins, check balances, and explore advanced features such as multi-signature wallets and coin exchanges.
Essential Security Tips
- Keep your recovery seed offline: Never share your seed phrase with anyone.
- Beware of phishing attempts: Always verify you are on the official Trezor website (
trezor.io) and avoid clicking suspicious links. - Update firmware regularly: Use Trezor Suite to update your device’s firmware to the latest secure version.
- Store your device safely: Treat your Trezor like a physical bank vault.
- Use passphrase protection: For extra security, consider enabling passphrase protection as an additional layer.
Troubleshooting and Support
If you encounter any issues during setup or use, visit the official Trezor Support Center for guides, FAQs, and direct assistance.
Common issues include:
- Device not recognized by computer.
- PIN or seed confirmation problems.
- Firmware update failures.
- Security concerns or suspected tampering.
Remember: Never share your recovery seed or PIN with support staff or anyone claiming to be from Trezor. Genuine support will never ask for this sensitive information.
Conclusion
Your Trezor device is a powerful tool to secure your digital assets and provide peace of mind in the fast-evolving world of cryptocurrencies. By following this guide carefully, you ensure your wallet is set up securely and ready for daily use.
Always remember: Your security is in your hands. Protect your recovery seed, use strong PINs, and keep your device safe. Enjoy the freedom and control that Trezor provides!