Get Started with Your Trezor.io/start
Welcome to Trezor, the industry-leading hardware wallet that allows you to securely store, manage, and protect your digital assets. This guide will take you step by step through setting up your Trezor device, installing the necessary software, adding accounts, and following best practices to keep your cryptocurrency safe. Whether you are new to digital assets or transitioning from another wallet, this guide ensures you start with confidence and security.
Trezor devices are designed to provide complete control over your private keys, keeping them offline and secure. Unlike online wallets or exchanges, which are vulnerable to hacking, Trezor ensures that your funds remain under your control while providing a simple, intuitive interface to manage multiple cryptocurrencies.
Why Use a Trezor Hardware Wallet
A Trezor hardware wallet is a small, secure device that stores your private keys offline. It minimizes exposure to risks associated with software wallets, malware, phishing attacks, or compromised computers.
By using Trezor, you can:
Own and control your private keys: Your assets remain under your control at all times.
Secure your digital assets offline: Private keys never leave the device.
Verify transactions directly on the device: Every transaction requires physical confirmation.
Manage multiple cryptocurrencies: Trezor supports a wide variety of coins and tokens.
Security is the foundation of Trezor devices. The safety of your assets depends not only on the device but also on how carefully you handle your wallet and follow security guidelines.
Before You Begin
Preparation is essential before setting up your Trezor device. Follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth and secure setup:
Use a trusted computer or smartphone. Avoid public or shared devices.
Ensure your internet connection is secure. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks.
Have a pen and paper ready to record your recovery seed.
Set aside uninterrupted time for the initial setup.
Important: Never store your recovery seed digitally, take photos of it, or share it with anyone. Trezor support will never ask for your recovery seed.
Step 1: Verify Your Trezor Device
When you receive your Trezor device, inspect the packaging carefully. Trezor devices are shipped in tamper-evident packaging, and your device should arrive sealed and unused.
Do not use the device if:
The packaging is opened or damaged
A recovery seed is included in the box
The device shows signs of prior use
Using a tampered or pre-configured device can compromise the security of your funds. If you notice any of these issues, contact Trezor support immediately.
Step 2: Download Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the official software application used to manage your Trezor device and digital assets.
With Trezor Suite, you can:
Initialize your device
Install and manage cryptocurrency accounts
Send and receive digital assets securely
Track your portfolio and transaction history
Manage firmware updates and device settings
Always download Trezor Suite from the official Trezor website. Avoid third-party downloads or links from emails, social media, or ads, which could be malicious.
Step 3: Initialize Your Device
When you power on your Trezor device for the first time, you will be prompted to either:
Set up as a new device
Recover wallet from recovery seed
If this is your first Trezor, select Set up as a new device.
Create a PIN Code
Your PIN code protects your Trezor device if it is lost or accessed by someone else.
Use a PIN you can remember but is not easily guessable
The PIN must be entered directly on the device
You will enter the PIN each time you unlock the device
A secure PIN ensures that even if your Trezor is stolen, your assets remain protected.
Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Seed
Trezor generates a 24-word recovery seed during setup. This seed is the only way to restore your wallet if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen.
Recovery seed best practices:
Write down all words in exact order on the recovery card provided
Store the seed offline; never take photos or save it digitally
Never share the recovery seed with anyone
Your recovery seed is the most important security element of your wallet. Losing it can result in permanent loss of access to your assets.
Step 5: Confirm Your Recovery Seed
After writing down the recovery seed, your Trezor device will ask you to confirm the words in the correct order.
This step ensures:
You copied the seed accurately
Your backup is valid
You understand its importance for wallet recovery
Accuracy is critical at this stage. Do not rush the confirmation process.
Step 6: Perform a Device Authenticity Check
Trezor devices include a genuine check feature to confirm that your device is authentic and has not been tampered with.
This verification:
Confirms the device hardware and firmware integrity
Protects against counterfeit devices
Ensures your Trezor is safe to use
Always perform the authenticity check before adding accounts or sending funds.
Step 7: Install Cryptocurrency Accounts
Trezor supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies. To manage them, you must add accounts in Trezor Suite.
Open Trezor Suite and connect your device
Select Add Account and choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage
Accounts are securely derived from your recovery seed
Installing accounts does not expose your private keys. Each account remains protected within your Trezor device.
Step 8: Sending and Receiving Assets
Receiving Assets
Open Trezor Suite and select the desired account
Click Receive
Verify the receiving address on your Trezor device screen
Share the verified address with the sender
Always confirm addresses directly on your device to prevent malware from altering the information displayed on your computer.
Sending Assets
Open Trezor Suite and select Send
Enter the recipient address and amount
Verify transaction details on the Trezor device
Approve the transaction on the device
Every transaction must be physically confirmed on the Trezor device, ensuring maximum security.
Understanding Trezor Security
Trezor devices use a secure chip to protect private keys and sensitive data. Private keys never leave the device, providing a high level of security against online threats.
Security principles:
Trezor cannot access your funds
Trezor cannot recover your recovery seed
You retain full control over your digital assets
Good user practices, combined with the device’s built-in security, ensure your wallet remains safe.
Avoiding Scams and Phishing
Phishing attacks are a common threat for cryptocurrency users.
Remember:
Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed
Trezor will never ask you to verify your wallet online
Emails or messages claiming urgency are often scams
Always access Trezor services by typing the official URL into your browser. Be cautious with unsolicited emails, messages, or links from social media.
Firmware Updates
Trezor regularly releases firmware updates to improve security and functionality.
Updates are optional but recommended
Firmware updates do not compromise your assets
Always ensure your recovery seed is safely stored before updating
Follow the Trezor Suite instructions carefully when performing firmware updates.
Backups and Long-Term Safety
Offline backups of your recovery seed are essential for long-term security. Store them in separate, secure locations to prevent loss due to fire, water, or damage.
Best practices include:
Using physical copies, not digital backups
Limiting access to trusted individuals
Periodically reviewing backup security
The recovery seed is your ultimate safeguard. Losing it may result in permanent loss of access to your funds.
Lost or Damaged Device
If your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged:
Your assets remain secure as long as your recovery seed is safe
You can restore access using a new Trezor device or compatible wallet
Anyone without the recovery seed cannot access your funds
This underscores the importance of securely storing your recovery seed.
Managing Multiple Cryptocurrencies
Trezor supports a wide variety of coins and tokens. You can:
Add multiple accounts for different cryptocurrencies
Track all assets in Trezor Suite
Integrate with third-party services for enhanced portfolio management
Trezor provides a simple, secure interface to manage all your assets from a single device.
Advanced Security Tips
For added security:
Use a passphrase with your recovery seed for extra protection
Keep firmware and Trezor Suite up to date
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on Trezor Suite accounts
Never enter your recovery seed on a computer or online form
Good security practices combined with Trezor’s built-in protections provide robust defense against threats.
Exploring Trezor Suite
Once your device is set up, explore Trezor Suite features:
Portfolio tracking: Monitor all your assets in one place
Transaction history: Review past transactions
Account management: Add, remove, and manage accounts
Third-party integrations: Use supported apps and services for advanced management
Take your time to familiarize yourself with the interface while prioritizing security in every action.
Final Steps and Best Practices
After setup, you are ready to securely send, receive, and manage digital assets. Keep these best practices in mind:
Confirm every transaction on your Trezor device
Store your recovery seed in a safe, offline location
Be cautious of phishing attempts and malicious links
Keep your firmware and software up to date
Security is an ongoing process. Staying vigilant ensures your assets remain safe over the long term.
Conclusion
Owning a Trezor hardware wallet gives you control and security over your digital assets. By following this guide, you have taken the first steps toward managing cryptocurrency safely and confidently.
Security starts with careful setup, accurate handling of your recovery seed, and cautious online behavior. Trezor provides the tools; your practices ensure your funds remain protected.
You are now ready to begin your journey with Trezor, taking full control of your digital assets in a secure and user-friendly way.