Welcome to Trezor Start
Welcome to the official guide for getting started with your Trezor hardware wallet. Whether you’re using the Trezor Model T or the Trezor One, this step-by-step walkthrough helps you initialize your device securely, protect your recovery seed, and start managing your digital assets confidently.
Your Trezor is more than just a wallet—it’s your personal digital vault. It gives you complete control over your private keys while keeping them safe from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks. Let’s walk through how to set it up correctly from the first moment you open the box.
1. Unboxing Your Trezor Device
Before connecting your Trezor to any computer, carefully check the packaging for tampering. Every Trezor device comes with security seals and protective packaging that ensures no one has interfered with your hardware before you received it.
- Inspect the holographic seal on the box for any signs of damage or removal.
- Ensure that all items are included: your Trezor device, USB cable, instruction card, and recovery seed cards.
- Never purchase used or opened Trezor devices. Always buy from trezor.io or authorized resellers.
2. Visit Trezor.io/Start
Now that you’ve verified your device, go to trezor.io/start using a trusted browser such as Brave, Firefox, or Chrome. This page ensures you download the official Trezor Suite, which is the secure management application for your wallet.
The Trezor Suite software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can also use it directly through the web interface if you prefer not to install the desktop version. Always confirm that the URL begins with https:// and that the connection is secured.
3. Installing Trezor Suite
Download and install the Trezor Suite on your computer. This application acts as your main dashboard where you can create accounts, view balances, send and receive coins, and manage security settings. Once installed, launch it and connect your Trezor device using the USB cable provided.
If prompted, install the latest firmware. Firmware updates are essential to fix security vulnerabilities and introduce new features. During installation, never disconnect the device until the process completes.
4. Creating or Recovering a Wallet
Once your device is connected, you will have two main options: create a new wallet or recover an existing wallet.
Creating a New Wallet
When creating a new wallet, your Trezor generates a 12-, 18-, or 24-word recovery seed phrase. This seed is your ultimate backup—it can restore your funds even if your device is lost or damaged. Write it down carefully on the provided recovery cards and store it in multiple safe, offline locations.
Recovering an Existing Wallet
If you’re restoring an old wallet, use your recovery phrase to regain access. Enter the seed words directly on your Trezor device using its secure input method—never type them on your computer keyboard.
5. Setting Up PIN Protection
Next, you’ll be asked to set up a personal PIN code. This PIN is required every time you connect your Trezor to a computer, adding another layer of protection against unauthorized access.
The PIN is entered using a randomized grid displayed on your Trezor’s screen. This system prevents keyloggers from capturing your PIN. Choose a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.
6. Using Trezor Suite for the First Time
After the setup, you’ll access the Trezor Suite dashboard. Here, you can manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other supported coins and tokens. Each asset resides in its own account, giving you full visibility and control.
- Send: Enter a recipient address and confirm the transaction directly on your Trezor screen.
- Receive: Generate a new address each time and verify it on your device before sharing.
- Buy & Exchange: Trezor Suite integrates with verified exchanges so you can buy, swap, and sell crypto safely.
7. Advanced Security Features
Trezor goes beyond simple storage. You can enable advanced options like:
- Passphrase Protection: Adds a custom word or sentence as an additional layer to your seed. This creates hidden wallets and prevents physical theft risks.
- Shamir Backup: Split your recovery seed into multiple shares stored in different locations for redundancy and resilience.
- Tor Integration: In Trezor Suite, you can route your connection through the Tor network for increased privacy.
8. Maintaining Your Trezor Securely
Owning a Trezor is an ongoing responsibility. Here are some best practices to keep your wallet secure:
- Regularly check for firmware updates via Trezor Suite.
- Use strong, unique passwords for your computer and exchange accounts.
- Keep your recovery seed offline and never share it with anyone.
- Avoid connecting your Trezor to public or untrusted computers.
9. Troubleshooting and Support
If you ever encounter setup issues, the Trezor Support Center offers detailed troubleshooting guides. Visit trezor.io/support for help on topics like connection problems, firmware recovery, and lost PINs.
You can also join the Trezor community forums to ask questions and share knowledge with other users. The support team never asks for your recovery seed—beware of impersonators or fake sites.
10. Final Thoughts
Setting up your Trezor wallet via Trezor.io/Start is a crucial first step toward taking full control of your cryptocurrency. By keeping your keys offline, verifying every transaction on your device, and protecting your recovery seed, you ensure your assets remain secure for years to come.
Hardware wallets like Trezor embody the principle of self-custody—giving you independence from centralized exchanges and custodial risks. With Trezor, your crypto is truly yours.