Welcome to Trezor.io/Start — the official beginning point for anyone setting up a Trezor hardware wallet. This page is a detailed, 800-word guide written for beginners and advanced users alike. If you just unboxed your Trezor, you are in the right place. Here you’ll learn how to check your device for authenticity, initialize it safely, record your recovery seed, and prepare to send and receive crypto with confidence.
A Trezor wallet works by isolating your private keys in secure hardware that never leaves the device. Even if your computer is infected, your funds remain safe as long as you follow the setup steps correctly. Each instruction here is purposeful — together they form a chain of defenses that help you manage crypto securely for the long term.
Step-by-step Setup
Check for intact seals and no signs of tampering. If anything looks off, stop and contact official Trezor support before proceeding.
Use a private computer with updated operating system and security software. Avoid public Wi-Fi and shared machines.
Plug in your Trezor device. On the screen, select whether to create a new wallet or recover one with your seed. Follow only on-device prompts.
Create a PIN that balances memorability with security. The PIN is needed to approve transactions and prevents unauthorized use.
Write down the recovery words in order. Use the supplied recovery card or another offline method. Never digitize or photograph the seed.
Add a passphrase if you want an extra layer of security. It works as a “25th word.” If forgotten, access is permanently lost.
Always install the latest firmware from official Trezor sources. Updates close vulnerabilities and improve security.
Download the companion desktop or mobile app from Trezor.io. This tool allows you to manage accounts, track balances, and transact safely.
Always confirm the recipient address and amount on the device screen. This protects against malware that alters clipboard data.
Send a small amount first to ensure everything works. Once confirmed, proceed with larger transactions confidently.
Why These Steps Matter
Every step addresses a potential risk: packaging checks defend against tampering, trusted environments protect from malware, PINs prevent physical misuse, and seeds secure your ability to recover funds. Verifying on-device guards against remote manipulation. Together, these practices ensure long-term safety of your crypto assets.
Security Checklist
- Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
- Store recovery words offline in one or more secure physical places.
- Keep your device firmware and Trezor Suite updated.
- Always download software only from official Trezor.io links.
- Confirm all transaction details directly on the device screen.