Get Started with Trezor: The First & Most Secure Hardware Wallet

Welcome to your starting point for true cryptocurrency security. At Trezor.io/start, you'll find everything needed to set up your Trezor hardware wallet and begin your journey to self-custody. Trezor pioneered hardware wallet technology in 2014, and today protects billions in digital assets worldwide.

Choosing Trezor means choosing uncompromising security with intuitive design. This guide will walk you through the simple setup process that places you in complete control of your digital wealth.

Before You Begin: What You'll Need

Your Trezor device (Model T or Model One)
The included USB cable
Recovery seed cards (from your package)
A computer with internet access
Approximately 15 minutes of focused time

Important: Ensure you're in a private space without cameras or observers, as you'll be handling sensitive information.

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

1. Connect Your Trezor Device

First, connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device screen should light up, displaying the Trezor logo.

Security Tip: Always use the official cable provided in your package or a trusted USB cable. While Trezor has protections against malicious cables, using the included one is safest.

2. Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is your secure dashboard for managing cryptocurrencies. You have two options:

A. Web Suite (Quick Start)
Visit suite.trezor.io directly in your browser. This web version offers immediate access with most core features.

B. Desktop App (Recommended)
Download the desktop application for enhanced security features including:

Full Tor integration for privacy
Firmware update management
Offline transaction signing
Advanced portfolio tracking

Download links for Windows, macOS, and Linux are available on the Suite homepage. The desktop app provides the complete Trezor experience.

3. Initialize Your Device

Once Suite recognizes your Trezor, you'll be guided through initialization:

A. Install Latest Firmware
Your device may require a firmware update. Always install the latest version as it contains critical security improvements and new features. The update process is signed and verified by SatoshiLabs.

B. Create New Wallet
Select "Create new wallet" unless you're recovering an existing wallet. Your Trezor will then generate your unique recovery seed.

4. Backup Your Recovery Seed

This is the most critical security step. Your recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words) is the master key to your entire wallet.

How to backup properly:

Write, Don't Type: Your Trezor screen will display words one by one. Write them in order on the provided recovery seed cards.
No Digital Copies: Never store these words digitally—no photos, cloud storage, email, or text files.
Verify Carefully: Trezor Suite will ask you to confirm several words to ensure accurate recording.
Secure Storage: Store multiple copies in different secure locations (safe, safety deposit box, etc.). Consider a Cryptosteel for fire/water protection.

Why this matters: Your recovery seed can restore all your assets on any compatible wallet. Lose it, and you lose access to your funds permanently if your device is lost or damaged.

5. Set Up PIN Protection

Your PIN prevents physical access to your device:

Create a Strong PIN: Choose 4-50 digits (avoid patterns like 1234 or repeated numbers)
Secure Entry Method: The PIN grid randomizes on your computer while you confirm on your Trezor screen—preventing keyloggers from capturing your PIN.
Remember It: Unlike your recovery seed, your PIN isn't recoverable. If forgotten, you must wipe the device and restore using your seed.

6. Access Your Wallet

Congratulations! Your Trezor is now ready. In Trezor Suite you can:

View your portfolio dashboard
Receive cryptocurrency (always verify addresses on your device screen)
Send transactions (requires physical confirmation on your Trezor)
Explore advanced features and settings

Essential Security Practices

The Golden Rules of Trezor Security

Never Share Your Recovery Seed: Trezor will never ask for it via email, support, or any website.
Always Verify Addresses: Check receiving and sending addresses on your Trezor screen before confirming transactions.
Buy Direct: Purchase only from shop.trezor.io or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
Regular Updates: Keep both Trezor Suite and device firmware updated for latest security patches.
Use Passphrases: For advanced security, enable the passphrase feature for hidden wallets.

Recognizing & Avoiding Scams

Phishing attempts are common in cryptocurrency. Remember:

✅ Legitimate Trezor sites: trezor.io, suite.trezor.io
✅ Official support: trezor.io/support
❌ Fake sites often use: trezor-security.net, trezor-wallet.com, trezor.support
❌ Never enter your seed on any website or pop-up
❌ Ignore emails claiming your wallet is compromised

Exploring Trezor's Ecosystem

Trezor Suite Features

Your secure command center offers:

Portfolio Overview: Track 1,200+ cryptocurrencies in one dashboard
Built-in Exchange: Swap assets directly within the secure environment
Privacy Tools: Optional Tor routing and Bitcoin CoinJoin integration
Staking: Earn rewards on supported proof-of-stake coins
NFT Management: View and manage your digital collectibles

Advanced Capabilities

Passphrase Protection: Add an optional word for hidden wallets within your device
Shamir Backup (Model T): Split your recovery seed into multiple shares
U2F Authentication: Use Trezor as a physical security key for websites
Multi-Signature Wallets: Create complex transaction requirements for shared accounts

Third-Party Integrations

Trezor works seamlessly with popular platforms:

MetaMask: Secure Web3 interactions while keeping keys offline
Electrum: Advanced Bitcoin transactions with hardware security
Exodus: Beautiful interface with Trezor integration
MyEtherWallet: Direct Ethereum and token management

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Connection Problems

If Suite doesn't recognize your Trezor:

Try a different USB cable and port
Restart Trezor Suite
Check trezor.io/start for latest bridge software if needed
Try a different computer if possible

Forgotten PIN

If you've forgotten your PIN:

You cannot recover it—this is by design for security
Wipe your device (entering wrong PIN 16 times or using Suite)
Restore using your recovery seed
Set a new PIN

Important: Wiping erases all device data. Only proceed if you have your recovery seed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I lose my Trezor device?

If you lose your Trezor but have your recovery seed, simply purchase a new Trezor (or use any compatible wallet), select "Recover wallet," and enter your seed. Your complete wallet with all accounts and transaction history will be restored. This demonstrates why protecting your recovery seed is more important than protecting the physical device.

2. Can I use Trezor with mobile devices?

Yes! Trezor Model T connects to Android devices via USB OTG cable. For iOS, you can use the Trezor Suite web app in your browser. While mobile functionality is more limited than desktop, it allows basic transactions and portfolio viewing on the go.

3. Is my cryptocurrency stored on the Trezor device itself?

No. Your crypto always remains on the blockchain. Your Trezor stores your private keys—the digital signatures needed to authorize transactions. Think of it as a ultra-secure keychain rather than a wallet that holds cash. This is why your recovery seed can restore access: it regenerates the same private keys.

4. How do I know my Trezor is genuine and not tampered with?

Genuine Trezor devices have several verification points:

Intact holographic seal on packaging
Bootloader verification on first connection
Firmware signature checks in Trezor Suite
Purchase from shop.trezor.io or authorized resellers

If Suite shows a security warning on first connection, stop immediately and contact support.

5. What cryptocurrencies does Trezor support?

Trezor supports over 1,200 coins and tokens including Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, Cardano (Model T only), and many others. The full list is available in Trezor Suite and on our supported coins page. New assets are regularly added through firmware updates.

6. Can I use one Trezor for multiple people or businesses?

Yes, through several methods:

Multiple accounts within one wallet
Passphrase-protected hidden wallets (each with separate PIN)
Shamir Backup shares (Model T) for distributed control
Multi-signature setups requiring multiple devices to authorize transactions

Many businesses use Trezor for corporate crypto treasury management with appropriate multi-signature configurations.

Your Security Journey Continues

Setting up your Trezor is just the beginning. True security comes from ongoing education and vigilance. We recommend:

Start Small: Send a test transaction before moving significant amounts
Explore Gradually: Try different features as you become comfortable
Stay Informed: Follow @Trezor and our blog for updates
Practice Recovery: Consider practicing wallet recovery with small amounts to build confidence

Need Help?

Our comprehensive support resources are always available:

Knowledge Base: trezor.io/support - Hundreds of articles and guides
Community Forum: Connect with other Trezor users
24/7 Ticket Support: Submit detailed questions to our security experts
Social Media: @Trezor on Twitter for announcements and community discussion

Welcome to true ownership. With your Trezor properly set up, you've taken control of your financial sovereignty. You're now part of a global movement toward secure, private, and independent digital asset management.

Remember the core principle: Not your keys, not your coins. With Trezor, they're always your keys, always your coins.

Ready to explore? Launch Trezor Suite or visit our Learning Portal to continue your cryptocurrency education.