Trézor.io/Start®

Welcome to Trezor: Your Journey to Ultimate Crypto Security Begins Here!

Congratulations on acquiring your Trezor hardware wallet, a powerful step towards true financial sovereignty. At Trezor.io/Start, we provide the official, secure gateway to setting up your device and taking full control of your digital assets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every essential step, whether you have a Trezor One, a Trezor Model T, or the latest Trezor Safe 3. From unboxing and firmware installation to securing your recovery seed and managing your cryptocurrency with Trezor Suite, we're here to ensure your experience is smooth, secure, and confident.

Why Trezor is the Gold Standard for Crypto Security

In an increasingly digitized world, the security of your cryptocurrency and NFTs is paramount. Traditional methods of storing digital assets, such as online exchanges or software wallets, carry inherent risks like hacking, phishing attacks, and malware. Trezor eliminates these vulnerabilities by providing cold storage, a state-of-the-art security solution where your private keys – the crucial data that proves ownership of your crypto – are generated and stored entirely offline. This isolation from internet-connected devices makes your private keys virtually impenetrable to cyber threats.

Every Trezor device is engineered with an unwavering commitment to security. The Trezor Model T and Trezor Safe 3 include a Secure Element chip, further enhancing their resistance to physical and digital attacks. Trezor's open-source firmware allows for community scrutiny and verification, fostering transparency and trust. With Trezor, you benefit from absolute control over your assets, as your private keys never leave the device. You maintain full ownership, eliminating reliance on third-party custodians.

Trezor wallets boast broad compatibility, supporting thousands of different cryptocurrencies, tokens, and even NFTs. All your digital assets can be managed seamlessly through the intuitive Trezor Suite application. Beyond just storage, Trezor empowers you with features like PIN protection, optional passphrases for hidden wallets, and on-device transaction verification, ensuring every action you take is deliberate and secure. Choosing Trezor means investing in a robust, industry-leading solution that protects your digital wealth with unparalleled confidence.

What You'll Need Before You Begin

To ensure a seamless and efficient setup process, please gather the following items before proceeding:

First, have your Trezor device ready. This includes your Trezor One, Trezor Model T, or Trezor Safe 3. Make sure it's unboxed and that you've inspected its packaging for any signs of tampering. Trezor devices come with tamper-evident seals and security checks to ensure their integrity.

You'll also need the USB cable that came with your Trezor. This cable is essential for connecting your device to your computer for power and data transfer during the setup and for subsequent use. The Trezor One uses a Micro-USB cable, while the Trezor Model T and Trezor Safe 3 use a USB-C cable.

An essential component of the setup is a computer (desktop or laptop) with a stable internet connection. Trezor Suite is compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. While the Trezor device itself remains offline, Trezor Suite requires an internet connection to interact with the blockchain for transactions and updates.

Finally, and this is critically important, locate the Recovery Seed Card(s) that came with your Trezor. This card or booklet is where you will physically write down your recovery seed (also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase). This is your ultimate backup and the only way to recover your funds if your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged. Have a pen ready for this crucial step.

Your Step-by-Step Trezor Setup Guide

Setting up your Trezor device is a guided process designed with simplicity and paramount security in mind. Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Accessing Trezor.io/Start and Installing Trezor Suite

Begin by opening your web browser and navigating directly to Trezor.io/Start. It is absolutely crucial to type this address manually and verify it in your browser's URL bar to ensure you are on the official Trezor website. Avoid clicking links from unofficial sources, emails, or search engine ads that might lead to phishing sites designed to steal your funds.

Once on Trezor.io/Start, you will be prompted to select your specific Trezor model (Trezor One, Trezor Model T, or Trezor Safe 3). Choose your device to proceed.

The next step involves downloading and installing Trezor Suite, the official desktop application for managing your Trezor hardware wallet. Trezor Suite provides a secure and user-friendly interface for all your crypto activities, including sending, receiving, managing accounts, and accessing advanced features. Click the "Download Trezor Suite" button and select the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).

After the download is complete, locate the installer file in your downloads folder and run it. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Trezor Suite on your computer. The installation process is straightforward. Once installed, open the Trezor Suite application.

Step 2: Connecting Your Trezor Device and Firmware Installation

With Trezor Suite open, you will be prompted to connect your Trezor device. Use the USB cable provided in your Trezor box to connect your device to your computer.

Upon successful connection, your Trezor device screen will light up and Trezor Suite will detect it. If this is your first time setting up the device, Trezor Suite will likely inform you that your device does not have firmware installed, or that it needs a firmware update. Firmware is the operating system for your Trezor. It is essential for the device's functionality and security.

Click the "Install Firmware" button within Trezor Suite. Your Trezor device will display a message, often involving a fingerprint or a unique code, which you should verify matches what is shown in Trezor Suite. This is a vital security check to ensure you're installing official Trezor firmware. Confirm the installation on your Trezor device. The firmware installation process will begin and may take a few minutes. Do not disconnect your device during this process. Once the firmware is successfully installed, your device may restart, and Trezor Suite will indicate that the device is ready.

Step 3: Creating Your New Wallet and Securing Your Recovery Seed

After firmware installation, Trezor Suite will present you with the option to "Create a new wallet" or "Recover wallet." For first-time users, always select "Create a new wallet." This generates a completely new and unique set of private keys directly on your Trezor device, ensuring maximum security. Only choose "Recover wallet" if you are restoring funds from a previously created recovery seed.

Creating Your PIN: The device will then guide you to set a PIN code. This PIN is essential for unlocking your Trezor device every time you connect it. You will enter your PIN using the numerical pad displayed on your computer screen in conjunction with a shuffled grid of numbers on your Trezor device's screen. This method prevents keyloggers from capturing your PIN. Choose a strong PIN, ideally 4 to 9 digits long, and remember it. You will be asked to enter it twice to confirm.

Generating and Recording Your Recovery Seed: This is the most critical security step. Your Trezor device will now display your recovery seed (also known as your recovery phrase or mnemonic seed).

For Trezor One and Trezor Safe 3, this is typically 24 words.
For Trezor Model T, this is typically 12 words.

Each word will appear one by one on your Trezor device's screen. Carefully and accurately write down each word in the exact order on the Recovery Seed Card(s) provided in your Trezor box. Pay meticulous attention to spelling, as a single mistake can render your backup useless.

Absolute Security Directives for Your Recovery Seed:

Never take a photo, screenshot, or digital copy of your recovery seed.
Never type your recovery seed into any computer, phone, or online service.
Never store your recovery seed in the cloud, email, or any password manager.
Never share your recovery seed with anyone, for any reason. Anyone who knows your recovery seed can take all your funds. Trezor will never ask you for your recovery seed. Be extremely cautious of any scam attempting to trick you into revealing it.

After writing down all the words, your Trezor device will prompt you to confirm a few selected words by re-entering them (using the device's buttons or touchscreen). This ensures you have recorded the seed correctly.

Optional: Shamir Backup (Trezor Model T and Trezor Safe 3) For enhanced security and recovery flexibility, Trezor Model T and Trezor Safe 3 offer Shamir Backup (SLIP39). Instead of a single seed, this creates multiple unique "shares" that can be combined (e.g., 3 out of 5 shares) to recover your wallet. This is an advanced feature that provides redundancy against loss of individual shares. If you choose this option, the setup process will guide you through generating and recording these shares.

Step 4: Finalizing Setup and Accessing Trezor Suite

Once your recovery seed (or Shamir shares) is securely recorded and confirmed, Trezor Suite will notify you that your Trezor is ready. You may be prompted to give your device a custom name and optionally enable or disable coin types that you want to see in Trezor Suite. These settings can always be adjusted later.

Click "Access Suite" to enter the main Trezor Suite interface. You will be asked to enter your PIN using the scrambled keypad method. Once entered, you will gain access to your wallet dashboard.

Managing Your Crypto Assets with Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is your powerful, yet easy-to-use, portal to managing your digital assets securely.

Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive crypto, navigate to the "Receive" tab within Trezor Suite. Select the cryptocurrency account you wish to receive funds into. Trezor Suite will generate a public receiving address. Critically, your Trezor device's screen will also display this address. Always, without exception, verify that the address shown in Trezor Suite matches the address displayed on your physical Trezor device screen. This prevents malware from swapping the address on your computer. Once confirmed, you can copy and share this address with the sender.

To send crypto, go to the "Send" tab in Trezor Suite. Enter the recipient's address and the amount you wish to send. Before confirming the transaction in Trezor Suite, your Trezor device will display a summary of the transaction, including the recipient's address and the amount. It is paramount to verify these details on your Trezor device's trusted display. This is your last line of defense against potential attacks. Only if the details on your Trezor device's screen precisely match what you intend, should you confirm the transaction using the physical buttons or touchscreen on your Trezor.

Adding and Managing Accounts

Trezor Suite allows you to add multiple accounts for the same cryptocurrency (e.g., multiple Bitcoin accounts) for organizational or privacy purposes. You can also add accounts for various supported cryptocurrencies. Simply go to the "Accounts" section and select "Add account."

Firmware Updates: Staying Secure and Current

Trezor regularly releases firmware updates to enhance security, introduce new features, improve performance, and expand cryptocurrency support. It is crucial to keep both your Trezor Suite application and your Trezor device's firmware updated.

Always perform firmware updates directly through the official Trezor Suite application. Trezor Suite will notify you when an update is available and guide you through the process. During a firmware update, your recovery seed remains untouched and secure.

Optional Advanced Security: Passphrase

For an even higher level of security, Trezor offers the passphrase feature. A passphrase is a custom word or phrase that you choose in addition to your PIN. When you enter a passphrase, it generates a "hidden wallet" that is completely separate from your standard wallet. This means even if someone were to discover your PIN and recovery seed, they would still need your passphrase to access your hidden funds. This provides plausible deniability and an extra layer of protection. You can enable and manage passphrases in the Trezor Suite settings.

Key Security Reminders: Protect Your Crypto

Your Trezor hardware wallet provides exceptional security, but your adherence to these best practices is equally important:

Your Recovery Seed is your Master Key: Never share it with anyone, ever. Trezor will never ask for it. Store it offline, in a secure and private location, away from fire, water, and theft.
Always download Trezor Suite only from Trezor.io/Start. Be vigilant against fake websites, malicious ads, or phishing attempts.
Always verify transaction details (recipient address, amount, fees) on your Trezor device's screen before confirming. Your device's screen is your trusted display, unlike your computer screen which can be compromised.
Be wary of phishing attempts through emails, social media, or messages impersonating Trezor support. Trezor support will never ask for your recovery seed or private keys.
Keep your Trezor Suite software and device firmware updated through official channels.
Physically secure your Trezor device. Treat it like valuable cash or jewelry.

Beyond Setup: Exploring the Trezor Ecosystem

With your Trezor device securely configured, you are now ready to fully explore the vast potential of the cryptocurrency world with peace of mind. Trezor Suite offers more than just basic management; it's a comprehensive platform for your digital assets.

Dive into the various features of Trezor Suite, including portfolio tracking, transaction history, and detailed asset management. You can also securely access third-party integrations and explore features like coin control for enhanced privacy.

For ongoing learning and support, the Trezor Knowledge Base and Trezor Academy on Trezor.io offer a wealth of information. These resources provide in-depth articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering everything from basic blockchain concepts to advanced security strategies and troubleshooting tips.

Your secure crypto journey with Trezor has truly begun. By following these guidelines and maintaining strong security habits, you are empowered to navigate the dynamic landscape of digital assets with confidence, knowing your funds are protected by the industry's leading hardware wallet technology.