Get Started with Trezor | Trezor.io/start

A concise, practical 10-section guide to set up and secure your hardware wallet.

Introduction

Why a Trezor hardware wallet?

Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline. Using a Trezor isolates private keys from internet-connected devices, dramatically reducing exposure to malware and phishing. This short presentation walks you through 10 essential steps — from unboxing to sending your first transaction — and is designed for clarity with practical tips and best practices.

Step 1 — Unbox & Verify

What to check on arrival

Seals and packaging

Inspect the box and tamper-evident seals. Trezor devices ship with clear security features; if packaging looks damaged or opened, contact the seller or Trezor support before proceeding.

Quick tip

Always use the official start page to set up: https://trezor.io/start

Step 2 — Connect Your Device

USB / USB-C connection

Use the included cable to connect your Trezor to a desktop or laptop. Modern Trezor models use USB-C; older ones may use micro-USB. When prompted, open the browser and visit the official start page above. Do not follow links from emails or social media.

Step 3 — Initialize & Create Wallet

On-device confirmation

Follow the step-by-step setup on the Trezor device and the web interface. You will be guided to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. Choose "Create a new wallet" unless you are restoring from a known seed.

Step 4 — Write Down Your Recovery Seed

Seed importance and handling

Trezor will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words down on the supplied card or on quality paper and store them in a secure location. Never save the seed as a digital file or photograph. Treat the recovery seed as the single point of recovery for your funds.

Step 5 — Update Firmware

Why firmware matters

Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add features. After initial setup, check the Trezor web app for firmware prompts and install only if you downloaded updates from the official site. If a firmware update is required, follow on-screen instructions and confirm actions on-device.

Step 6 — Choose Wallet Software

Trezor Suite and third-party wallets

Trezor Suite is the official desktop app offering portfolio view, coin management, and transaction history. You can also use compatible third-party wallets (e.g., Electrum, Exodus) depending on coin support. Always confirm compatibility and trustworthiness before connecting your device.

Step 7 — Sending and Receiving Crypto

Best practices for transactions

When sending funds, verify the recipient address on the device screen — not just on your computer. Trezor displays address details on-device so you can confirm authenticity. Start with a small test transaction if you are sending a large amount.

Step 8 — Restore a Wallet

Recovering from your seed

If you lose or replace your device, use the recovery option on any compatible Trezor to restore access with your seed words. Only restore on a device you trust and never enter seed words into software on an internet-connected computer unless required and you understand the risks.

Step 9 — Ongoing Security

Advanced tips

  1. Set up a strong PIN and avoid predictable sequences.
  2. Consider passphrase (BIP39) for additional encryption — treat it like a 25th word.
  3. Keep recovery words split across safe locations if you need geographic redundancy.
  4. Use separate devices for cold storage vs daily spending.

Step 10 — Support & Resources

Where to learn more

Official resources: visit Trezor Start for guided setup and the Trezor knowledge base for troubleshooting, FAQs, and product documentation. If you suspect tampering or see unusual behavior, contact Trezor support immediately through official channels.