Welcome to the official guide for getting started with your Trezor® hardware wallet. This detailed walkthrough (≈1500 words) will show you how to safely set up, secure, and start managing your cryptocurrencies using Trezor Suite and trezor.io/start. Whether you own the Trezor Model One or the Trezor Model T, this process ensures your private keys remain secure and offline at all times.
Trezor hardware wallets provide a physical layer of security for your digital assets. By storing your private keys offline, they are protected from online attacks, malware, and phishing attempts. Every transaction must be verified and confirmed directly on the device screen, ensuring full control and visibility for the user. Unlike exchange wallets, your crypto is always under your custody.
When your Trezor wallet arrives, check that the packaging is sealed and untampered. The box should include:
If you suspect tampering, do not use the device. Contact Trezor Support via the official website immediately.
To begin, open your browser and manually type trezor.io/start. This is the only official site for initializing your device. Choose your model and download Trezor Suite — the desktop or web application that connects your wallet to the blockchain. Never download software from unofficial links or third-party sites.
After installation, open Trezor Suite. It will automatically recognize your connected device and guide you through each setup step.
Trezor Suite is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Follow on-screen installation prompts and launch the app. If using a browser version, you may be asked to install Trezor Bridge — a communication tool allowing the device to talk securely with your browser. Bridge runs in the background and ensures seamless, encrypted interaction.
Once connected, Trezor Suite will ask if you want to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Select “Create new wallet.” Your Trezor will now generate a recovery seed — a series of 12, 18, or 24 words displayed only on the device screen. This seed is your ultimate backup and control mechanism.
Carefully write down each word in order on the provided recovery sheet. Double-check spelling and order. Do not take photos or store it digitally. Keep your recovery sheet in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location.
If you make an error, reset the device and generate a new seed. Never rely on an uncertain backup.
Next, you’ll create a PIN for your Trezor device. The PIN protects against unauthorized local access if someone physically obtains your wallet. Use a unique combination and avoid simple sequences like “1234.” If the PIN is entered incorrectly multiple times, the device introduces an increasing delay to deter brute-force attacks.
Advanced users can add a passphrase (a custom word or sentence) to create hidden wallets derived from the same recovery seed. Passphrases enhance security but add complexity — losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet forever. Use this feature only if you fully understand the implications.
When setting up for the first time, Trezor Suite may prompt you to update the device firmware. This ensures you have the latest security patches and features. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully, keeping the device connected until completion. Verify the firmware is officially signed by Trezor before proceeding.
Once setup is complete, your Trezor device will appear in Trezor Suite. You can now:
Every action requires physical confirmation on your device, ensuring no transaction can occur without your consent.
To receive crypto, select an account in Trezor Suite and click “Receive.” A wallet address will appear on your computer — verify the same address on your Trezor screen before sharing it. To send, select “Send,” enter the recipient address and amount, and confirm all details on your device. The Trezor display is the final source of truth for security.
Trezor frequently releases firmware updates to address vulnerabilities and enhance performance. When an update is available, Trezor Suite will notify you. Always verify authenticity before updating and avoid performing updates on public or unsecured networks. Keep backups available before firmware changes for safety.
If your Trezor is lost or damaged, you can recover access using your recovery seed on any new Trezor device. Choose “Recover wallet” in the setup process and carefully enter your recovery words on the device itself (never on a computer keyboard). Your accounts and balances will reappear once the process completes.
Trezor supports integration with various third-party wallets and decentralized applications, including Electrum, MetaMask, and others. When connecting, ensure the application supports hardware signing and that you approve all requests directly on the device. Trezor never exposes your private keys to these apps; they only receive signed transaction data.
| Issue | Possible Solution |
|---|---|
| Device not recognized | Ensure Trezor Bridge is installed and the cable is functional; try a different USB port. |
| Suite not detecting device | Restart Trezor Suite, disconnect/reconnect the device, and check for firmware updates. |
| PIN forgotten | Reset the device and restore using your recovery seed. |
| Firmware update failed | Reconnect and retry; contact support if the issue persists. |
Trezor Suite supports optional privacy features such as Tor integration and labeling via local storage or encrypted sync. For users managing multiple assets, advanced options like multi-signature setups and coin control are available. Trezor Model T users can interact with Web3 applications securely via supported integrations.
Congratulations — your Trezor® hardware wallet is now ready for use. By following the steps above and keeping your recovery seed secure, you’ve built a strong foundation for protecting your crypto assets. The combination of Trezor hardware and Trezor Suite software offers a seamless, secure, and private experience for managing digital wealth. Continue to follow official updates from trezor.io/start to stay current with the latest features and improvements.