Trézor.io/Start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Trezor®

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— 3 min read

Welcome to Trezor.io/start — Your First Step Toward True Crypto Security

Getting started with your Trezor hardware wallet is the beginning of taking full control of your digital assets. Whether you're brand new to cryptocurrency or an experienced user upgrading your security, this guide will walk you through the essential steps to set up your device safely and confidently.

Trezor hardware wallets are designed to keep your private keys offline, away from hackers, malware, and online threats. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, Trezor ensures that you — and only you — have access to your funds. Let’s get you up and running.

Why Use Trezor?

Cryptocurrency ownership comes with responsibility. If your private keys are exposed, your funds can be stolen — and transactions can’t be reversed. Trezor protects you by:

  • Storing private keys offline in a secure hardware device
  • Confirming transactions on-device, not just on your computer
  • Shielding you from phishing and malware attacks
  • Giving you full ownership without relying on third parties

Security doesn’t have to be complicated. Trezor makes advanced protection simple and user-friendly.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

  • Your Trezor device
  • The included USB cable
  • A computer or mobile device with internet access
  • About 15 minutes for setup
  • A pen and the recovery seed cards from your Trezor package

Choose a private, distraction-free environment. Never set up your wallet in a public place or while screen sharing.

Step 1: Connect Your Trezor

Plug your Trezor into your computer using the USB cable. Your device will power on automatically. If this is your first time using it, the screen may prompt you to install firmware.

Only follow instructions provided through the official Trezor interface. Never install firmware or software from unknown sources.

Step 2: Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official application used to manage your wallet, assets, and transactions. It provides a secure interface between your device and the blockchain.

You can use Trezor Suite via:

  • Desktop app (recommended for highest security)
  • Web version for convenience

Once installed, open Trezor Suite and allow it to detect your device.

Step 3: Install Firmware (If Needed)

New devices may ship without firmware for security reasons. If prompted:

  1. Confirm the firmware installation in Trezor Suite
  2. Approve the action directly on your Trezor device

This ensures the firmware is authentic and untampered.

Step 4: Create a New Wallet

You’ll now choose to either:

  • Create a new wallet (first-time users)
  • Recover an existing wallet using a recovery seed

Select Create new wallet if you are starting fresh.

Your Trezor will generate a recovery seed — a series of 12, 18, or 24 words. This is the most important step.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Seed

Your recovery seed is the master key to your funds. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can recover everything with this seed.

Critical rules:

  • Write the words in exact order
  • Use the provided recovery card
  • Never take a photo of your seed
  • Never store it digitally
  • Never share it with anyone

Trezor will ask you to confirm the words to ensure accuracy. Take your time. Mistakes here could mean permanent loss of access.

Step 6: Set Your PIN

You’ll create a PIN to protect physical access to your device. Even if someone gets your Trezor, they cannot use it without this PIN.

Choose a PIN that:

  • Is hard to guess
  • Is not used elsewhere
  • You can remember without writing it down

PIN entry is randomized on your device to prevent keylogging.

Step 7: Start Using Your Wallet

Once setup is complete, you can:

  • Receive cryptocurrency
  • Send transactions
  • Manage multiple accounts
  • Track your portfolio

Every transaction must be confirmed on your Trezor’s screen. Always verify addresses and amounts directly on the device, not just on your computer.

Supported Assets

Trezor supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including:

  • Bitcoin (BTC)
  • Ethereum (ETH)
  • Litecoin (LTC)
  • Cardano (ADA)
  • ERC-20 tokens
    …and many more.

You can manage assets, view balances, and interact with decentralized applications through Trezor Suite and compatible third-party services.

Advanced Security Features

Once you're comfortable, explore additional protections:

Passphrase Protection

Adds an extra custom word to your recovery seed, creating hidden wallets. Even with your seed, funds remain inaccessible without the passphrase.

Shamir Backup (Model dependent)

Splits your recovery seed into multiple shares for distributed backup security.

Address Verification

Prevents malware from swapping wallet addresses during transactions.

Important Security Reminders

Your security depends on your habits. Always remember:

  • Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed online
  • Support will never request your seed
  • Enter your seed only on your Trezor device, never on a website
  • Beware of phishing emails and fake apps

If anyone asks for your seed, it’s a scam.

Need Help?

If you run into issues:

  • Restart Trezor Suite
  • Try a different USB cable or port
  • Ensure your app is updated

You can also access guides, troubleshooting steps, and community support through official Trezor resources.

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