Trezor Start — Secure setup and quickstart guide

Welcome! This page helps you set up your Trezor hardware wallet, explains core features, and highlights essential safety practices so you can manage cryptocurrency with confidence.

What to expect on this page

This guide walks you through the first-time experience: unpacking, securely initializing your device, creating or restoring a wallet, and taking concrete steps to keep your private keys safe. It focuses on best-practice security rather than advanced developer workflows; if you need developer tools or enterprise deployment, consult the full Trezor documentation.

Before you start — checklist

  • Ensure you purchased your Trezor from an authorized seller or trezor.io directly.
  • Have a private, quiet space to write down your recovery seed (do not store it digitally).
  • Use a laptop or desktop with an up-to-date browser — avoid unknown public computers.
  • Keep power and network connections stable during initialization.

Step-by-step: initialize your Trezor

Follow these steps in order. The device's screen and the official Trezor Suite web app will guide you, but this summary highlights the security-critical moments:

  1. Unbox and inspect. Check the box seal and the device for tampering. If anything seems off, contact support and do not proceed.
  2. Connect & verify. Connect the device to your computer with the supplied cable. Visit the official start page and verify you are on trezor.io/start — look for TLS lock and correct domain name.
  3. Install firmware. If prompted, install the firmware only from the on-screen instructions. Firmware ensures device integrity and is signed by the manufacturer.
  4. Create a new wallet or restore. Choose to create a new wallet if you are a new user. If restoring, use only your known recovery seed — never enter it into websites or third-party apps.
  5. Write down your recovery seed. The device will display a seed phrase (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write it down exactly, in order, on physical paper or a metal backup plate. Store it in a secure, separate location.
  6. Protect with PIN. Choose a PIN for local device access. This prevents unauthorized use if the device is physically stolen.

At every step, the device screen should confirm the words and actions you perform. If the device and the web app disagree, pause and contact official support.

Safety essentials — do this, and don’t do that

Security is layered. Below are non-negotiables that dramatically reduce risk:

  • Do keep your recovery seed offline and split it if desired across secure locations. Consider a robust metal backup for fire and water resistance.
  • Don’t type your seed into a computer, phone, email, cloud storage, or messaging app.
  • Do verify firmware updates on the device screen and use official channels for downloads.
  • Don’t share photos of your seed or device that reveal identifying details.

Compatibility & features

Trezor devices support a wide range of cryptocurrencies and integrate with Trezor Suite and many third-party wallets. You can use your device to:

  • Securely sign transactions without exposing private keys.
  • Manage multiple accounts and cryptocurrency types from a single device.
  • Use passphrase protection for an added privacy layer (advanced feature).
  • Integrate with third-party services for swapping, portfolio tracking, and DeFi — always review permissions carefully.

Common beginner questions

Q: What if I lose my device?
A: You can restore funds from a new device using your recovery seed. That’s why the seed is the single most important piece of information you own.

Q: Can I use Trezor on a mobile device?
A: Many models support mobile via USB or Bluetooth intermediaries and certain mobile wallets. Check compatibility for your specific phone and cable.

Need help? Visit the official support center or consult the detailed user manual. If anything seems suspicious during setup, stop and reach out to support to avoid irreversible loss.