Trezor.io/start — Get Started with Your Trezor Device

Why use a Trezor hardware wallet?

Trezor devices (from SatoshiLabs) are hardware wallets designed to keep your private keys offline. Unlike exchanges or hot wallets, private keys stored on a hardware device cannot be read by connected computers — they sign transactions inside the device and return only the signed result. This reduces attack surfaces dramatically and makes Trezor a leading option for long-term crypto custody.

What you need before you begin

• Your Trezor device (Model T or One).
• A laptop or desktop with a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox).
• A stable internet connection (the device itself remains offline).
• A pen and recovery notebook — never store your recovery on a phone or cloud.
• Time and focus: the initial setup can take 10–20 minutes if you follow best practices.

Safety-first policies (simple rules)

1. Never share your recovery seed phrase with anyone. Trezor support will never ask for it.
2. Buy hardware only from official vendors. Avoid second-hand devices unless they are explicitly factory-sealed.
3. Record your recovery seed on paper or a metal backup and store it in a secure place (safe, deposit box).
4. Use passphrase and PIN for additional layers of protection.

Step-by-step: Setting up your Trezor

1 — Unbox & verify

When you unbox, inspect for tamper-evidence and manufacturer seals. The package contains the device, a USB cable, recovery cards, and instruction leaflets. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact the retailer.

2 — Connect to your computer

Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied USB cable. Visit Trezor.io/start (or the official onboarding portal). The site will detect your device and guide you through installing the latest firmware — all firmware verification happens on-device.

3 — Install firmware

Follow the on-screen instructions to install firmware if required. Trezor devices verify firmware with cryptographic signatures before flashing; allow this process to complete uninterrupted.

4 — Create a new wallet

Choose to create a new wallet (versus restoring). The device will generate a recovery seed phrase — write each word on the supplied recovery card in the exact order shown. Confirm the words when prompted. This step is critical: your seed phrase is the master key to your funds.

Choosing a PIN

Pick a memorable PIN with length that balances convenience and security. The PIN is entered on the device screen (not your computer), protecting against keyboard loggers. Use a non-trivial number and avoid obvious patterns like 1111 or 1234.

Optional: Add a passphrase

A passphrase acts like a 25th word to your seed. It can be stored in your head, a secure password manager, or split into fragments and stored in separate secure locations. Be careful: losing a passphrase means losing access to those funds — no recovery possible without it.

Day-to-day usage

Receiving crypto

Use the "Receive" function in your Trezor web wallet or compatible software to generate an address. Always confirm the address on the device screen — malware could attempt to replace an address on your computer's display. Only after verifying on-device, copy and share the address for incoming transfers.

Sending crypto

Create a transaction in your wallet app, review the amount and recipient carefully, then confirm on the Trezor device. The device displays human-readable details and requires physical confirmation (button press) to sign — this prevents remote signing.

Managing multiple accounts & currencies

Trezor supports many coins and tokens. Use the built-in accounts in the Trezor Suite or third-party wallets (e.g., Electrum, Exodus, or compatible DeFi platforms) for specific coins. For accounts with many small-value addresses, consider a single receive address per account to simplify bookkeeping.

Recovering a wallet

If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can recover funds using your recovery seed on a new Trezor or compatible BIP39-compliant wallet. Practice recovery once on a spare device or testnet to familiarize yourself with the process without risking real funds.

Recovery best practices

• Store multiple geographically separated backups (e.g., home safe + bank deposit box).
• Consider using a metal backup (fire and water resistant) for long-term storage.
• Do not photograph or upload your seed to cloud storage.
• Rotate funds over time if you suspect any compromise and regenerate a fresh seed.

Security features explained (short)

Secure Element & Cryptography

Trezor uses tested cryptographic algorithms on a secure hardware element. Private keys never leave the device; transaction creation and signing happen on-device.

Firmware verification

Every firmware package is cryptographically signed by Trezor. The device checks this signature during updates to defend against tampered firmware.

PIN, Passphrase & Hidden Wallets

The combination of the PIN and optional passphrase enables hidden wallets — different passphrases unlock different wallets using the same seed. This can be useful for plausible deniability, but it also increases the complexity of backups.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port. Use the cable that came with your device; some charge-only cables lack data wires. Restart your computer and update the browser.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN, the only recourse is to reset the device and restore from seed. That is why secure storage of the seed is essential.

Suspected compromise

If you suspect that your seed or passphrase was exposed, move funds to a newly generated wallet (new seed) as soon as possible. Treat any unexpected prompts, unsolicited support requests, or requests for your seed as red flags.

Advanced tips

Use a separate spending wallet

For everyday transactions, consider moving a small amount to a hot wallet for convenience, while keeping the bulk of funds in the Trezor cold wallet.

PSBT & Air-gapped signing

For heightened security, you can create Partially Signed Bitcoin Transactions (PSBTs) on an offline computer and use your Trezor to sign them. This setup minimizes the exposure of unsigned transaction data to networked machines.

Multisig setups

Trezor devices are compatible with multisig configurations (e.g., through Sparrow Wallet or other advanced wallet software) which allow multiple devices or parties to co-sign transactions — excellent for shared custody or enterprise use.

FAQ

Is Trezor completely safe?

No device is perfectly safe in every scenario — but Trezor dramatically reduces many common attack vectors. The human factor (how you store your seed and react to phishing) remains the most important risk.

Can I use Trezor with mobile?

Yes — model-dependent. Trezor Model T has better mobile compatibility; use compatible apps and OTG adapters for USB connections. Always confirm addresses on-device when using mobile.

Does passphrase protect against all attacks?

A passphrase protects the wallet from seed exposure but adds management complexity. If the passphrase is weak or stored insecurely, it can be as dangerous as no passphrase at all.

Conclusion

Setting up your Trezor from Trezor.io/start is a manageable, high-value step toward secure crypto custody. Follow the steps above, keep your recovery offline and physically secure, and practice good day-to-day habits. With proper care, a hardware wallet like Trezor reduces risk and puts control of your crypto back in your hands.

Office Link anchors

Anchors above (Office Link 1–10) lead to related sections in this page and are placeholders for your preferred external resources (office guides, internal docs, Microsoft Office templates, or vendor links).