Trezor.io/start (Official) | Congrats on your new Trezor

Welcome! This guide walks you through every step — unboxing, setup, best security practices, everyday usage, recovery handling, and FAQs — to make sure your new Trezor hardware wallet protects your crypto the way it was designed to.

Why a hardware wallet? (H2)

Hardware wallets like Trezor store your private keys offline — away from web-based attacks, phishing, and malware that target software wallets. They act as a small, dedicated device whose single job is to sign transactions in a secure environment. That separation is the reason your funds stay safe even if your computer is compromised.

First steps: unbox & inspect (H3)

  1. Check the box for tamper-evident seals and the official packaging. Ensure the seal is intact and the device looks undamaged.
  2. Find the USB cable, Quick Start Guide, and recovery card. Keep the recovery card in a safe location — you will need it for your seed (recovery phrase) backup.
  3. Do not accept suggested software or firmware from unofficial sources. Always go to the official start page and official support when in doubt.

Setup — step-by-step (H3)

Follow these steps to get your Trezor up and running:

Step 1: Visit the official start page (H4)

Open a browser and go to the official onboarding page to download the required software and follow instructions. Use the links in the sidebar to jump directly to the official resources.

Step 2: Connect & initialize (H4)

  • Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable.
  • When prompted, follow the device prompts to create a new wallet. Choose Create new rather than Restore unless you are restoring an old wallet.
  • Set a device PIN. This protects the Trezor if someone has physical access to it.

Step 3: Write down your recovery seed (H4)

Trezor will show a 12-, 18-, or 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words on the recovery card and store it in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location. Do not take a photo or store the seed on a computer or cloud service.

Step 4: Update firmware (H4)

Once initialized, check for firmware updates and apply them if available. Official firmware updates fix bugs and add security improvements — they often happen early in the life of a device, so check immediately.

PINs & passphrases — what to choose (H3)

Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not easily guessable. Trezor devices also support an optional passphrase. Treat a passphrase as an extension to your seed — it effectively creates a separate hidden wallet. Only enable it if you understand how recovery works and are comfortable managing the secondary secret.

Daily usage & sending transactions (H2)

Using the Trezor is simple: connect the device, open your compatible wallet software, and confirm transactions on the device. The key principle to remember is: never enter your seed anywhere; only confirm transactions on the device.

Receiving

Generate a receiving address while your Trezor is connected and verify the address on the Trezor screen. Only send funds to addresses you have verified on the device.

Sending

When sending, the software constructs the transaction but the device signs it. Always verify the destination address and amount on the Trezor display before pressing confirm. If anything looks off, cancel and investigate — common attacks attempt to replace addresses in the clipboard or in the software UI.

Security best practices (H2)

  • Buy only from authorized retailers or the official store. Avoid second-hand devices unless you are able to perform a secure wipe and initialize from scratch.
  • Keep the recovery seed offline and split across secure locations if desired (e.g., multi-location safe deposit boxes).
  • Never share your seed. No legitimate support agent will ever ask for it.
  • Enable and use the passphrase feature only if you understand the consequences. Losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access to the funds protected by it.
  • Use a separate, dedicated computer for crypto activity if possible and avoid installing browser extensions you don’t trust.

Firmware & software updates (H3)

Always download firmware and companion software from official sources. Check signatures if you are advanced, and don't install mirror packages from unknown sites.

Recovery & loss scenarios (H2)

If your Trezor is lost or damaged, use your recovery seed to restore access from another compatible device or software that supports the same seed standard (BIP39/BIP44 for most coins). Store the seed carefully — anyone with it can access your funds.

If your device may be compromised (H3)

If you suspect physical tampering or a compromised device, immediately move your funds to a new wallet whose seed was generated in a secure environment. This means creating a new device and initializing it as Create new wallet, then transferring funds after verifying everything is correct.

Advanced usage (H2)

Hidden wallets with passphrase (H3)

Adding a passphrase generates separate hidden wallets. This offers plausible deniability and segmented security but adds complexity to recovery. Document your passphrase strategy securely without writing it next to the seed.

Coin support & integrations (H3)

Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies and integrates with multiple wallets. If you use less common coins, verify compatibility and the recommended software for safe handling.

User experience & accessibility (H2)

Trezor strives to be simple, but hardware security has trade-offs — occasional button presses and confirmation screens are required. These extra steps are what keep your private keys safe.

Practical tips (H3)

  • Practice a dry run: receive a small amount first to confirm your setup is correct.
  • Label wallets in software if you manage many addresses — this helps reduce mistakes.
  • Consider a small, inexpensive travel-safe to protect the device when transporting it.

Frequently Asked Questions (H2)

Q: What if I lose my recovery seed? (H3)
A: Without the recovery seed, you cannot restore access to your wallet. If the seed is lost, the funds are effectively inaccessible. Keep at least one secure copy in a safe place.
Q: Can I recover my wallet on another brand of hardware wallet? (H3)
A: Many wallets use the BIP39/BIP44 standards and can restore using the same seed, but confirm compatibility for specific coins and wallet features.
Q: Is the passphrase the same as the PIN? (H3)
A: No. The PIN protects device access; the passphrase is an additional secret that modifies the seed and creates a hidden wallet. Both are different and important.
Q: Should I put my recovery seed in a safe deposit box? (H3)
A: It’s an option. Consider redundancy and legal access implications. Some people split the seed across multiple locations (shamir or physical split) for resilience.
Q: Can firmware updates brick my device? (H3)
A: Official firmware updates are tested. Follow the official instructions during updates and only use official sources.
Q: What if the device prompts me to enter my seed on a computer? (H3)
A: Never enter your seed on a computer or website. If prompted, stop and contact official support. Seeds must remain offline.
Q: How should I store multiple device seeds? (H3)
A: Keep them separate and labeled. Avoid storing seeds and passphrases together. Use fireproof/waterproof storage and consider geographically distributed backups.
Q: How do I verify the official start website is genuine? (H3)
A: Type the URL directly into the address bar (no search engine shortcuts or suspicious links). Look for the HTTPS lock and the correct domain. Bookmark the official start page for future use.
Q: Is it safe to buy a used Trezor? (H3)
A: Buying used devices increases risk. If you do, perform a full factory reset and initialize a new seed before moving substantial funds.
Q: What is Shamir Backup? (H3)
A: Shamir Backup is an advanced method that splits the recovery seed into multiple pieces. It offers redundancy and distributed trust — only a subset of pieces is required to reconstruct the seed.