Trezor: Getting Started (clear, secure, and quick)
A concise, practical guide to setting up your Trezor hardware wallet using trezor.io/start. This covers the essentials: safety, step-by-step setup, and best practices.
Why use a hardware wallet
Hardware wallets like Trezor isolate your private keys from internet-connected devices. That isolation drastically reduces the risk of hacks, phishing, and malware stealing funds. Think of Trezor as a dedicated key vault: transactions are signed inside the device, and only signed transactions leave it.
Before you begin
Unbox on camera (optional) — record serial and packaging to prove authenticity later if needed.
Use a clean computer and your preferred browser. Avoid public or shared machines.
Never accept seed words or setup help from unknown third parties.
Have a pen and the included recovery card (or a durable backup material) ready.
Step-by-step setup (what you will do at trezor.io/start)
Connect — Plug your Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable. Confirm the screen shows the official Trezor logo.
Open trezor.io/start — Follow the official website prompts. The site will guide you to install or open the official Trezor Suite or web interface.
Install firmware — If prompted, allow the device to install the latest firmware. Firmware updates are signed; verify the prompt on the device display before approving.
Create a new wallet — Choose “Create new backup” (or similar). The device will generate a recovery seed (12–24 words). Write these words down in order — do not photograph or store them digitally.
Confirm seed — The device will ask you to confirm random words. This verifies you copied them correctly.
Set a PIN — Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The PIN prevents physical attackers from using the device without your knowledge.
Install apps (if using Suite) — Add coin-specific apps if your Trezor model requires them. Use only the official manager inside Trezor Suite or the instructions from trezor.io.
Tip: The seed is the ultimate backup. If someone has your seed, they have your funds. Store it in a separate, fireproof location and consider multiple geographically separate backups.
Immediate security tips
Never enter seed words into a computer or phone — only on your Trezor device during setup.
Verify device messages: the Trezor screen is the source of truth. If the computer displays something different from the device, trust the device.
Beware of phishing — always type trezor.io/start manually or use a bookmark. Check the browser TLS padlock and domain carefully.
Use passphrase feature only if you understand it — it creates an additional secret that acts like another wallet contained within the device.
Common problems & quick fixes
If the device is unresponsive, try a different cable or USB port. If the site cannot detect your device, ensure no other wallet extensions or apps are interfering and that you have approved the connection on the device screen.
If you lose your device, recover on a new Trezor or compatible recovery tool using your seed. If you suspect your seed was compromised, move funds to a fresh wallet immediately.