Bank-Grade Security
Military-grade encryption protects your private keys offline from hackers and malware.
Complete Setup Guide
Welcome to Trezor.io/Start
Welcome to Trezor.io/Start, your gateway to uncompromising cryptocurrency security. The Trezor hardware wallet represents the pinnacle of digital asset protection, combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design. Whether you're a seasoned crypto investor or just beginning your blockchain journey, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of setting up your Trezor device, ensuring your digital wealth remains protected from online threats, phishing attacks, and unauthorized access.
Trezor pioneered the hardware wallet industry in 2014, introducing the world to cold storage solutions that keep private keys completely offline. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts vulnerable to hacking, your Trezor device stores your cryptographic keys in a secure chip isolated from internet connectivity. This guide covers everything from unboxing your device to managing multiple cryptocurrencies, creating secure backups, and implementing advanced security features.
Getting Started: Unboxing Your Trezor
When you receive your Trezor package, first verify the tamper-evident holographic seals remain intact. Authentic Trezor devices ship in sealed packaging with unique holographic elements that cannot be replicated. Inside the box, you'll find your Trezor hardware wallet, a USB cable for connectivity, a recovery seed card for backup purposes, and a user manual. Never purchase Trezor devices from third-party marketplaces or unofficial retailers, as counterfeit devices pose severe security risks.
Connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided USB cable, then navigate to Trezor.io/Start in your web browser. The setup wizard will automatically detect your device and prompt you to install Trezor Bridge or use Trezor Suite, the company's official interface software. Trezor Suite offers a comprehensive dashboard for managing cryptocurrencies, viewing transaction history, and accessing advanced features like coin control and custom transaction fees.
Creating Your Recovery Seed
Your recovery seed represents the master key to your cryptocurrency holdings. During initialization, your Trezor generates a unique 12 or 24-word mnemonic phrase following the BIP39 standard. This seed phrase mathematically derives all your cryptocurrency addresses and private keys. Write these words carefully on the provided recovery card using permanent ink, maintaining exact word order and spelling. Never photograph your seed phrase, store it digitally, or share it with anyone claiming to be Trezor support.
Store your recovery seed in a secure location separate from your Trezor device. Consider using fireproof and waterproof storage solutions, or split the seed across multiple secure locations. Many users employ metal backup plates that withstand extreme conditions. Remember: anyone possessing your recovery seed controls your cryptocurrency. Trezor employees will never request your seed phrase, and legitimate support interactions never require sharing this information.
Setting Up PIN Protection
After recording your recovery seed, establish a strong PIN code between 4 and 50 digits long. Your Trezor displays a randomized number grid on its screen while your computer shows a blank grid pattern. This clever design prevents keyloggers and screen capture malware from stealing your PIN. Enter your PIN by clicking the corresponding positions on your computer screen, referencing the numbers displayed on your Trezor device. This security measure ensures your PIN never appears on your potentially compromised computer.
Choose a PIN that's memorable yet difficult to guess. Avoid obvious combinations like birthdates or sequential numbers. After several incorrect PIN attempts, your Trezor implements increasing time delays between attempts, protecting against brute-force attacks. If you forget your PIN, you can restore access using your recovery seed phrase, wiping the device and reinitializing with your backed-up seed words.
Managing Your Cryptocurrencies
Once setup completes, you can receive, send, and manage over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens. Trezor Suite displays your portfolio balance, transaction history, and individual coin addresses. To receive cryptocurrency, select the specific coin, generate a receiving address, and verify it appears correctly on your Trezor screen before sharing it with senders. This verification prevents address substitution attacks where malware replaces legitimate addresses with attacker-controlled ones.
Sending cryptocurrency requires physical confirmation on your Trezor device. Review transaction details—recipient address, amount, and network fees—directly on your Trezor screen, not just your computer display. Press the physical button to authorize transactions, ensuring malware cannot execute unauthorized transfers. This human verification step makes Trezor immune to remote attacks, even if your computer becomes completely compromised by sophisticated malware.