Get started with Trezor: Quick, secure, and smart

Setting up a hardware wallet should feel empowering, not intimidating. The Trezor Start flow (trezor.io/start) guides you step-by-step to create a secure wallet, back up your recovery seed, and move crypto safely. Read this condensed practical guide to know what to expect, avoid common setup mistakes, and verify your device so you can use it with confidence.

Why a hardware wallet matters

Hardware wallets store private keys offline, away from browser- and app-layer risks. Trezor signs transactions inside the device so your keys never leave secure hardware. For anyone holding meaningful crypto — whether a casual HODLer or active trader — a hardware wallet is the most rigorous and user-friendly defense against theft and malware.

What to prepare before you start

Only use a factory-sealed device. If the seal is tampered with, contact support—don’t continue.
Have durable paper and a pen ready for your recovery seed. Never photograph or copy the seed to cloud storage.
Pick a private, offline place to write and store your seed copies.
Update your computer’s OS and use a modern browser. Avoid public Wi-Fi and public devices during setup.

Step-by-step setup at trezor.io/start

Open the official start page. Type trezor.io/start or use an official bookmark — never follow unsolicited links.
Connect the device. Plug in the Trezor using the supplied cable. The device screen will show simple prompts and a device fingerprint for authenticity checks.
Install firmware if required. New units usually need firmware. Follow on-screen prompts; verify any code shown on the device against the website before proceeding.
Create a new wallet. Select "create new". The device will generate a 12–24 word recovery seed. Write each word down in order — accuracy matters.
Confirm the seed. Trezor will ask you to confirm specific seed words to ensure the backup is correct.
Set a PIN. Pick a PIN you can remember but that isn’t easily guessable. The PIN prevents unauthorized local access.
Install wallet apps. Use the official wallet interface linked from the start page to manage coins and send transactions. Verify site certificates and URLs when prompted.

Security best practices

Good habits are as important as the device. Follow these rules:

Never reveal your recovery seed. No legitimate support or service will ask for it.
Store physical copies offline; consider multiple geographically separated backups for larger holdings.
Understand passphrases before using them — they change recovery mechanics and losing one can mean permanent loss of access.
Keep firmware and app software updated, but only from official sources on trezor.io.
Always send a small test transaction when moving funds to a new address.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your device isn’t detected, try a different cable or USB port and avoid USB hubs. If codes or fingerprints shown on-device differ from those on the website, stop and get official support. A forgotten PIN requires a recovery using the seed after a factory reset; the seed is the only reliable recovery method.

Compromise response

If you believe your seed is compromised, act immediately: generate a new wallet and seed with a secure device and move funds to it from the compromised wallet. Revoke risky permissions on smart-contract platforms when possible and secure all seed copies.

Coin compatibility notes

Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies, but some coins and tokens need specific firmware or third-party integrations. The official start page links to compatible apps and explains any special steps. For tokens using smart contracts, always verify contract addresses before interacting.

Quick pre-send checklist

Confirm device authenticity and firmware version.
Verify destination addresses visually and with on-device address checks where available.
Send a small test transaction first.
Check fee settings and confirm the transaction on the device screen.

Frequently asked question

Can I recover my wallet if my device is lost? Yes — using the written recovery seed on any compatible Trezor device or supported recovery tool. Ensure your backup copies are intact and stored safely.

Is the device safe if stolen? Without your PIN and passphrase, the hardware alone is insufficient to access funds. Nonetheless, treat theft seriously and move funds if you suspect compromise.

Final thoughts

Setting up Trezor correctly takes a little time and care, but it dramatically reduces the chance of losing access to your crypto. Prioritize an offline backup routine and confirm every step during setup. With good practices, your hardware wallet becomes a reliable vault for long-term holdings. Keep a written inventory of where your seed copies are stored and periodically review your security plan to adapt to new threats and personal circumstances.