Trézor.io/start — Getting Started® | TreZor® (official)
Congratulations on taking control of your digital wealth. By choosing Trezor, you've selected the original and most trusted hardware wallet—protecting cryptocurrency since 2013. This guide will walk you through the essential setup process to ensure your assets remain secure from day one.
Before You Begin: Unbox & Prepare
In Your Box:
- Trezor device (Model T or Safe 3)
- USB-C cable
- Recovery seed cards (2x)
- Trezor stickers
- Getting started guide
What You'll Need:
- Computer with internet access
- 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time
- A pen (not a digital device)
Phase 1: Installation & Connection
Step 1: Download Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is your secure command center for all crypto operations.
- Visit suite.trezor.io
- Bookmark this official address
- Never trust search results for "Trezor"—use only official links
- Choose Your Platform:
- Desktop App (Recommended): Highest security, full features
- Web Suite: Quick access, good for checking balances
- Mobile coming soon
- Download & Install:
- Follow your operating system's installation process
- The app is approximately 150MB
Security Alert: Always verify you're on our official domain. Phishing sites may mimic our design—check the URL carefully.
Step 2: Connect Your Trezor
- Use the supplied USB-C cable
- Connect to any USB port on your computer
- If prompted by your OS, allow device connection
- Trezor Suite will automatically detect your hardware
First Connection Indicators:
- Trezor screen will light up
- Suite displays "Welcome" message
- If firmware is needed, you'll be prompted immediately
Phase 2: Initial Configuration
Step 3: Install Latest Firmware
All new Trezor devices require firmware installation before first use.
Why This Matters:
- Contains latest security patches
- Enables new features
- Supports additional cryptocurrencies
- Takes 1-2 minutes
Process:
- Click "Install" when prompted
- Do not disconnect during installation
- Device will restart automatically
- Suite confirms successful installation
Step 4: Choose Setup Path
Option A: Create New Wallet (First-time users)
- Generates new recovery seed
- Sets up fresh security environment
- Recommended for most users
Option B: Recover Wallet (Existing seed)
- Restores previous wallet
- Use if migrating from another wallet
- Requires your recovery seed phrase
Step 5: Select Backup Type
Standard Backup (12 words)
- Industry standard since 2013
- Compatible with most wallets
- Simple and secure for most users
Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) (Advanced)
- Split secret into multiple shares
- Requires threshold (e.g., 3-of-5) to recover
- Ideal for inheritance or business use
- Available on Model T
Phase 3: Critical Security Steps
Step 6: Backup Your Recovery Seed ⚠️
This is the single most important step. Your seed = your crypto.
On Your Trezor Screen:
- Words appear one at a time
- Write each word in order on paper cards
- Use a pen—not pencil
- Double-check spelling
Secure Storage Rules:
- ✅ Store in fireproof safe
- ✅ Safety deposit box
- ✅ Multiple physical locations
- ❌ Never photograph or type
- ❌ No cloud storage
- ❌ Don't store with device
Why Physical Only?
Digital copies can be hacked, intercepted, or accessed remotely. Paper survives EMPs, doesn't require electricity, and keeps you in control.
Step 7: Verify Your Backup
Trezor Suite will ask you to:
- Re-enter 3-4 random words from your seed
- Select them on your device screen
- Confirm accuracy
Purpose: Ensures you recorded correctly. Mistakes here mean lost funds later.
Step 8: Set Your PIN
Security Features:
- Randomized keypad layout
- Prevents shoulder surfing
- 1-50 digits allowed
- Required on every connection
PIN Tips:
- Make it memorable but not obvious
- Consider using a pattern on randomized keypad
- Never share with anyone
Step 9: Personalize Your Device
- Name your device (e.g., "Main Vault," "Savings")
- This helps identify multiple Trezors
- Doesn't affect security
Phase 4: First Use & Best Practices
Your Trezor Suite Dashboard
Once setup completes, you'll see:
Main Features:
- Portfolio: Real-time balance tracking
- Accounts: Separate wallets for different purposes
- Send/Receive: Transaction interfaces
- Exchange: Built-in trading
- Settings: Security customization
Your First Transaction:
- To Receive:
- Select cryptocurrency
- Click "Receive"
- Verify address on Trezor screen
- Share address with sender
- To Send:
- Enter recipient address
- Specify amount
- Review on Trezor screen
- Confirm with device button
Advanced Security Options:
Hidden Wallet (Passphrase)
- Creates secret wallet behind PIN
- Adds 13th/25th word
- Provides plausible deniability
- Access via Settings → Security
FIDO2/U2F Authentication
- Use Trezor as security key
- Protects Google, GitHub, etc.
- Setup in Settings → Security
Bitcoin-Only Firmware
- Removes altcoin support
- Reduces attack surface
- Maximum Bitcoin focus
Maintenance & Updates
Firmware Updates:
- Install when notified
- Process takes 2-3 minutes
- Preserves all settings
- Never ignore security updates
Regular Security Checks:
- Monthly: Verify backup accessibility
- Quarterly: Update Suite application
- Annually: Review security practices
Travel Considerations:
- Carry Trezor separately from backup
- Use passphrase for additional security
- Know how to recover if needed
Troubleshooting
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Device not recognized | Try different USB cable/port |
| Screen unresponsive | Reinstall firmware via Web Suite |
| PIN forgotten | Recover with seed (wipes device) |
| Update failed | Use recovery mode |
| Suite connection issues | Try suite.trezor.io/web |
Support Resources:
- 📚 Knowledge Base
- 💬 Community Forum
- 🛠️ Built-in help in Suite
- 📧 Official support tickets
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if Trezor company disappears?
A: Your crypto remains completely safe. Trezor devices are open-source and independent. Your assets live on the blockchain, accessible with your recovery seed on any compatible wallet software (like Electrum) or hardware wallet. The company's existence doesn't affect your access.
Q2: Can I use one Trezor for multiple people/accounts?
A: Yes, through several methods:
- Create separate accounts within Suite
- Use different passphrases for completely separate wallets
- Share device with separate PINs (but seed access = full access)
- For business use, consider Shamir Backup with share distribution
Q3: Is my Trezor waterproof/fireproof?
A: The devices are water-resistant but not waterproof. They can survive minor spills but not submersion. For fire protection:
- Use fireproof safe for storage
- Consider titanium seed storage solutions
- Multiple geographic backups
- The device itself is less critical than your seed backup
Q4: How many cryptocurrencies can I store?
A: Trezor supports 1,400+ assets including:
- All major coins (BTC, ETH, XRP, etc.)
- ERC-20 tokens (through Ethereum account)
- Privacy coins (XMR, ZEC with third-party wallets)
- New coins added regularly via firmware updates
Q5: What's the difference between Trezor Suite and Trezor Wallet?
A: Trezor Wallet was our legacy interface (2014-2020). Trezor Suite is the modern replacement with:
- Enhanced security features
- Built-in exchange
- Portfolio tracking
- Privacy tools (CoinJoin, Tor)
- Regular updates and improvements
- All users should migrate to Suite
Q6: Can hackers access my Trezor if they steal it?
A: Physical theft protection includes:
- PIN protection (wipes after 16 failures)
- No data extraction without PIN
- Secure element in Trezor Safe 3
- Time-delay on Model T
- Passphrase creates hidden wallet
However, if they also obtain your recovery seed, funds are at risk. Always store device and seed separately.
Final Security Checklist
- Recovery seed written on paper (not digital)
- Seed stored in secure location(s)
- PIN memorized (not written with seed)
- Firmware updated to latest version
- Tested recovery process with small amount
- Passphrase considered for additional security
- Device name set for identification
- Suite bookmarked for future access
Welcome to True Ownership
You've now completed the most important step in cryptocurrency security. Remember:
Your keys, your coins.
Not your keys, not your coins.
Trezor provides the tools, but you hold the sovereignty. Use your device regularly, stay informed about updates, and practice good security hygiene.
Need help? We're here for you through our extensive support channels. Welcome to the Trezor family—where security meets simplicity.
Trezor® and Trezor Suite™ are trademarks of SatoshiLabs. Always verify you're using official software from our verified domains. Be vigilant against phishing attempts.