Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®

Congratulations on choosing true security and sovereignty for your cryptocurrency assets. Trezor is the world's original hardware wallet, trusted by millions since 2013 to protect digital wealth with uncompromising security and user-friendly design.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through setting up your Trezor device—whether it's the Trezor Model T with its touchscreen interface or the Trezor Safe 3 with secure element technology. In just 15 minutes, you'll transform from a crypto holder to a crypto sovereign.

Before You Begin

Essential items from your box:

• Your Trezor device
• USB-C cable
• Recovery seed cards (2 included)
• Getting started guide

What you need:

• Computer with internet access
• Approximately 15 minutes of focused time
• Secure location for your recovery seed

Phase 1: Install Your Dashboard

Download Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is your secure command center for all cryptocurrency operations. Unlike web interfaces, our desktop application provides enhanced security and full functionality.

1. Navigate to suite.trezor.io
   • Bookmark this official address
   • Never trust search engine results alone
2. Choose your platform:
   • Desktop App (Recommended): Maximum security, full feature set
   • Web Version: Quick access for checking balances
   • Mobile apps coming soon
3. Download and install:
   • Follow your operating system's installation process
   • The application is approximately 150MB
   • Launch Trezor Suite once installed

⚠️ Critical Security Notice: Always verify you're on our official domain. Phishing attempts often mimic our design—check URLs carefully before downloading or entering information.

Phase 2: Initialize Your Device

Step 1: Connect Your Trezor

1. Use the supplied USB-C cable to connect your device to your computer
2. If prompted by your operating system, allow device connection
3. Trezor Suite will automatically detect your hardware

First connection indicators:

• Device screen lights up
• Suite displays welcome message
• If firmware is needed, you'll be prompted immediately

Step 2: Install Firmware

All new Trezor devices require firmware installation before first use.

Why this matters:

• Contains latest security patches
• Enables new features and coin support
• Takes 1-2 minutes

Process:

1. Click "Install" when prompted
2. Do not disconnect during installation
3. Device will restart automatically
4. Suite confirms successful installation

Step 3: Choose Your Setup Path

Option A: Create New Wallet (Recommended for first-time users)

• Generates new recovery seed
• Sets up fresh security environment
• Standard process for most users

Option B: Recover Wallet (For existing seed restoration)

• Restores previous wallet
• Use when migrating from another device
• Requires your recovery seed phrase

Step 4: Select Backup Method

Standard Backup (12-word seed)

• Industry standard since 2013
• Compatible with most wallet software
• Perfect balance of security and simplicity

Shamir Backup (SLIP-39) (Advanced, Model T only)

• Splits secret into multiple shares
• Requires threshold (e.g., 3-of-5) to recover
• Ideal for business accounts or inheritance planning

Phase 3: Critical Security Setup

Step 5: Backup Your Recovery Seed ⚠️

This is the single most important step in cryptocurrency security.

On your Trezor screen:

1. Words appear one at a time
2. Write each word in order on paper cards
3. Use a pen—ink lasts decades
4. Double-check spelling and order

Secure Storage Protocol:

• ✅ Store in fireproof safe or safety deposit box
• ✅ Create multiple copies in different geographic locations
• ✅ Consider titanium plates for disaster protection
• ❌ Never photograph or type digitally
• ❌ Never store in cloud services
• ❌ Never keep with your device

Why paper? Paper backups survive electromagnetic pulses, don't require electricity, and aren't vulnerable to digital hacking. Your seed is more valuable than the device itself.

Step 6: Verify Your Backup

Trezor Suite will ask you to:

1. Re-enter 3-4 random words from your seed
2. Select them on your device screen
3. Confirm accuracy

Purpose: This verification prevents transcription errors that could permanently lock you out of your funds. Don't skip this step.

Step 7: Set Your PIN

Security features:

• Randomized keypad layout
• Prevents shoulder surfing
• 1-50 digits allowed
• Required on every connection

PIN strategy:

• Create something memorable but not obvious
• Consider using a pattern on randomized layout
• Never share with anyone

Step 8: Personalize Your Device

• Name your device (e.g., "Main Vault," "Savings Account")
• This helps identify multiple Trezors
• Doesn't affect security

Phase 4: First Use & Best Practices

Your Trezor Suite Dashboard

Upon completion, you'll access:

Key Features:

• Portfolio: Real-time balance and performance tracking
• Accounts: Separate wallets for different purposes or coins
• Send/Receive: Simple transaction interfaces
• Exchange: Built-in trading with competitive rates
• Settings: Security customization and device management

Making Your First Transaction

To receive funds:

1. Select cryptocurrency in Suite
2. Click "Receive"
3. Verify address on Trezor screen (crucial step)
4. Share address with sender

To send funds:

1. Enter recipient address
2. Specify amount
3. Review all details on Trezor screen
4. Confirm with device button

Advanced Security Options

Hidden Wallet (Passphrase)

• Creates secret wallet behind PIN
• Adds 13th/25th word complexity
• Provides plausible deniability
• Enable in Settings → Security

FIDO2/U2F Authentication

• Use Trezor as hardware security key
• Protects Google, GitHub, Dropbox, etc.
• Setup in Settings → Security

Bitcoin-Only Firmware

• Removes altcoin support
• Reduces attack surface
• Maximizes Bitcoin security
• Available in firmware settings

Maintenance & Security Schedule

Regular Updates

Firmware updates:

• Install immediately when notified
• Process takes 2-3 minutes
• Preserves all settings and funds
• Never ignore security updates

Security checklist:

• Monthly: Verify backup accessibility
• Quarterly: Update Trezor Suite
• Annually: Review and test recovery process
• As needed: Rotate storage locations

Travel Considerations

• Carry Trezor separately from backup
• Use passphrase for additional security
• Know recovery process in case of emergency
• Consider a secondary travel-only device

Troubleshooting Guide

Support Resources:

• 📚 Knowledge Base: Detailed guides for every scenario
• 💬 Community Forum: Help from experienced users
• 🛠️ Built-in Help: Accessible within Trezor Suite
• 📧 Official Support: Ticket system for complex issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What happens if Trezor the company goes out of business?

A: Your cryptocurrency remains completely secure and accessible. 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—this is true decentralization.

Q2: Can I use my Trezor with MetaMask and other DeFi applications?

A: Yes, and this is a recommended practice. Connect your Trezor to MetaMask via the "Connect Hardware Wallet" option. Your private keys remain secure in the Trezor while you interact with dApps. This gives you cold storage security with hot wallet convenience for DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 applications.

Q3: How many cryptocurrencies can I store on one Trezor?

A: Trezor supports 1,400+ assets including:

• All major coins (BTC, ETH, XRP, ADA, DOT, etc.)
• Thousands of ERC-20 tokens (through Ethereum account)
• Privacy coins via third-party wallet integration
• New coins added regularly through firmware updates
  There's no practical limit—you can manage hundreds of different assets simultaneously.

Q4: What's the difference between Trezor Model T and Safe 3?

A: Both provide identical core security. Key differences:

• Trezor Model T: Color touchscreen, microSD slot for encrypted storage, native Shamir Backup support, premium feel.
• Trezor Safe 3: Secure element chip for enhanced physical attack resistance, compact design, exceptional value, perfect balance of security and affordability.

Q5: Is my recovery seed compatible with other wallets?

A: Yes. Your standard 12-word seed follows the universal BIP39 standard. You can import it into most other hardware wallets (Ledger, etc.) and software wallets (Exodus, Electrum, etc.). This ensures you're never locked into one ecosystem and can recover your funds anywhere.

Q6: What happens if someone steals my Trezor device?

A: Physical theft protection includes:

• PIN protection (wipes after 16 failed attempts)
• No data extraction without PIN
• Secure element in Trezor Safe 3
• Time-delay protection on Model T
• Passphrase creates hidden wallet
  However, if thieves also obtain your recovery seed, your funds are at risk. Always store device and seed separately in secure locations.

Final Security Checklist

• Recovery seed written on paper (not digital)
• Seed stored in minimum two secure locations
• PIN memorized (not written with seed)
• Firmware updated to latest version
• Tested recovery process with small amount
• Passphrase considered for additional security
• Device named for easy identification
• Suite bookmarked for future access
• Emergency contact informed of backup location (optional)

Welcome to True Ownership

You have completed the most important step in securing your digital wealth. Remember the fundamental principle:

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 security developments, and practice consistent security hygiene.

Your Next Steps:

1. Start small: Transfer a test amount before moving significant funds
2. Explore features: Try the exchange, portfolio tracker, and privacy tools
3. Stay updated: Subscribe to security announcements
4. Join community: Connect with other Trezor users

Welcome to the Trezor family—where security meets sovereignty.

Trezor® and Trezor Suite™ are trademarks of SatoshiLabs. Always verify you're using official software from our verified domains. Be vigilant against phishing attempts—we will never ask for your recovery seed.