Introduction to Trezor.io/start

Trezor is the world's first and most secure hardware wallet, designed to provide maximum security for your cryptocurrency assets while maintaining ease of use. Created by SatoshiLabs, Trezor keeps your private keys offline and protected from online threats.

Trezor Model T and Model One Devices

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of setting up your Trezor device, from unboxing to making your first secure transaction. Whether you're new to cryptocurrency or an experienced user, following these steps carefully will ensure your digital assets remain protected.

Why Use a Trezor.io/start?

Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, hardware wallets like Trezor store your private keys on a secure offline device. This isolation from internet-connected devices dramatically reduces the risk of theft from hacking, phishing, or malware attacks.

Note: Trezor devices support over 1,000 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and all ERC-20 tokens. Always check the official Trezor supported assets page for the most current list.

Unboxing Your Trezor Device

When your Trezor package arrives, it's important to verify its authenticity to ensure you haven't received a tampered device. Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Check the packaging: Authentic Trezor devices come in sealed packaging with holographic security stickers. Verify that the seal is intact and hasn't been tampered with.
  2. Contents verification: Open the package and ensure it contains all the expected items:
    • Trezor device itself
    • USB cable
    • Recovery seed cards
    • Getting started guide
    • Trezor stickers (in some packages)
  3. Inspect the device: Look for any signs of physical tampering or pre-use. The device should be pristine with no scratches or wear.
Image of unboxed Trezor contents with device, cable, and seed cards

Security Warning: If you suspect your device has been tampered with, do not use it. Contact Trezor support immediately for assistance. Never use a second-hand Trezor device from an untrusted source.

Initial Setup Process

The setup process is crucial for establishing a secure foundation for your cryptocurrency storage. Follow these steps carefully:

Step 1: Connecting to Trezor Suite

Visit trezor.io/start from your computer browser. This official page will automatically detect your device model and guide you to the appropriate setup instructions.

  1. Download and install Trezor Suite, the official desktop application for managing your device
  2. Connect your Trezor device using the provided USB cable
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the necessary firmware
Screenshot of Trezor Suite installation process

Step 2: Device Initialization

After firmware installation, you'll need to initialize your device:

  1. Choose whether to create a new wallet or restore from backup
  2. For new wallets, the device will generate a new seed phrase
  3. Set a PIN code to protect your device from physical access

PIN Protection: Your PIN is entered using the Trezor device screen and your computer in a randomized pattern to prevent keyloggers from capturing your PIN.

Step 3: Seed Phrase Backup

This is the most critical security step. Your seed phrase is the master key to your cryptocurrency funds:

  1. Your Trezor device will display 12, 18, or 24 words sequentially
  2. Write these words down exactly as shown on the recovery seed cards
  3. Verify the seed phrase by correctly selecting the words in order when prompted

Critical Security Advice: Never digitize your seed phrase—no photos, cloud storage, or text files. Store it physically in multiple secure locations. Anyone with access to your seed phrase can access your funds.

Illustration of properly written seed phrase on recovery card

Step 4: Installing Coin Support

After setup, you can install support for various cryptocurrencies through Trezor Suite:

  1. Navigate to the "Settings" section in Trezor Suite
  2. Select "Crypto" to choose which currencies to enable
  3. Your device will download the necessary firmware components

Using Your Trezor Device

With your Trezor successfully set up, you can now securely manage your cryptocurrency assets.

Receiving Cryptocurrency

To receive funds to your Trezor wallet:

  1. Connect your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite
  2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to receive
  3. Click "Receive" to generate a receiving address
  4. Verify the address on your Trezor device screen
  5. Use this address to receive funds from exchanges or other wallets

Address Verification: Always verify receiving addresses on your Trezor device screen to ensure malware hasn't altered the address on your computer.

Sending Cryptocurrency

To send funds from your Trezor wallet:

  1. Connect your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite
  2. Select the cryptocurrency you want to send
  3. Click "Send" and enter the recipient address and amount
  4. Verify all transaction details on your Trezor device screen
  5. Confirm the transaction on your device
Trezor device showing transaction verification screen

Using Advanced Features

Trezor devices offer several advanced security features:

Security Best Practices

Maintaining the security of your Trezor device requires ongoing vigilance. Follow these best practices:

Physical Security

Digital Security

Phishing Alert: Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed phrase. Any website or service requesting your seed words is a scam.

Regular Maintenance

Security checklist infographic for Trezor users

What to Do If Your Device Is Lost or Stolen

If your Trezor device is compromised:

  1. Remain calm—your funds are safe as long as your recovery seed is secure
  2. Use your recovery seed to restore your wallet to a new Trezor device
  3. Consider transferring funds to a new wallet with a new seed phrase for maximum security
  4. Report the theft to local authorities if necessary

Remember, the security of your cryptocurrency depends entirely on the secrecy of your recovery seed phrase. The physical device is just a convenient way to access your funds without exposing your private keys.