Welcome to Trezor.io/start, your official guide to setting up your new Trezor hardware wallet. This process is the most critical step you will take in securing your cryptocurrency. By following these instructions carefully, you are moving from the high-risk environment of software wallets and exchanges to the unparalleled security of a cold storage solution. This guide is designed to be straightforward. Take your time, work in a quiet space, and do not rush. Your diligence now will pay off in peace of mind for years to come.
Disclaimer
The following guide provides instructions for setting up a Trezor device. Cryptocurrencies are inherently volatile and digital assets carry risk. You, and you alone, are responsible for the security of your recovery seed and your funds. Trezor cannot recover your seed or your funds if they are lost. Always ensure you are downloading software from the official Trezor.io website to avoid phishing scams. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
Before you begin, let's ensure you have all the necessary components. Your Trezor box should contain the Trezor device itself, a USB-C cable for connecting to your computer, a magnetic dock for convenient placement, and two recovery seed cards. These seed cards are made of a durable, non-paper material designed to withstand minor spills and tears, offering a more robust way to physically record your backup phrase. Please check that all items are present and undamaged.
The first physical step is to connect your Trezor to a trusted computer. Use the provided USB-C cable to connect your Trezor device to your computer's USB port. For the best experience, use a computer that you own and is free from malware. Public or shared computers should be avoided entirely for this process. Once connected, the Trezor screen should light up, displaying the Trezor logo. This confirms the device has power.
Trezor Suite is the powerful desktop application that serves as your command center for managing your crypto. Do not search for it in a general app store. Instead, open your web browser and navigate directly to suite.trezor.io. This is the only official and secure source for the application. The website will automatically detect your operating system. Click the download button and run the installer once the download is complete. Installing Trezor Suite ensures you have a secure, dedicated environment for all your transactions, shielding you from browser-based vulnerabilities.
With Trezor Suite installed and open, and your device connected, the application will detect your new Trezor. You will be presented with a choice: "Set up as new device" or "Recover wallet." Since this is a brand-new device, you must select "Set up as new device." The software will then begin the process of installing the latest firmware onto your device. Firmware is the core software that runs your Trezor, and keeping it updated is essential for security and access to new features. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete this installation.
This is the single most important part of the entire setup. Your recovery seed, also known as a backup phrase, is a list of 12 or 24 unique words generated by your Trezor. This phrase is the master key to your entire wallet. If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or broken, you can use this seed to recover all your funds onto a new device. Conversely, anyone who possesses this seed can steal all your assets forever.
Your Trezor will generate this seed and display it, one word at a time, on its small built-in screen. You must then transcribe these words, in the exact order they appear, onto the provided recovery seed cards. Use a pen with permanent, non-bleeding ink. Never, under any circumstances, type this seed into a computer, take a digital photograph of it, or store it in a cloud service. The only secure place for your seed is physically written down. We recommend filling out both seed cards and storing them in two separate, secure, and fire-safe locations, such as a safe or a safety deposit box.
To ensure you have written down the seed correctly, Trezor Suite will now ask you to perform a confirmation check. It will ask you to select specific words from your seed list in the correct order. This is not a test of memory, but a verification of your accurate transcription. You will need to use the touchscreen or buttons on your Trezor device itself to select the words. This step is crucial. If you made a mistake during writing, this is your chance to catch it and start the backup process over. Do not skip this step.
After successfully confirming your seed, you will be prompted to create a PIN. This PIN is your first line of physical defense. It protects your device from unauthorized access if it is ever stolen. The PIN is entered using the randomized keypad displayed on your Trezor Suite screen. You then confirm the numbers by clicking the corresponding positions on your actual Trezor device. This clever method prevents keyloggers on your computer from stealing your PIN. Choose a PIN that is at least 4 digits long, but we strongly recommend using a longer, more complex one for maximum security.
Congratulations! Your Trezor hardware wallet is now fully initialized and secured. You will be taken to the main dashboard of Trezor Suite. This is your portfolio view. From here, you can explore the different cryptocurrencies your Trezor supports. To receive your first funds, simply select the asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), click "Receive," and your Trezor will generate a receiving address. Always double-check that the address shown on your Trezor's screen matches the address shown in Trezor Suite before sending any funds. This final verification protects you from malware that can alter clipboard data.
Your responsibility now shifts from setup to vigilant maintenance. Your Trezor is a tool, and its security depends on your habits. Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone. Trezor support will never ask for it. Be mindful of phishing emails or fake websites pretending to be Trezor. Always bookmark the official Trezor Suite application and Trezor.io website. Regularly connect your device to check for and install new firmware updates, as these often contain critical security enhancements. By treating your recovery seed and PIN with the utmost care and staying vigilant online, your digital wealth will remain securely under your control, exactly as Satoshi Nakamoto intended. Welcome to true financial sovereignty.