Getting Started with Your Trezor Device
Congratulations on taking the most important step in your cryptocurrency journey: self-custody. By choosing a Trezor hardware wallet, you are moving your digital assets away from vulnerable exchanges and into a secure, offline environment that only you control. This guide will walk you through the entire process of initializing your device at Trezor.io/Start.
1. Unboxing and Inspection
Before you plug anything in, inspect the packaging. Your Trezor device should arrive with a holographic seal over the USB port (for Model One) or on the box opening (for Model T/Safe 3). If this seal appears broken or tampered with, do not use the device and contact Trezor Support immediately. Security starts with physical integrity.
2. Installing Trezor Suite
To communicate with your hardware wallet, you need the official interface.
- Navigate to the official download page or click the button above.
- Download the version appropriate for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Install the application and launch it.
- Alternatively, you can use the web version, but the desktop app is recommended for better security and phishing protection.
3. Connecting and Firmware Update
Connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided USB cable. Trezor Suite should detect the device automatically. Since devices are shipped without firmware installed (to ensure you always have the latest version), you will be prompted to install the firmware. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete this process. This verifies the authenticity of your device.
4. Creating a New Wallet
Once the firmware is ready, you'll have the option to "Create a new wallet" or "Recover wallet". Select Create a new wallet. Your device will generate a unique set of private keys offline using a random number generator.
5. The Recovery Seed Backup (Crucial Step)
This is the most critical part of the setup. Your Trezor will display a sequence of words (usually 12 or 24 words). This is your Recovery Seed.
- Write down every word carefully on the provided recovery seed cards.
- Double-check the spelling and order.
- NEVER take a photo of your seed words.
- NEVER type your seed words into a computer or save them in a cloud file.
- NEVER share your seed with anyone, including Trezor support.
If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, this physical backup is the only way to restore access to your funds.
6. Setting a PIN
You will be asked to set a PIN code. This protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a strong PIN that isn't easily guessable (avoid 1234 or 0000). The PIN entry method on Trezor Model One uses a shuffled matrix on the device screen to prevent keyloggers from learning your PIN.
7. Transferring Cryptocurrency
With your wallet initialized, you can now receive assets. In Trezor Suite, click "Receive", select the account (e.g., Bitcoin), and click "Show full address". Verify that the address on your computer screen matches the one displayed on your Trezor device. If they match, it is safe to send funds to that address.
Why Hardware Wallets are Superior
Software wallets (hot wallets) keep your private keys on an internet-connected device, making them vulnerable to malware, hacks, and clipboard hijacking. Trezor keeps your keys permanently offline. Even if your computer is infected with a virus, your funds remain safe because every transaction requires physical confirmation on the device itself.
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Trezor supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Cardano (ADA), Litecoin (LTC), and all ERC-20 tokens. You can manage most of these directly within Trezor Suite.