Your trusted guide to securely setting up your Trezor hardware wallet
Congratulations on choosing a Trezor hardware wallet, a pioneer in cryptocurrency security. Trezor devices, developed by SatoshiLabs, keep your private keys offline, protecting your digital assets from online threats like hacking, phishing, and malware. Whether you’re new to cryptocurrency or an experienced user, this guide will walk you through setting up your Trezor device securely using the official onboarding portal at Trezor.io/start. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your assets remain safe.
The official Trezor.io/start portal is your secure entry point for setting up your Trezor hardware wallet. It provides verified instructions, firmware updates, and access to Trezor Suite, the official software for managing your crypto. Starting here ensures you avoid phishing scams and counterfeit software that could compromise your funds.
Security Warning: Always type https://trezor.io/start directly into your browser or bookmark it. Avoid clicking links from search engines or untrusted sources, as malicious sites may mimic the official page.
Before starting, gather the following items:
Tip: If your device arrives with a pre-written recovery seed, pre-set PIN, or signs of tampering (e.g., broken holographic seals), do not use it. Contact Trezor Support immediately via the official website.
Start by inspecting your Trezor package. Authentic Trezor devices come with intact holographic security seals. Check for any signs of tampering, such as peeled stickers or damaged packaging. Inside the box, you should find:
If anything is missing or suspicious, pause and verify authenticity through Trezor.io/start.
Plug your Trezor device into your computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure the cable supports data transfer (not just charging). The device should power on and display a welcome screen. If it doesn’t, try a different USB port or cable.
Tip: Avoid using untrusted USB hubs or public computers to reduce the risk of interference.
Open a modern browser and navigate to https://trezor.io/start. This official portal will guide you to download Trezor Suite, the desktop or web application for managing your wallet. Follow the prompts to install Trezor Suite, ensuring you download it only from the official site to avoid malicious software.
Upon connecting your device, Trezor Suite will detect it and check for firmware updates. If prompted, follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest firmware. Confirm all actions on your Trezor device’s screen, not just on your computer, to ensure security.
Warning: Never disconnect your device during a firmware update, as this could render it unusable. Keep it connected until the process is complete.
In Trezor Suite, select “Create new wallet” (or “Recover wallet” if restoring from a previous seed). Your Trezor device will generate a unique 12–24 word recovery seed, displayed on the device screen. Write this down carefully on the provided recovery seed card. Never store it digitally or take photos of it.
Critical: Your recovery seed is the only way to restore your funds if your device is lost or damaged. Never share it with anyone, including alleged Trezor support. Store it offline in a secure location.
Next, set a strong PIN to lock your Trezor device. Choose a sequence that’s memorable but hard to guess (avoid patterns like 1234). The device’s PIN entry system uses a randomized keypad for added security. You can also enable an optional passphrase for advanced protection.
Store your recovery seed card in a safe, offline location, such as a fireproof safe or safety deposit box. For extra security, consider using a metal backup solution (e.g., a steel plate) to protect against fire or water damage. Keep multiple backups in separate, secure locations.
Tip: Test your recovery seed by performing a dry-run recovery in Trezor Suite to ensure you’ve recorded it correctly.
With your wallet set up, you can now use Trezor Suite to receive, send, and manage cryptocurrencies. Trezor supports over 1,000 assets, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, and ERC-20 tokens. Check the official Trezor website for the latest supported assets and integrations with DeFi platforms.
To keep your funds secure, follow these habits:
If you encounter problems during setup, try these solutions:
Trezor hardware wallets offer unmatched security through offline private key storage, open-source firmware, and user-friendly interfaces. With models like Trezor Model One and Model T, you get affordability, advanced features, and full control over your funds. Starting at Trezor.io/start ensures a safe, guided setup process, protecting your cryptocurrency journey from the first step.