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

Get Started with Your Trezor Hardware Wallet

Welcome to your journey into secure, independent, and user-controlled cryptocurrency storage. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to set up your Trezor hardware wallet for the first time. Whether you’re completely new to crypto or an experienced user ready to improve your security, this step-by-step walkthrough ensures you get started smoothly and confidently.

1. What Is a Trezor Hardware Wallet?

A Trezor hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency’s private keys offline. Private keys are like the passwords that allow you to move or manage your crypto assets. Keeping them offline protects them from online threats like malware, phishing, or remote attacks.

When you use Trezor, your private keys always stay inside the device. Even if your computer is unsafe, your crypto remains protected. The wallet uses strong cryptographic methods and a secure user-controlled design that places you fully in charge of your digital assets.

2. What You Need Before You Begin

Before setting up, gather the following:

  • Your Trezor device (Trezor Model One or Model T)
  • A USB cable that came with the device
  • A computer with an updated browser
  • A stable internet connection
  • A pen to write down your recovery seed
  • Your recovery seed card (included in the box)

Avoid using:

  • Public computers
  • Untrusted cables
  • Websites reached through advertisements

For safety, always type the official address manually when accessing the Trezor interface.

3. Connect Your Trezor to Your Computer

Start by plugging your Trezor device into your computer using the original USB cable. The device should power on automatically. You’ll see a welcome message indicating that the device is ready for initialization.

Open your browser and visit the official Trezor interface. You’ll be prompted to install Trezor Suite, the desktop application that lets you manage your crypto portfolio, update firmware, and configure your wallet’s security settings.

4. Install and Open Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is a secure application built specifically for interacting with your hardware wallet. It is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

After downloading, open the installer and follow the prompts. Once the application launches, it will automatically detect your connected device and guide you through the setup.

5. Update Your Firmware (Important!)

If your device has never been used, it may ship without firmware installed. Firmware is the secure operating system that runs on your device.

Trezor Suite will notify you if your firmware needs to be installed or updated. Approve the update, then follow the on-screen instructions. You will be asked to confirm the process on the device screen.

Do not disconnect the cable or turn off your computer during this step.

6. Create a New Wallet

Once your device is ready, you’ll be given the option to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. Select Create New Wallet. This generates a brand-new set of private keys exclusively on your device.

You’ll then be guided to create your recovery seed.

7. Write Down Your Recovery Seed

Your recovery seed is the single most important part of your wallet setup. It is a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words that can restore access to your crypto if the device is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Follow these steps:

  1. Carefully write the words down on the provided recovery card.
  2. Do not photograph, save, or type the seed into any device.
  3. Double-check spelling and order.
  4. Store the card safely in a secure, offline location.
  5. Never share the seed with anyone—not even support staff.

If someone gets your recovery seed, they can control your entire wallet.

8. Set a Strong PIN

Next, Trezor Suite will prompt you to choose a PIN. This acts as your daily access key to your device. You will confirm the PIN using the device’s screen. Make sure your PIN is:

  • Difficult to guess
  • Not tied to birthdays or patterns
  • Kept private

If someone steals your device, the PIN prevents them from using it.

9. Explore Trezor Suite Dashboard

Once setup is complete, you’ll enter the Trezor Suite dashboard. Here, you can:

  • View your portfolio
  • Add accounts for supported cryptocurrencies
  • Send and receive assets
  • Monitor transaction history
  • Adjust security and privacy settings

The clean interface provides clear information about your balances and activity.

10. Add Cryptocurrency Accounts

To manage specific coins, you need to add accounts inside the Suite. Each cryptocurrency has its own account type. For example:

  • Bitcoin
  • Ethereum
  • Litecoin
  • Cardano
  • Many ERC-20 and EVM-compatible tokens

Simply select “Add Account,” choose the currency, and confirm on your device.

11. Receive Crypto to Your Trezor

To receive coins:

  1. Open the chosen account in Trezor Suite.
  2. Click Receive.
  3. Verify the address shown in the app matches the address displayed on your device screen.
  4. Share the address with the sender.

Always confirm addresses on the device itself, as this prevents phishing and software tampering.

12. Send Crypto Safely

Sending crypto is just as simple:

  1. Open the account you want to send from.
  2. Click Send.
  3. Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
  4. Review details in Trezor Suite.
  5. Confirm the transaction on your Trezor device screen.

The device ensures that you approve transactions physically, preventing unauthorized transfers.

Trezor offers advanced protections:

Passphrase

An extra word added to your recovery seed that creates a brand-new hidden wallet. Even if someone obtains your seed, they cannot access the passphrase-protected wallet.

Shamir Backup

Certain models support splitting your recovery seed into multiple shares stored separately—ideal for long-term storage.

Tor Integration

For privacy-focused users, Suite can route traffic through Tor with a single toggle.

14. Tips for Long-Term Protection

To keep your assets safe:

  • Store your recovery seed offline and in a fire-proof location.
  • Consider making multiple copies of the seed.
  • Never enter the seed into any website, app, or computer.
  • Keep your firmware and Suite updated.
  • Use a dedicated computer for crypto if possible.

15. You're Ready to Go

Your Trezor hardware wallet is now fully set up. With your private keys securely protected offline and your wallet configured, you're ready to manage your cryptocurrency with confidence, privacy, and full control.

Remember: You—not any company—are in complete ownership of your assets. The security of your wallet depends on how carefully you protect your recovery seed and device.

If you ever need assistance, explore official support resources, guides, and community forums for more advanced topics.