Your journey to secure crypto ownership begins here.
Welcome to the world of self-custody. This guide will help you set up your new Trezor hardware wallet securely and confidently, so you can take full control of your digital assets.
Read the Full GuideThe Trezor.io/Start process is designed to be your secure entry point into the Trezor ecosystem. It is the official and most secure way to initialize your Trezor hardware wallet. By following these steps carefully, you will create a highly secure environment for managing your cryptocurrency. The process involves installing the necessary software, setting up your device, and, most importantly, creating and backing up your unique recovery seed.
Your journey begins with a physical inspection of the Trezor box. Make sure the tamper-evident seals are intact. A broken seal could indicate that the device has been compromised. Once you’re confident your device is secure, take it out of the box and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable. Your Trezor device will power on and display a message prompting you to visit the official setup website: Trezor.io/Start.
Crucial Security Check: Always type the URL `Trezor.io/Start` directly into your browser’s address bar. Do not click on links from emails, social media, or search engine results. This simple act is your first line of defense against phishing attacks.
Upon visiting the official setup page, you will be guided to download and install Trezor Suite, the official desktop application for your Trezor hardware wallet. Trezor Suite is the software interface you will use to manage your cryptocurrencies. It is a standalone application, which provides an added layer of security by reducing the browser's potential attack surface.
After downloading the installer, run it and follow the on-screen instructions. Once the installation is complete, launch Trezor Suite. The application will detect your connected Trezor device and begin the firmware installation process. Firmware is the operating system for your hardware wallet; keeping it updated is vital for security.
This is the most critical part of the setup process. Trezor Suite will present you with two options: "Create a new wallet" or "Recover a wallet." For a brand new device, you must choose "Create a new wallet." This action will generate your unique cryptographic keys inside the secure chip of your Trezor device. These keys are the mathematical foundation of your wallet and are the only way to access your funds. The keys themselves never leave your device.
Following the key generation, Trezor Suite will prompt you to create your **Recovery Seed**. This is a sequence of 12 or 24 words that acts as your master backup. It is the only way to restore your wallet and funds if your Trezor device is ever lost, stolen, or damaged. Trezor will display these words one by one on the device's screen. You must write them down precisely on the provided recovery card. It is a one-time process, so pay close attention.
⚠️ ABSOLUTELY DO NOT...
Your recovery seed should only exist on paper. A hacker who gains access to your digital files can steal your funds in seconds. Treat your recovery seed like a combination to a high-security vault—it must be kept offline and completely private.
After you have written down your recovery seed, Trezor Suite will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you have copied them correctly. This is an essential verification step.
The next step is to set a Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN is used to unlock your Trezor device every time you want to use it. The PIN is entered on the Trezor device's screen using a unique, randomized number pad. Trezor Suite displays a 3x3 grid, and the numbers are scrambled on each use. You must enter your PIN by clicking the positions on your computer screen that correspond to the numbers on your Trezor device's screen. This protects you from keyloggers and screen-grabbers because the numbers are never visible on your computer screen. You will set and confirm your PIN twice.
A longer PIN (4 to 9 digits) is more secure. Do not use easily guessable numbers like your birth date or "1234." Remember your PIN, but do not write it on the recovery card or anywhere near your device.
After setting your PIN, your Trezor device is ready to use. Trezor Suite will show you your secure dashboard, and you can now start managing your cryptocurrencies. At this point, it's a good practice to verify your device's authenticity. Trezor Suite has a built-in feature to check if your device has genuine Trezor firmware. A successful verification gives you the confidence that your device is a legitimate and secure product from SatoshiLabs. It is highly unlikely for a new, sealed device to have tampered firmware, but this step provides peace of mind.
With the initial setup complete, you can now explore Trezor Suite. The dashboard provides an overview of your portfolio. You can add accounts for different cryptocurrencies, send and receive funds, and even buy, sell, or exchange crypto through integrated partners. Remember, every transaction you initiate must be confirmed on your Trezor device, using your PIN and the physical buttons. This ensures that no one can move your funds without physical access to your device and knowledge of your PIN.
For even greater security, Trezor offers an optional feature called a **passphrase**. A passphrase is a custom word or phrase that you can add to your recovery seed. This creates a hidden wallet, essentially adding a 25th word to your 24-word seed. If a thief were to find your recovery seed, they would still not be able to access your funds without knowing the passphrase. A passphrase is a powerful tool, but remember: if you lose or forget it, your funds are permanently lost. A passphrase is not a substitute for your PIN; it is an additional layer of security for the most diligent users.
Congratulations, you have successfully set up your Trezor hardware wallet! By following the secure `Trezor.io/Start` process, you have taken a monumental step in securing your digital assets. This process has empowered you to take full control, removing the need to trust third-party custodians with your funds. The combination of your physical device, your PIN, and your recovery seed forms an unbreakable triad of security, shielding your crypto from the threats of the digital world. Always remember to prioritize the security of your recovery seed, trust only what you see on your Trezor's screen, and keep your firmware up to date. This proactive approach will serve you well on your journey into the world of Web3 and cryptocurrency.