Trezor.io/start
Welcome to Trezor — secure your crypto with a hardware wallet
This page walks you through unboxing, safely initializing your Trezor device, generating and securing your recovery seed, installing apps, and best practices for daily use. Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets are your strongest defense against online attackers when used correctly.
1. Unboxing — inspect before you power on
When your Trezor device arrives, take a moment to check packaging and tamper-evident seals. Trezor ships with tamper-evident security elements; if packaging looks opened or compromised, do not initialize — contact official support immediately.
What should be in the box
- Trezor device (model label on the box)
- USB cable
- Recovery seed card(s) to write your words
- Getting started leaflet
Before you plug in
Inspect the device and packaging. Do not follow instructions from unsolicited emails or websites telling you to plug in. Always navigate to trezor.io/start or use a bookmarked official link to download software and follow official onboarding.
2. Download Trezor Suite & initialize your device
Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web companion for your device. Download it only from trezor.io/start. The setup flow in Suite is designed to guide you safely through firmware checks, device initialization, PIN creation, and recovery seed generation.
Step-by-step: initialize
Go to trezor.io/start, select Trezor Suite, and download the official installer for your OS.
Run the installer. On macOS you might need to allow the app in Security & Privacy. On Windows allow UAC only if you downloaded from the official site.
Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable. Trezor Suite will detect the device and verify firmware authenticity.
If the device firmware is not up-to-date, Trezor Suite will prompt a secure update. Firmware updates are signed and must be applied only via official Suite.
Choose “Create new wallet” in Suite to generate a brand-new recovery seed. Follow on-screen and on-device prompts carefully.
The PIN protects the device from unauthorized physical access. Enter it only on the device screen — not your computer.
3. Recovery seed — your single most important secret
When initializing, Trezor will present a recovery seed—usually 12, 18, or 24 words depending on options. This seed is the ultimate backup that can restore your entire wallet on any compatible device. Secure it like a bank vault key.
How to record your seed
- Write the words by hand on the supplied recovery card(s) or a high-quality metal backup plate.
- Write each word clearly in order—order matters.
- Do not store seed words in digital form (photos, notes, cloud storage).
- Consider multiple physical copies stored in separate secure locations (safe, safety deposit box, trusted family custodian).
Passphrase (optional & advanced)
A passphrase is an optional extra word that extends your seed to produce separate hidden wallets. It provides plausible deniability and extra security, but if you forget the passphrase the associated funds are lost. Treat passphrases with the same rigor as seeds.
4. Using your Trezor — receiving, sending, and apps
Trezor Suite provides a clean UI to add accounts, view balances, and prepare transactions. The device will always display transaction details for manual confirmation before signing—this is the core security guarantee.
Receiving funds
In Suite, choose an account and click Receive. Suite will display a receiving address, and the device will show the same address on its screen—verify they match before sharing.
Sending funds
Prepare a transaction in Suite and review the amount, destination address, and fee on your device. Confirm on-device to sign. If any detail looks wrong, cancel and investigate.
Installing coin apps
Some coins require apps on the device. Install official apps via Trezor Suite's Manager. Install only apps you need to minimize exposed surface area.
5. Security best practices — the essentials
Security is layered: the hardware device, the recovery seed, your PIN, software sources, and your behavior. Below are recommended best practices that materially reduce risk.
Buy new & official
Buy Trezor only from trezor.io or authorized resellers. Avoid used devices—tampering risks exist.
Keep seed offline
Never photograph or type your seed into a computer or phone. Use durable metal backups for long-term protection against fire/water.
Verify software & firmware
Install firmware and Suite only from official channels. Trezor firmware updates are signed; never install unofficial firmware.
Watch out for phishing
Phishing sites and emails mimic official branding. Always type trezor.io directly and avoid clicking download links in unsolicited messages.
PIN & passphrase hygiene
Choose a PIN that you can remember but others cannot guess. If using a passphrase, store it separately from your seed backup and treat it as equally critical.
Multisig & advanced setups
For larger holdings, consider multi-signature schemes or multisig custody to spread risk across keys and geographic locations. Use tested multisig wallets compatible with Trezor.
6. Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes
Most problems are connectivity, permission, or outdated software related. Try the basic remediation steps below before contacting support.
Device not detected
Try the original USB cable and avoid USB hubs. Try another USB port or machine. Make sure Trezor Suite is updated. On Linux, ensure required udev rules are present (follow official guide).
Firmware update fails
Do not unplug during updates. If interrupted, follow official recovery steps on trezor.io/support. Keep your recovery seed safe before attempting recovery.
Transaction signing error
Check that the correct app is installed for the coin, update firmware, and confirm transaction details on-device. If using third-party wallets, ensure library versions are compatible.
Lost recovery seed
If you lose your seed but still have device access, create a new wallet and transfer funds to a wallet with a new seed as soon as possible. If both seed and device are lost, funds are unrecoverable.
7. Advanced options & developer notes
Trezor supports a wide ecosystem — integrations, developer libraries, and advanced workflows like passphrases and multisig. Below are high-level notes for advanced users and integrators.
Passphrase management
A passphrase is a powerful tool for creating hidden wallets. Use it only if you fully understand the trade-off: losing the passphrase equals losing access. Store passphrases in a separate, secure location from your seed.
Developer best practices
Developers should use official Trezor libraries and transports. Never request seeds or private keys. Show human-readable transaction info to users before sending signing requests. Test on testnets and be explicit about what the device will show during confirmation.
# Example: Linux udev hint for device permissions (follow official docs)
# sudo cp 51-trezor.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/
# sudo udevadm control --reload-rules && sudo udevadm trigger
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can my funds be recovered if I lose my device?
- A: Yes, if you have your recovery seed. The seed restores access on any compatible device. Without the seed there is no recovery.
- Q: Will firmware updates delete my funds?
- A: No. Firmware updates do not remove your private keys. The seed remains the source of truth. Still, keep your recovery seed safe.
- Q: Can I use Trezor with third-party wallets?
- A: Yes. Many third-party wallets integrate Trezor. Use only trusted wallets and follow integration docs closely.
- Q: What should I do if someone asks for my seed?
- A: Never give your seed to anyone. If asked, it’s a scam. Immediately cease communication and report the incident to official support.
9. Resources & Final Checklist
Final pre-transfer checklist
- ✅ Download Trezor Suite from trezor.io/start.
- ✅ Verify device packaging and tamper seals.
- ✅ Initialize device with a new seed and store it offline.
- ✅ Set a secure PIN and consider a passphrase if you understand it.
- ✅ Install only the apps you need and test with a small transaction.
- ✅ Keep firmware and software updated via official channels.