Trezor Start — Securely set up and use your Trezor hardware wallet

Why a hardware wallet matters

When you own cryptocurrency, you own keys. A hardware wallet keeps those private keys offline in a device designed to resist theft, tampering, and accidental loss. Compared with keeping keys on an exchange or a phone, a hardware wallet reduces exposure to hacks and phishing. This page helps you get your Trezor online securely, without skipping the important safety steps.

Before you begin — what to have ready

Your new Trezor device out of its sealed packaging.
A computer with a modern browser and a USB port. You can optionally use a mobile device if your model supports it.
A quiet, private space to write down your recovery seed (do not photograph it or store it digitally).
A pen or pencil and the recovery card that came in the box (or another secure paper).

If your device arrived with any broken seals or pre-filled recovery material, stop and contact official support before proceeding.

Quick setup — step by step

Unbox and inspect. Confirm packaging integrity and that the device model matches what you ordered.
Connect the device. Use the supplied cable to connect your Trezor to the computer. You should see a prompt on the device screen telling you to open the official Trezor start page or app.
Open the official start page. Follow the on-device instructions and open the verified start URL provided in your package or by authorized sources. Always check the URL in your browser.
Install firmware if prompted. Your device may need a firmware update. Install only updates delivered through the official app/site and verify update integrity when possible.
Create a new wallet. Follow the on-screen setup to initialize a new wallet. Accept prompts only after verifying both the screen and the browser dialogs match the device text.
Write down your recovery seed. Your Trezor will display a sequence of words—this is your seed. Write them down, in order, on physical media. Do NOT store these words in cloud notes, photos, or on computers.
Confirm the seed. The device will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure your backup is correct.
Set a PIN. Choose a PIN of a comfortable length that you can remember. The PIN protects the device if it is lost or stolen.

Tip: Take your time when writing the seed. A single missed or swapped word means you cannot access funds later.

Using your Trezor day-to-day

Every transaction requires you to confirm on the device. This means even if malware is on your computer, it cannot move funds without the physical device and your PIN. Use the official app or your chosen supported wallet interface, and always verify the transaction details displayed on the Trezor screen before confirming.

Always cross-check destination addresses: compare the first and last visible characters and total amounts on the Trezor screen.
Use the device screen, not the computer alone, to validate operations.
For advanced users: consider a passphrase (a 25th seed word) for additional accounts—understand the risk and record-keeping required before using it.

Security best practices

Security is layers. The hardware wallet is one critical layer; how you handle backups, firmware, and your environment are equally important.

Never share your recovery seed. No legitimate service or support agent will ever ask for it.
Store your recovery seed across multiple secure physical locations if you must—resist storing it digitally.
Keep firmware up to date through the official app or start page, and only accept trusted updates.
Beware of phishing—double-check URLs, bookmarks, and email links. Type critical URLs manually or use verified bookmarks.
Consider a fireproof, waterproof backup container for long-term seed storage.

Troubleshooting & recovery

If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover funds using the recovery seed on another compatible hardware wallet. If you forget your PIN, you will need the recovery seed to restore access—there is no way to reset the PIN without wiping the device and then restoring from seed.

If you suspect your seed was exposed, move funds to a new wallet (create a new seed) as soon as possible. Do not reuse the same seed after it may have been compromised.

Short FAQ

Can I use Trezor with my phone?: Some models support mobile via USB-C or supported apps; check official compatibility for your model.
Is my seed readable by anyone who finds my device?: No—your seed is shown only during setup and never stored on the device unencrypted. The PIN and physical possession are required to access the device.
What if I lost the recovery card?: If you lost the card but still have your seed recorded elsewhere, you can restore. If all copies are gone, funds are unrecoverable unless another backup exists.

Final notes

Setting up a Trezor is as much about habits as hardware. A careful, patient setup and conservative handling of recovery material dramatically lowers the risk of loss. When in doubt, consult official documentation and support channels rather than third-party guides.