Trezor.io/Start: The Official Getting Started Guide for Hardware Wallet Security

Welcome to the world of self-custody. Your **Trezor** device is the definitive tool for securing your crypto assets, acting as an impenetrable vault for your private keys. The official setup process, guided by **Trezor Suite** and initiated at **Trezor.io/Start**, ensures your keys are generated offline, isolated from the internet, and protected by industry-leading security standards. Your crypto is not "on" the Trezor; it is secured by the keys that never leave the device.

Part 1: Unboxing, Verification, and Software Installation

⚠️ CRITICAL SECURITY CHECK: Tampering Prevention

Before connecting your device, **inspect the packaging thoroughly**. Look for signs of tampering, especially around the holographic seal (Model T/Safe 3) or any visible damage. If the packaging seems opened, or the seal is broken or appears reapplied, **DO NOT USE THE DEVICE**. Contact Trezor Customer Support immediately for a replacement. A genuine Trezor device is shipped without pre-installed firmware.

Step 1: Preparation and Official Access

  • **What You'll Need:** Your Trezor device (Model One, Model T, Safe 3, etc.) and USB cable, the supplied **Wallet Backup Card(s)**, a pen, and a computer with an internet connection.
  • **Go to the Official Portal:** Open your browser and navigate directly to the official setup page: **Trezor.io/Start**. This portal will guide you to download the mandatory software.
  • **Download Trezor Suite:** This is the desktop application (recommended for security) or web app that serves as your secure interface for managing your Trezor. Download and install the application directly from the link provided on the official Trezor page.

Step 2: Connect and Install Firmware

The Trezor device is shipped blank—it contains no sensitive data or operational software (firmware).

  1. **Connect:** Plug your Trezor device into your computer using the supplied USB cable.
  2. **Open Trezor Suite:** Launch the application. It will detect your connected device.
  3. **Install Firmware:** Trezor Suite will prompt you to **Install firmware**. Click the button to download and install the latest official firmware. This process is secure and verifies the authenticity of the code.
  4. **Confirm on Device:** On **Trezor Model T** or **Safe 3**, you will confirm the installation directly on the touch screen/device buttons. The device then reboots.
**💡 Firmware is the Operating System:** The firmware is what allows your Trezor to securely generate and store your private keys. Keeping it updated is vital for security and feature access.

Part 2: Wallet Creation, Backup, and PIN Setup

This is the most critical stage, where your master key (the Wallet Backup or Recovery Seed) is generated and recorded. **Your keys are generated securely offline on the device and are never seen by Trezor Suite or your computer.**

Step 3: Create a New Wallet

  1. **Select Creation:** In Trezor Suite, choose **Create new wallet**.
  2. **Backup Type (Model T/Safe 3):** You will be asked to choose between **Standard Single-Share Backup** (a single list of 12, 20, or 24 words) or **Multi-share Backup** (Shamir Backup, a more advanced method splitting the backup into multiple shares). **For beginners, choose Standard Single-Share Backup.**

Step 4: The Wallet Backup (Recovery Seed) Generation

The device will now display a list of words on its screen. This is your **Wallet Backup** (also known as the Recovery Seed or Secret Recovery Phrase). **This is your master key, and whoever possesses it controls your crypto.**

  1. **Record the Words:** Write down all 12, 20, or 24 words **in the correct order** on the provided physical **Wallet Backup Card(s)**. Use a pen, write clearly, and **DO NOT** use any digital device (computer, phone, camera) to record or store them.
  2. **Confirm on Device:** The Trezor device will then prompt you to **verify** the backup by asking you to input specific words. This step ensures you have recorded the phrase accurately. **Input the words directly on the Trezor screen** (Model T/Safe 3) or by using the randomized grid on your computer screen as prompted by a Model One.
  3. **Secure Storage:** Once verified, secure the physical backup card(s) in a private, offline location (e.g., a safe, bank deposit box, or fireproof storage).

🚨 **NEVER DIGITIZE YOUR BACKUP:** The only place your recovery words should ever be typed or entered is directly on the Trezor device (for Model T/Safe 3 recovery) or using the randomized PIN pad (for Model One). Any other application, website, or person asking for your words is a scam.

Step 5: Set Your PIN Code

The **PIN** is a local security measure to prevent unauthorized physical access to your device. You must enter it every time you connect your Trezor.

  1. **Initiate PIN Setup:** Trezor Suite will prompt you to **Set PIN**.
  2. **Enter on Device:** Enter your chosen 4- to 9-digit PIN **directly on the Trezor device**. The numbers on the screen of the Trezor device are randomized for security. You will enter the PIN twice to confirm it.
  3. **Confirmation:** Trezor Suite will confirm the PIN is set, and your device is now ready.
**💡 PIN Entry Security:** For the Model One, the PIN grid on the computer changes its numbers every time, meaning someone watching your screen can't guess your PIN from your mouse clicks. For the Model T/Safe 3, the PIN is entered directly on the secure touchscreen.

Part 3: Managing Your Crypto with Trezor Suite

After setup is complete, you will click **Access Suite** and be taken to your dashboard. Trezor Suite is a user-friendly, privacy-focused application for managing your assets.

Step 6: Activate Accounts and View Portfolio

  1. **Select Assets:** In the **My Assets** (or similar) section, select the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano). Trezor Suite will automatically generate the corresponding accounts.
  2. **Portfolio Dashboard:** The main dashboard gives you a real-time overview of your total crypto holdings, historical charts, and transaction history.
  3. **View-Only Mode:** If you eject your wallet in Trezor Suite, the application can remain open in **View-only** mode, allowing you to track balances and transactions without needing the physical device connected.

Step 7: Receiving Cryptocurrency (Address Verification)

To receive funds, you must generate a new address for the correct account and **verify it physically on the Trezor device.**

  1. **Initiate Receive:** Click the **Receive** tab within the specific asset account (e.g., Bitcoin).
  2. **Generate Address:** Trezor Suite will generate a new, unique address (recommended for privacy).
  3. **CRITICAL Verification:** Trezor Suite will ask you to **Verify on device**. Press the button, and the full receiving address will be displayed on the small Trezor screen. **Compare the address on the computer screen to the address on the Trezor screen character-by-character.** They MUST match.
  4. **Approve and Share:** Once verified and confirmed on the device, copy the address from Trezor Suite and provide it to the sender.

Step 8: Sending Cryptocurrency (Transaction Signing)

Sending funds requires the Trezor to physically sign the transaction, a process that ensures your keys remain offline.

  1. **Initiate Send:** Click the **Send** tab and enter the recipient's address and the amount.
  2. **Set Fee:** Adjust the network fee (higher fee = faster confirmation).
  3. **Confirm on Trezor:** Click **Review & Send**. Your Trezor device screen will display the **Recipient Address, Amount, and Fee**. Scroll through the details on the device.
  4. **Physical Approval:** If all details are correct, press the button(s) on your Trezor to **Confirm** (sign) the transaction. The signed transaction is then broadcasted to the network via Trezor Suite.

Part 4: Advanced Security and Best Practices

The Passphrase (The 25th Word)

The passphrase is an **optional** feature that adds a custom 25th word (or phrase) to your 12/24-word Wallet Backup, creating a **Hidden Wallet**. This is an extremely powerful security layer.

  • **Standard Wallet:** Accessible with only your PIN and Wallet Backup.
  • **Hidden Wallet:** Accessible with your PIN, Wallet Backup, **AND** the Passphrase.

Using a passphrase protects against coercion (you can reveal the empty Standard Wallet) and unauthorized physical access to your backup. **However, if you forget your passphrase, your funds are permanently lost.** The passphrase is not recorded anywhere by Trezor and is not part of the written backup.

Ongoing Security and Maintenance

  • **Wiping the Device:** If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or compromised, the device itself holds no funds—your Wallet Backup does. If you replace the device, you can **wipe** the old one using a wipe code or intentionally enter the wrong PIN 16 times (the device self-wipes).
  • **Recovery Check:** Trezor Suite includes a feature to **Check Backup**, which simulates a recovery to ensure you wrote down your words correctly, highly recommended after initial setup.
  • **Tor Integration:** Trezor Suite allows you to enable **Tor** for network requests, providing a significant boost to your privacy by anonymizing your connection.
  • **Customization:** Personalize your device by setting a device name and a custom wallpaper (Model T/Safe 3), which helps confirm you are handling the correct device.

🛡️ FINAL SECURITY RECAP

  • **Never:** Take a photo, screenshot, or store your Wallet Backup digitally (in the cloud, email, or a password manager).
  • **Only:** Enter your Wallet Backup words on the Trezor device itself during recovery.
  • **Always:** Confirm the recipient address, amount, and fee on the physical Trezor screen before signing any transaction.