Trézor.io/Start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Trezor®

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— 3 min read

Welcome to Trezor — Your Journey to Self-Custody Starts Here

Taking control of your cryptocurrency shouldn’t feel complicated or intimidating. At trezor.io/start, you’re in the right place to set up your Trezor hardware wallet and begin managing your digital assets with confidence, security, and full ownership. Whether this is your first step into crypto or you’re upgrading your security, this guide walks you through everything you need to get started safely.

Why Trezor?

Trezor is a hardware wallet designed to keep your private keys offline and out of reach from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a Trezor device ensures that sensitive operations — like signing transactions — happen in a secure environment, giving you true control over your funds.

With Trezor, you get:

  • Offline key storage for maximum protection
  • Secure transaction verification on your device screen
  • Support for thousands of coins and tokens
  • Open-source transparency
  • Backup and recovery options that put you in control

You don’t just store crypto — you own it.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have:

  • Your Trezor device
  • A computer (desktop or laptop) with internet access
  • A USB cable to connect your device
  • A private, distraction-free environment to write down your recovery backup

Important: Only follow setup instructions from the official Trezor website. Never trust links sent via email, ads, or social media messages.

Step 1: Install the Trezor App

To manage your wallet, you’ll use the official Trezor application. This interface allows you to:

  • Set up your device
  • Install firmware
  • Create or recover a wallet
  • Send, receive, buy, and exchange crypto
  • Track your portfolio

Download and install the application, then open it to begin the guided setup process.

Step 2: Connect Your Trezor Device

Plug your Trezor into your computer using the USB cable. The app will detect your device and prompt you with the next steps.

If your device is new, you may need to install or update firmware. This ensures your wallet runs the latest security features and improvements.

Only confirm firmware installation when prompted directly inside the official Trezor app while your device is connected.

Step 3: Create a New Wallet

You’ll be asked whether you want to:

  • Create a new wallet, or
  • Recover an existing wallet

Choose Create new wallet if this is your first setup.

Your Trezor will now generate a recovery backup — a series of words that act as the master key to your crypto.

Step 4: Write Down Your Recovery Backup

This is the most important step of the entire process.

Your device will display a sequence of words, one at a time. These words:

  • Are generated offline
  • Never leave your device
  • Cannot be recovered by Trezor if lost

Write them down in the exact order shown. Use the recovery card included in the box or another durable offline method.

Security Rules for Your Backup

  • Never take a photo of it
  • Never store it in cloud storage
  • Never type it into a computer or phone
  • Never share it with anyone — not even “support”

Anyone with these words can access your funds.

After writing them down, your device will test you to confirm accuracy.

Step 5: Set Your PIN

Your PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Even if someone steals your Trezor, they cannot use it without this code.

Choose a PIN that:

  • Is hard to guess
  • Isn’t based on birthdays or simple patterns
  • You can remember without writing digitally

This PIN protects the device, while your recovery backup protects your funds.

Step 6: You’re Ready to Use Your Wallet

Your wallet is now initialized and ready.

Inside the Trezor app, you can:

  • Receive crypto by generating addresses
  • Send transactions securely confirmed on your device screen
  • Manage multiple accounts
  • Explore supported assets
  • Monitor balances and history

Every outgoing transaction must be physically confirmed on your Trezor device, protecting you from remote attacks.

Built-In Security You Can Trust

Trezor’s design assumes that computers and phones can be compromised. That’s why sensitive operations happen on the hardware wallet itself. Even if your computer has malware, your private keys stay safe.

Additional protections include:

  • On-device transaction verification
  • Passphrase support for hidden wallets
  • Protection against phishing and fake apps
  • Open-source firmware and software

Security isn’t an add-on — it’s the foundation.

Tips for Staying Safe

Owning crypto means being your own bank. Follow these principles:

Never share your recovery backup. No legitimate service will ask for it.

Double-check websites. Always verify you are on the official Trezor domain.

Beware of urgency. Scammers create panic to trick you into revealing information.

Keep your device firmware updated through the official app only.

Store your backup securely, ideally in a fire- and water-resistant location.

Recovering an Existing Wallet

If you already have a recovery backup, choose Recover wallet during setup. You’ll enter your words directly on the device or via a secure method guided by the app. This restores access to your accounts and funds.

Take your time and ensure each word is entered correctly.

You’re in Control Now

By setting up your Trezor, you’ve taken a major step toward financial sovereignty. You’re no longer relying on third parties to hold your assets — you control the keys, the access, and the security.

Crypto ownership comes with responsibility, but with Trezor, you have tools designed to make that responsibility manageable and secure.

Welcome to self-custody. Your crypto, your rules.

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