Trezor Start ā Secure your crypto, start offline
A concise, step-by-step guide to set up and use your Trezor hardware wallet. Keep private keys offline, recover safely, and interact with your coins confidently.
Why a hardware wallet matters
When you control cryptocurrency, possession of your private keys equals control of your funds. A hardware wallet stores those keys offline, on a dedicated device isolated from web browsers, malware, and phishing. That isolation drastically lowers the attack surface compared to software wallets on internet-connected devices.
- Offline keys: Private keys never leave the device.
- Verified transactions: The device shows destination and amounts for you to approve.
- Backup & recovery: Use a recovery seed to restore access if your device is lost or damaged.
Quick setup (what to expect)
Setting up a Trezor is straightforward. In roughly 10ā15 minutes you'll have a device initialized and a secure recovery seed recorded. The steps below summarize the process and best practices recommended for safety.
- Unbox & inspect: Confirm the package seal and physical integrity of the device.
- Connect to a computer: Use the official Trezor setup page and the device cable. The device boots into a secure setup workflow.
- Create a new wallet: Follow on-device prompts to generate your recovery seed (write it down on paper or use a metal backup).
- Set a PIN: Choose a PIN you can remember ā the device blocks brute-force attempts.
- Verify & use: Verify addresses on-device and use the wallet for secure transactions.
How it works ā a quick technical snapshot
Trezor uses a secure chip and an isolated UI to perform cryptographic operations. When you sign a transaction, data is sent to the device for signing; the signature is produced inside the device and only the signed transaction leaves it. Because private keys never leave the device, malware on your PC cannot extract them.
Advanced features include passphrase support (an optional additional secret you can add to a seed) and support for multiple cryptocurrencies, all managed through a single device using the official wallet interface or compatible software.
Best practices ā do these first
- Record your recovery seed on paper and, if available, on a metal backup. Store it in secure, separate locations.
- Never enter your seed on a website or device that is not the official recovery process on your hardware wallet.
- Use a unique PIN and enable optional passphrase protection for added security layers.
- Keep your firmware up to date using the official Trezor firmware updater from the vendor site.
- Be cautious of social engineering: Trezor will never ask for your seed. No legitimate support will ask for it.
FAQ ā short answers
Q: Can I lose coins if I forget my PIN?
A: No ā the seed allows recovery. However, if both the device and seed are lost, recovery is impossible.
Q: Is it safe to buy used devices?
A: Buying used hardware wallets is not recommended. If the device was tampered with or altered, the security guarantees may be void.
Q: What if I misplace my recovery seed?
A: Treat the seed like cash. If you misplace it, move funds to a new wallet with a securely stored seed as soon as possible.
Disclaimer
This page is informational and intended to help users understand hardware wallet basics and the typical Trezor setup flow. It is not financial or legal advice. Always follow official vendor documentation for firmware updates, downloads, and recovery procedures. Trezor is a registered product from its respective manufacturer ā consult the manufacturer's official site for the most current and authoritative instructions, supported firmware, compatibility lists, and security advisories. The author of this page is not responsible for lost funds due to misconfiguration, phishing attacks, or misuse of recovery seeds. Use best security practices and consider consulting a qualified professional for high-value custody solutions.