Trezor.io/Start®

Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device - Trezor®

If you’ve just purchased a Trezor hardware wallet, congratulations! You’ve made a smart choice for securing your cryptocurrency. Setting up your Trezor device is straightforward, but it’s essential to follow each step carefully to ensure your digital assets remain safe.

What Is Trezor?

Trezor is a hardware wallet designed to store your cryptocurrency private keys offline. As a result, it adds an extra layer of security, preventing hackers from accessing your funds remotely. The device generates, stores, and manages private keys without exposing them to the internet.

Why Choose Trezor?

Trezor is one of the most respected hardware wallet brands in the industry. It supports over 1,600 cryptocurrencies, making it a versatile choice for anyone looking to secure their digital assets. Furthermore, the device is known for its user-friendly interface, security features, and long-standing reputation in the market.

Step-by-Step Guide to Set Up Your Trezor Device

1. Unbox Your Trezor Wallet

When you first open the box, you’ll find the Trezor device, a USB cable, and a few documentation pieces. Make sure you inspect the packaging carefully. Trezor takes security very seriously, so if the box or the device’s seals are tampered with, don’t proceed with setup and contact support immediately.

2. Go to Trezor.io/Start

The next step is to visit the official Trezor setup page: Trezor.io/start. This page will guide you through the process of initializing your device securely.

Important: Always ensure you’re on the official Trezor website to avoid phishing scams. A secure URL will have a padlock symbol in the address bar of your browser.

3. Connect Your Trezor Device

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Trezor device to your computer. The device should automatically power on. You’ll see a welcome screen asking you to choose between initializing a new device or recovering an existing one.

For new users, select “Create a new wallet”.

4. Choose a PIN

One of the most crucial steps in setting up your Trezor is selecting a secure PIN. Your PIN will protect the device from unauthorized access. It’s recommended to choose a PIN with at least 6 digits and avoid using easy combinations like “123456” or your birthdate.

When selecting your PIN, you’ll be asked to enter it on the device itself, rather than on your computer, to prevent keyloggers or other malware from capturing your input.

5. Write Down Your Recovery Seed

After choosing your PIN, the next step is to generate a recovery seed. This is a 12 or 24-word phrase that will allow you to recover your wallet in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

IMPORTANT:

Write down the recovery seed on the provided paper, and keep it in a secure, offline location.
Never store it digitally or share it with anyone. This recovery seed is the only way to restore your funds if you lose your Trezor.

You will be asked to confirm your recovery seed by selecting the words in the correct order, ensuring you’ve written them down correctly.

6. Install Trezor Bridge (If Needed)

If you’re using a browser-based interface (like Trezor Wallet), you’ll need to install Trezor Bridge. This is a small piece of software that enables communication between your Trezor device and the web interface. The website will prompt you to download it, and it’s a quick and straightforward installation.

If you’re using the Trezor Model T, you can also opt for the desktop app, Trezor Suite, which works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

7. Set Up Your Cryptocurrency Wallet

Now that the device is initialized, it’s time to configure your cryptocurrency wallets. Trezor supports a wide variety of digital currencies, and you can set up different wallets for each one.

For Bitcoin, the setup will be automatically detected, and you can start receiving and sending transactions.
For Ethereum or other altcoins, you might need to install additional apps on your device (this is also done through Trezor Suite or Trezor’s web interface).

The Trezor device allows you to manage multiple wallets on the same device, which is useful if you hold different types of cryptocurrencies.

8. Secure Your Device

To enhance your device’s security, enable passphrase protection. A passphrase is an additional layer of security that can be used in combination with your recovery seed. With a passphrase, even if someone gets hold of your recovery seed, they won’t be able to access your funds unless they also know your passphrase.

Note: If you choose to use a passphrase, ensure it is something memorable but complex, as you won’t be able to recover it if forgotten.

9. Test Your Setup

Before you start using your Trezor wallet, it's highly recommended to test it by sending a small transaction to or from your wallet. This ensures everything is functioning correctly, and it also gives you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the device's interface.

Final Tips for Using Trezor Safely

Keep your recovery seed offline: Storing your seed on a computer or online exposes it to the risk of hacking. Use a paper copy or metal backup that is stored in a secure location, such as a safe.
Regularly back up your wallet: While your Trezor device is secure, your funds could be at risk if something happens to it. Consider maintaining multiple backup copies of your recovery seed.
Stay updated: Keep your device firmware up-to-date by checking for updates in the Trezor Suite or Trezor.io website. Regular updates often contain important security patches.
Use a strong password for any linked accounts: If you integrate your Trezor with exchanges or other platforms, ensure these accounts are secured with strong passwords and two-factor authentication.