Trezor.io/Start | Official Getting Started Guide™

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Overview — What is Trezor?

Trezor is a family of industry-leading hardware wallets that protect cryptocurrency private keys using an isolated secure environment. Trezor devices (for example, Trezor Model T and Trezor One) keep your private keys off internet-connected machines and sign transactions on-device. Trezor Suite is the official companion application (desktop and web) that provides a user interface for account management, transaction creation, device setup, firmware updates, and integrations.

Trezor's design emphasizes transparency and auditability — many software components are open source and available for review. The combination of a hardware device plus a secure UX reduces the risk of malware, phishing, and key exfiltration compared to software-only wallets.

Before You Start

Preparation reduces mistakes. Before you unbox and power on your Trezor, do the following:

• Buy only from the official store or authorized resellers. Devices purchased from unauthorized sources can be tampered with.
• Set aside a private workspace and avoid conducting initial setup on public or untrusted computers.
• Have a pen and the provided recovery seed card (or a secure steel backup) ready — you will write down the recovery seed offline.
• Use a data-capable USB cable; some cables only supply power and will not work for data transfer.
• Keep your smartphone and email credentials secure — Trezor does not manage these, but phishing vectors often exploit compromised accounts.

Note: Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed via email, chat, or web forms. If prompted for the seed outside the device, stop and contact official support.

Download & Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the recommended interface for interacting with your device. You can use the web version in a browser or download the desktop app for an offline-friendly experience.

Steps to download safely

1. Navigate to the official site: Open your browser and type trezor.io. Do not follow links from emails or ads unless verified.
2. Choose Suite: From the site, select Trezor Suite and choose the web or desktop option.
3. Verify authenticity: Confirm the URL uses HTTPS and optionally check the website's GPG/signature or published checksums if you use them for verification.
4. Install: Download the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux and run the installer. Grant permissions if your OS asks.

Web vs Desktop

The web version is convenient and accessible from any machine. The desktop application can be preferable for a dedicated, stable environment and might reduce browser-related complications. Both are secure when obtained from the official source.

Initial Setup & Firmware

Once you have installed Trezor Suite and connected your device, follow the guided setup in Suite. The process differs slightly for new devices versus restoring from an existing seed.

Initialize a new device

1. Connect the device: Plug your Trezor into a USB port using a data-capable cable.
2. Open Trezor Suite: Suite will detect the connected device and begin guided setup.
3. Firmware: If prompted, update the device firmware through Suite. Firmware updates are cryptographically signed; only update via the official Suite interface.
4. Create PIN: Set a secure PIN to prevent unauthorized physical access. The PIN is entered via the device screen, not the host computer.
5. Write the recovery seed: The device will display a sequence of words (typically 12 or 24). Write them down exactly and store them offline.
6. Confirm seed: The device will ask you to confirm words — this ensures you recorded them correctly.

Restore from an existing seed

If you already have a recovery seed from a previous Trezor or compatible wallet, choose Recover wallet in Suite and enter the words directly on the device when prompted. After recovery, your accounts and transaction history will reappear once Suite synchronizes with the network.

Firmware safety

Only update firmware when prompted by Suite or when official release notes advise. Firmware is signed and verified by Suite; avoid installing firmware from unknown sources. If an update fails, follow Suite guidance or consult official support.

Recovery Seed — Backup & Storage

The recovery seed is the single most important piece of information for your wallet. It is the master key that can restore your accounts on a new device. Treat it with extreme care.

How to store your seed safely

• Write it down: Use the supplied recovery card or high-quality paper. Write words exactly as shown, in order, and keep legible copies.
• Multiple secure locations: Consider storing copies in separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe, trusted family member). Avoid putting all copies in a single place.
• Consider metal backups: Steel seed storage devices resist fire, water, and time better than paper.
• Never store digitally: Do not take photos, screenshots, or digital notes of your recovery seed. Do not upload it to cloud services or email it.

Passphrase (25th word)

A passphrase is an optional secret that augments your recovery seed to create a separate hidden wallet. It increases security and privacy but introduces extra responsibility — if you lose the passphrase, funds in that hidden wallet cannot be recovered. Only use passphrases if you understand the implications and have a secure backup strategy for the passphrase itself.

Warning: If you lose both your seed and your passphrase (if used), funds are irrecoverable. Back up both securely.

Daily Use: Send & Receive

Receive funds

1) Open Trezor Suite and choose the appropriate account for the coin you want to receive.
2) Click Receive to generate an address in Suite.
3) Your Trezor device will display the same address on its screen — always verify that the address shown on Suite and the device match exactly before sharing it. Using a new address per transaction preserves privacy.

Send funds

1) Click Send in Suite, enter the recipient address and amount, and review recommended fees.
2) Suite will prepare the transaction and send it to your device for signing.
3) The device will show the transaction details (amount, destination, fees). Carefully verify all information on-device. If everything is correct, approve the transaction on the device. Signing always happens on the device — the private keys never leave it.

Tip: For large transfers, perform a small test transfer first to verify addresses and workflow.

Advanced Features

Coin support & third-party integrations

Trezor Suite natively supports many major cryptocurrencies. For additional tokens, DeFi interactions, or swaps, Suite may guide you to trusted third-party integrations. Always verify third-party reputation and review transaction details on-device before signing.

Multisig setups

For higher security, consider multisignature (multisig) wallets that require multiple devices or keys to sign transactions. Multisig reduces single-point-of-failure risk and can be used for business or highly secure personal setups. Multisig often requires coordination with compatible wallet software and extra planning.

Passphrase & hidden wallets

Use passphrases to create hidden wallets that are not discoverable without the passphrase. This is useful for additional privacy and plausible deniability, but you must remember or securely store the passphrase separately.

Transaction exports & tax reporting

Suite allows exporting transaction histories to common formats for tax or accounting purposes. Keep careful records of trades, fees, and transfers to comply with your jurisdiction's tax rules.

Security Best Practices

• Always verify the official URL when downloading Suite or accessing support pages. Type trezor.io directly into the browser.
• Never reveal your recovery seed to anyone. Trezor staff or support will never ask for your seed.
• Use a strong, unique PIN for your device and change it if you suspect compromise.
• Enable passphrase protection only if you can securely manage the passphrase.
• Keep backups offline and durable — steel storage is recommended for long-term resilience.
• Verify transaction details on the device screen, not just on the computer display.
• Keep your computer and browser updated; avoid using compromised or public machines for sensitive operations.

Phishing & social engineering

Phishing attacks often arrive via email, social media, or chat and try to trick you into revealing seeds, installing fake software, or using fake websites. Always confirm domain names, never click unverified links for critical actions, and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for services that support it (note: 2FA is external to your hardware wallet).

Troubleshooting — Common Issues & Fixes

Device not detected

• Try a data-capable USB cable and different USB port.
• Restart Trezor Suite and your computer.
• Ensure you granted browser permissions (WebUSB) if using the web version.
• Reinstall Trezor Bridge (if your OS requires it) or the Suite desktop app.

Firmware update failed

Disconnect and reconnect the device, reopen Suite, and retry the update. If the problem persists, follow official recovery instructions and contact support. Never install firmware from unofficial sources.

Forgotten PIN

If you forget your PIN, you will need to wipe the device and restore it from your recovery seed. This is why safe seed backups are critical.

Lost recovery seed

Without the recovery seed (and passphrase if used), you cannot restore your wallet. Check all secure storage locations. If the seed is permanently lost, access to funds is generally unrecoverable.

FAQ — Quick Answers

Is Trezor suitable for beginners?

Yes. Trezor Suite provides a guided, user-friendly setup. Beginners should follow the guide carefully, prioritize secure backups, and practice sending small test transactions before moving large amounts.

Can I use Trezor on multiple computers?

Yes. The Trezor device and recovery seed are portable — connect to any trusted computer running Suite or using compatible web apps. Always ensure the host is trustworthy.

What happens if my device is stolen?

An attacker still needs your PIN (and passphrase if used) to access funds. Use your recovery seed to restore funds on a new device and monitor related accounts for any suspicious activity.

Is Trezor open source?

Many components of the Trezor ecosystem are open source, allowing security-conscious users and researchers to review code. Check the official GitHub repositories for specifics.

Glossary & Resources

• Recovery seed: A sequence of words that can restore your wallet.
• Passphrase: Optional extra secret that creates hidden wallets.
• Trezor Suite: Official desktop and web application for device management.
• Firmware: Software running on the device; keep it updated via Suite.

Official resources

• Official Trezor website
• Trezor Suite (web)
• Support & Help Center
• Trezor GitHub (open source)