Getting Started with Your Trezor Device
Welcome to your comprehensive guide for setting up your Trezor hardware wallet. Following these steps carefully will ensure your cryptocurrencies remain secure and accessible only to you.
Step 1: Visit Trezor.io/start
Open your web browser and navigate to trezor.io/start. This is the official setup page for all Trezor devices.
Ensure you're using a secure internet connection and that you're on the legitimate Trezor website to avoid phishing attempts.
Step 2: Download Trezor Suite
From the setup page, download Trezor Suite - the official desktop application for managing your Trezor device. It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Trezor Suite provides a more secure environment than the web interface and offers additional features for advanced users.
Step 3: Connect Your Trezor Device
Connect your Trezor device to your computer using the provided USB cable. If this is your first time using the device, it will display a welcome message.
Follow the on-screen instructions in Trezor Suite to install the necessary firmware. Never use a pre-owned Trezor device without resetting it first.
Step 4: Create Your Wallet
Your Trezor will guide you through the wallet creation process:
- Choose to create a new wallet
- Select whether you want a standard wallet or a hidden wallet (advanced feature)
- Your device will generate a unique recovery seed - the most critical security element
Security Alert: Protecting Your Recovery Seed
The recovery seed is the master key to your cryptocurrency holdings. Follow these security practices:
- Write down all 24 words in the exact order shown on your Trezor display
- Never digitize your seed - no photos, cloud storage, or text files
- Store multiple copies in secure, separate locations
- Never share your recovery seed with anyone
Step 5: Verify Your Recovery Seed
Trezor will prompt you to re-enter several words from your recovery seed to ensure you've recorded it correctly. This step is crucial - if you can't verify your seed, you risk permanent loss of funds.
Step 6: Set Up PIN Protection
Create a PIN code to protect your device from unauthorized physical access. The PIN is entered using the Trezor's touchscreen in a randomized layout to prevent keyloggers from capturing your sequence.
Step 7: Explore Trezor Suite Features
Once setup is complete, familiarize yourself with Trezor Suite:
- View your portfolio balance and transaction history
- Send and receive cryptocurrencies
- Exchange coins directly within the application
- Access advanced features like CoinJoin for privacy
Pro Tip: Enable Additional Security Features
For enhanced security, consider enabling these optional features:
- Passphrase: Adds an extra word to your recovery seed, creating a hidden wallet
- SSH/GPG: Use your Trezor for secure shell authentication
- U2F: Use your Trezor as a two-factor authentication device
Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues
If you encounter problems during setup:
- Ensure you're using the original USB cable
- Try different USB ports on your computer
- Update your browser or try a different browser
- Check that no other cryptocurrency applications are running
- Visit the Trezor Knowledge Base for specific error messages