Trezor.io/Start® | Official TreZor® Connection Software

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started with your Trezor hardware wallet, ensuring that your cryptocurrency is safe and easy to access.

What is Trezor?

Before diving into the setup process, let’s quickly recap what Trezor is and why it’s considered one of the best options for safeguarding your digital assets.

Trezor is a hardware wallet that stores your cryptocurrency private keys offline, making it far more secure than software wallets, which are susceptible to online hacks. By keeping your private keys on the device and never exposing them to the internet, Trezor significantly reduces the risk of theft from malware, phishing, and other online threats.

There are two main models to choose from: Trezor One and Trezor Model T. Both devices offer robust security features, but the Model T offers additional benefits, such as a touchscreen for easier operation and more supported coins.

Step 1: Visit Trezor.io/Start

Once you’ve purchased your Trezor wallet, head to Trezor.io/Start on your computer or mobile device. This is the official website for the setup process and provides the safest way to begin configuring your hardware wallet.

On the website, you’ll be greeted with a user-friendly interface, guiding you step by step through the initialization process. The first thing you’ll need to do is ensure you’re on the correct site—there are plenty of phishing websites out there, and visiting the wrong page could put your assets at risk. Always double-check the URL to make sure you're on Trezor.io.

Step 2: Connect Your Trezor Device

Next, you’ll need to connect your Trezor hardware wallet to your computer or mobile device via USB (or through Bluetooth if using the Trezor Model T).

For the Trezor One, you will use a USB cable, while the Model T supports both USB and Bluetooth connections. Once connected, the device will display a welcome message and prompt you to begin the setup process.

Important Tip: Never buy a Trezor device from unverified third-party sellers. Always purchase directly from the Trezor website or an authorized reseller. This ensures that your device hasn’t been tampered with, which could put your cryptocurrency at risk.

Step 3: Install Trezor Bridge (If Needed)

If you’re using a desktop computer, the website may prompt you to install the Trezor Bridge software, which enables communication between your Trezor device and the web browser. This is a one-time installation that ensures a secure connection to your device.

The Trezor Bridge is compatible with popular operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux. If you're on a mobile device, no installation is required, as Trezor Model T connects via Bluetooth directly to your mobile app.

Once Trezor Bridge is installed, refresh the Trezor.io/Start page to proceed.

Step 4: Choose Your Setup Option

When you visit Trezor.io/Start, you'll be presented with two main options: Set Up a New Wallet or Restore an Existing Wallet.

Set Up a New Wallet: If you’re using the device for the first time, you’ll need to create a new wallet. This option will guide you through the process of generating your private keys, setting a PIN, and writing down your recovery seed.

Restore an Existing Wallet: If you already have a Trezor wallet and are looking to recover it on a new device, you can use this option to input your recovery seed and restore access to your cryptocurrency holdings.

Step 5: Write Down Your Recovery Seed

One of the most critical steps in the setup process is the creation of your recovery seed, which is a 12- to 24-word backup phrase generated by the device. This recovery seed is the only way to restore access to your funds if your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged. It’s absolutely essential that you write this down and store it in a safe location.

Important Reminder: Never store your recovery seed digitally, and never share it with anyone. If someone else gains access to your recovery seed, they can access your cryptocurrency.

Step 6: Set Your PIN

For an additional layer of security, you will be prompted to set up a PIN. The PIN ensures that only you can access your device, even if someone gains physical access to it. Make sure your PIN is unique and not something easily guessed, like "1234" or "0000."

On the Trezor Model T, you will use the device’s touchscreen to enter your PIN. For the Trezor One, the PIN is entered using your computer’s keyboard.

Step 7: Confirm Your Recovery Seed

To ensure that you've properly written down your recovery seed, you will be asked to confirm it by entering a few words from your seed phrase. This extra step is a safeguard to ensure you’ve recorded the phrase correctly, as failing to do so can result in irreversible loss of access to your wallet.

Step 8: Install the Trezor Suite

Trezor also offers a software application called Trezor Suite, which you can download and install on your computer. Trezor Suite allows you to manage your cryptocurrencies securely, check your balances, and even send and receive coins directly from the desktop application.

The Trezor Suite is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Once installed, you can open it, connect your Trezor device, and start managing your cryptocurrencies. The software provides a clean, user-friendly interface that is perfect for both beginners and experienced users.

Step 9: Add Coins and Begin Using Your Wallet

Once your device is set up and connected, you can begin adding cryptocurrencies to your Trezor wallet. Trezor supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins. Simply navigate to the Trezor Suite and follow the instructions to generate receiving addresses for your various coins.

To send cryptocurrencies, you can initiate transactions through Trezor Suite or via compatible third-party wallets, like MetaMask for Ethereum-based tokens. Each time you initiate a transaction, your Trezor device will ask you to confirm it physically by pressing a button, ensuring that your funds are safe from remote hacks.

Step 10: Regular Maintenance and Updates

Lastly, to ensure continued security, it’s important to regularly check for firmware updates for your Trezor device. These updates address potential security vulnerabilities and add new features to the device. To update your device, simply follow the prompts in Trezor Suite or via the Trezor.io/Start page.

Final Thoughts

Getting started with your Trezor hardware wallet is a simple yet essential process for ensuring the safety of your cryptocurrency. By following the steps on Trezor.io/Start, you can quickly set up your device, back up your recovery seed, and begin managing your assets securely.