What is Trezor and why use it?

Trezor is a hardware wallet — a small physical device that stores the private keys that control your cryptocurrency. Because the keys never leave the device, Trezor protects your assets from common online threats such as malware, phishing, and keyloggers. If you own crypto and value control and long-term safety, a hardware wallet is one of the strongest practical defenses available.

Start at trezor.io/start

When you open trezor.io/start, you’ll be guided step-by-step through the official setup process. The site helps you:

• Confirm your device is genuine and intact.
• Install the official Trezor Suite or use the web interface.
• Create a new wallet and generate a recovery seed.
• Protect your device with a PIN and optional passphrase.

The instructions are designed to minimize mistakes and keep your seed phrase private — follow them closely and avoid third-party walkthroughs when possible.

Step-by-step overview

1. Unbox and inspect. Ensure the packaging and security seals are intact and that the device model matches what you ordered.
2. Go to trezor.io/start. Use the official link typed or pasted into your browser — avoid links sent by email or social apps.
3. Connect your Trezor. Plug the device into your computer or phone with the provided cable and follow on-screen prompts.
4. Create a new wallet. Choose to create a new wallet on the device; it will generate a random recovery seed (a list of words).
5. Write down your seed. Write the recovery words on the supplied card or another offline medium. Do not store the seed digitally or share it with anyone.
6. Set a PIN. Choose a PIN you can remember — the PIN protects access to the device if it’s lost or stolen.
7. Optional passphrase. For extra security, you can enable a passphrase. Treat the passphrase like another secret — losing it can make funds unrecoverable.
8. Install apps and transfer funds. Use Trezor Suite or compatible wallets to manage coins and tokens. Send a small test amount first to verify settings.

Security best practices

Protecting your crypto depends on good habits. Here are the core best practices to follow:

• Only use official software from Trezor and links from trezor.io.
• Never share your recovery seed or type it into a website or phone.
• Keep your seed in a secure, offline location — consider a fireproof safe or split backup across multiple secure locations.
• Enable a strong PIN and consider a passphrase for additional defense-in-depth.
• Verify device fingerprints and address confirmations on the Trezor screen before approving transactions.
• Beware of phishing — double-check URLs, browser extensions, and email senders.

Recovery seed storage options

Consider using multiple complementary backup strategies for the recovery seed. A common approach is to keep a primary handwritten copy in a safe at home and a secondary copy stored in a secure offsite location such as a safety deposit box or with a trusted legal custodian. For long-term resilience, some users engrave recovery words on metal plates designed to survive fire and water. Avoid cloud storage, photos, or plain-text files. If you share backup responsibilities with a partner or executor, use a split backup strategy (e.g., Shamir backup or multiple sealed copies) so no single person can compromise the full seed. Whatever method you choose, test restoration on a spare compatible device before storing the backup for the long term.

Common questions

Q: What if I lose my Trezor?
A: Your funds are not lost if you have your recovery seed. Purchase a new compatible hardware wallet and restore the wallet using the seed words.

Q: Can Trezor hold many types of coins?
A: Yes — Trezor supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies and tokens. Use Trezor Suite or supported third-party wallets for advanced features.

Q: Is my seed safe from hackers?
A: If you store the seed offline and never enter it into a computer or smartphone, it is very safe. The biggest risks come from physical theft, social engineering, or unsafe backups.

Next steps

Ready to begin? Visit trezor.io/start on your computer or mobile device and follow the guided setup. After setup, test a small transaction, confirm addresses on-screen, and familiarize yourself with the recovery process. Taking a few careful minutes now will dramatically reduce long-term risk to your crypto assets.