Your comprehensive guide to securely setting up and using your Trezor hardware wallet

Welcome to Trezor.io/Start

This guide provides essential information about the setup process for your Trezor hardware wallet. Trezor devices offer industry-leading security for storing cryptocurrencies, protecting your digital assets from online threats.

Important: Always ensure you are visiting the official Trezor website at trezor.io/start when setting up your device. Bookmark this page to avoid phishing attempts.

Understanding the Setup Process

The setup process at Trezor.io/start guides you through initializing your hardware wallet securely. This includes:

1

Device Connection

Connecting your Trezor device to your computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure you're using a trusted computer with updated antivirus software.

2

Firmware Installation

Installing the latest firmware on your Trezor device. Firmware updates contain important security improvements and new features.

3

Recovery Seed Generation

Creating your recovery seed phrase. This is the most critical security element of your wallet setup.

4

PIN Setup

Setting up a secure PIN that will be required every time you access your device.

Security Best Practices

Protecting your cryptocurrency investments requires diligence and adherence to security protocols. Follow these guidelines to ensure maximum safety:

📝

Secure Your Recovery Seed

Write down your recovery seed on the provided card and store it in multiple secure locations. Never digitize your seed or store it online.

🔍

Verify Website Authenticity

Always double-check the URL when accessing Trezor services. Phishing sites often use similar-looking URLs to steal your information.

🛡️

Use Official Software

Only download Trezor software from official sources. Third-party applications may contain malware designed to compromise your wallet.

🏠

Secure Physical Storage

Store your Trezor device in a safe location when not in use. Consider using a fireproof and waterproof safe for maximum protection.

Understanding Recovery Seeds

Your recovery seed is the master key to your cryptocurrency wallet. It consists of 12, 18, or 24 randomly generated words that can restore access to your funds if your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Critical Security Advice: Anyone with access to your recovery seed can access your cryptocurrencies. Never share your seed with anyone, and avoid storing it digitally where it could be compromised by hackers or malware.

Best Practices for Recovery Seed Storage:

  • Write the seed on the provided recovery card using a permanent pen
  • Store multiple copies in different secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe, etc.)
  • Never take photos of your seed or store it on any digital device
  • Consider using a metal backup solution for fire and water protection
  • Memorize your seed if possible, but always maintain physical backups

PIN Protection

Your PIN adds an additional layer of security to your Trezor device. Unlike traditional PINs, the Trezor PIN entry system is designed to prevent keyloggers from capturing your code.

PIN Security Features:

  • The PIN entry matrix randomizes number positions each time
  • PIN is entered on your device, not your computer
  • After several incorrect attempts, the device wipes itself
  • PIN is required every time the device is connected

Tip: Choose a PIN that is meaningful to you but difficult for others to guess. Avoid obvious sequences like 1234 or repeated numbers.

Firmware Updates

Regular firmware updates are essential for maintaining the security of your Trezor device. These updates address potential vulnerabilities and add new features.

Update Best Practices:

  1. Always verify you're on the official Trezor website before updating
  2. Ensure your recovery seed is accessible before starting an update
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully during the update process
  4. Never interrupt a firmware update once it has begun
  5. Check for updates regularly or enable notifications

Warning: Ignoring firmware updates leaves your device vulnerable to newly discovered security threats. Regular updates are a critical part of cryptocurrency security.