Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device – Trezor®
Trezor is a hardware wallet – a small physical device that securely stores your cryptocurrency keys offline. Unlike web wallets or exchanges, a hardware wallet “never exposes your wallet backup or sensitive data to an internet-connected environment”trezor.io. In other words, Trezor keeps your private keys offline, protecting your crypto from hackers and malware. As Trezor’s official FAQ notes, a hardware wallet “provides top-notch security by keeping your sensitive data and crypto access completely offline”trezor.io. This means only you control your coins. A Trezor device also makes it easy to back up your wallet: if you ever lose or break the device, your funds can be recovered using the backup seed you create during setuptrezor.io.
Starting Up Your New Trezor: Step-by-Step Guide
Setting up a new Trezor is easy and usually takes about 15 minutestrezor.io. Important: Always start at the official site trezor.io/start and use Trezor Suite software from the official website. This ensures you get genuine firmware and avoid phishing scamsblog.trezor.io. Follow these steps:
- Download Trezor Suite software. On your computer (Windows/Mac/Linux), go to trezor.io/start. This page directs you to download the Trezor Suite apptrezor.io. (If you prefer, you can also click “Continue in browser” to use the web app at suite.trezor.io trezor.io. Bookmark these URLs so you always visit the real Trezor siteblog.trezor.io.)
- Install and open Trezor Suite. Run the installer you downloaded. When you launch Trezor Suite, it will ask you to connect your Trezor device via USBtrezor.io. (You can also open suite.trezor.io in your browser and plug in the device if you skipped the desktop apptrezor.iotrezor.io.)
- Connect your device and agree to prompts. Plug your Trezor into the USB port. The Suite app will prompt you to allow a connection. Confirm on your computer (and on the Trezor screen if asked). Next, Trezor Suite performs a quick security check: it asks you to verify the box/hologram is intact before setuptrezor.io. (This checks that the device is new and untampered. If the seal looks broken, don’t proceed – contact support.)
- Install the firmware. New Trezor devices ship without firmware. In Trezor Suite, click “Install firmware” and follow on-screen instructionstrezor.io. The firmware is the secure software that runs on your device. Once installation finishes, click Continue.
- Authenticate the device. After firmware installation, Trezor Suite will show a “Check your device” screen. Tap the button on your Trezor when prompted; this proves the device is genuine (your computer and the device perform a safe authentication handshake)trezor.io. After confirming, click Continue in the Suite app.
- Create a new wallet. In Suite you’ll see two options: Create new wallet or Recover wallet. Choose Create new wallet (unless you already have a seed to recover)trezor.io. This generates a new wallet and its 20-word recovery seed (backup).
- Back up your recovery seed. The most important step is writing down the seed. Trezor Suite will display instructions and your seed words on the computer screen, one by one. Use the provided recovery card or a piece of paper to write down all 20 words exactly, in ordertrezor.io. Trezor’s guide explicitly says to “write down all 20 words of your backup accurately, and in the correct order”trezor.io. Once written, confirm by following the app prompts (you’ll select a few words to verify you recorded them correctly). This recovery seed is the backup for your wallet: if your device is lost, you can restore access to your crypto using these words. Store this backup securely offline (never photograph it or store digitally)blog.trezor.io. Never share your seed with anyone – Trezor will never ask for it via email or onlineblog.trezor.ioblog.trezor.io.
- Set a PIN. After backing up the seed, Trezor Suite will prompt you to set a PIN for your device. Choose a secure PIN (at least 4 digits is recommendedtrezor.io, but you can use more if you like). Enter the PIN directly on the Trezor device (the screen shows a scrambled keypad so no one can guess your code). A strong PIN prevents someone with your device from accessing it. Write down your PIN on paper as well, and store it separately from your seedtrezor.io. (Trezor’s official instructions note: “Using a strong PIN protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access. We recommend using at least 4 digits”trezor.io.)
- Finalize setup. Once the PIN is set, Trezor Suite will let you activate coins. You can select which cryptocurrencies you plan to use (this just shows them in the Suite interface). After confirming your choices, click Complete setup. Your Trezor is now ready to use, and Suite will show your wallet dashboard. You can (optionally) give your device a name or custom homescreen.
Choosing a PIN and Securing Your Seed
When picking a PIN, avoid easy codes (like “1234” or your birthday). The longer and more random, the better (up to 50 digits is allowed)trezor.io. Always keep a written copy of your PIN. Don’t store it on your phone or computer. Trezor’s guide reminds users to “keep a safe offline copy of your PIN”trezor.io.
Your 20-word recovery seed is the ultimate backup. Treat it like cash – anyone who finds it can access your crypto. Never type it into any website or app. Only enter your seed into your Trezor device (for example, if you ever need to recover your wallet). As Trezor warns, you should never share your recovery seed with anyone or enter it anywhere except on the Trezor itselfblog.trezor.ioblog.trezor.io. Consider using a durable backup (like a metal plate) or keeping copies in multiple secure locations.
Connecting to Trezor Suite (Desktop or Web)
You can use Trezor Suite Desktop or the web version at suite.trezor.io. Both work the same way. Just ensure you downloaded Suite from the official Trezor siteblog.trezor.io. When you launch Suite, it will ask you to connect your Trezor via USBtrezor.io. If you’re using the web app, you may need the Trezor Bridge software installed; Suite will prompt you. After connection, follow the on-screen setup steps as above. Using the official Suite app ensures firmware updates and transactions are secure.
Using the Official Site and Avoiding Scams
Security starts at the website. Always type or bookmark trezor.io/start and suite.trezor.io – never click a suspicious link claiming to be Trezor. Trezor itself advises: download Suite only from the official siteblog.trezor.io, and bookmark or directly visit suite.trezor.ioblog.trezor.io. Phishing sites can look very real, so double-check URLs (look for “https” and the exact trezor.io domain). Remember: Trezor will never ask for your PIN or seed in an email, text, or phone callblog.trezor.io. If you ever receive unsolicited messages, ignore them and check Trezor’s official channels.
Basic Security Tips
- Keep your seed and PIN separate. Store your recovery phrase securely offline, and store your PIN code in a different safe place. If one is compromised but not the other, your funds remain safeblog.trezor.io.
- Never share your recovery seed or PIN. No one from Trezor or any service will ever ask for these.
- Use a strong PIN. Aim for at least 4–6 digits (more digits are bettertrezor.io). Avoid obvious patterns.
- Use official Trezor software only. Download updates and the Trezor Suite from trezor.io blog.trezor.io. Check for firmware update prompts in Suite regularly (Trezor firmware keeps devices secure).
- Enable a passphrase (optional). For extra security, Trezor offers an additional passphrase feature. You can set a passphrase in Suite after setup; it creates a “hidden” wallet that only opens when you enter that passphrase. It’s like a 25th seed word. Use this if you want extra protection.
- Be cautious online. Bookmark official sitesblog.trezor.io. Don’t download files or extensions claiming to be Trezor from unofficial sources. Always check you are on an authentic domain.
By following these steps and precautions, you’ll have your Trezor wallet set up securely and be ready to send or receive cryptocurrency with peace of mind. Enjoy your Trezor experience!
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