Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device - Trezor® Guide
When you first unbox your Trezor device, whether it’s the Trezor Model T or the Trezor One, getting it set up correctly is critical to ensuring that your cryptocurrency is safe and easily accessible. The Trezor.io/Start® page provides the official, step-by-step guide for getting started with your new hardware wallet. This guide will walk you through the entire process of setting up your Trezor device securely, from initial unboxing to managing your cryptocurrencies.
Step 1: Unboxing Your Trezor Device
Once you've received your Trezor hardware wallet, the first step is to carefully unbox it. Inside the box, you should find:
- The Trezor Device: This is the physical hardware wallet.
- A USB Cable: For connecting the device to your computer or mobile phone.
- Recovery Seed Cards: These are essential for backing up your device. Do not lose or store them digitally.
- Getting Started Guide: A printed manual with basic instructions.
Ensure that your device is sealed in tamper-proof packaging. If it’s damaged or the seal is broken, contact Trezor support immediately.
Step 2: Visit Trezor.io/Start®
The next step is to visit the official Trezor.io/Start® page. This is the secure, official starting point to begin setting up your device. You will be directed to the page after connecting your device to your computer or mobile device.
Make sure you're using a secure connection to prevent exposure to malicious websites. Always ensure you are on the official Trezor.io domain, as this is the only safe and legitimate resource.
Step 3: Connecting Your Trezor Device
To start setting up your Trezor device, you need to connect it to your computer via the provided USB cable. Once connected, the device will power on. Depending on the model, you may see a simple welcome screen on the device.
- For Trezor Model T: A touchscreen interface will appear.
- For Trezor One: You’ll navigate using buttons on the device.
The Trezor device will prompt you to confirm that you’re connecting to the correct site. Always double-check that it says “Trezor.io” on the screen.
Step 4: Installing the Trezor Bridge or Trezor Suite
To communicate with your device, you will need to install Trezor Bridge (for browsers) or Trezor Suite (for desktop apps).
- Trezor Bridge: This is a lightweight, browser-based tool that allows communication between your Trezor device and your browser. It is a required installation for users who prefer using web browsers for managing their crypto assets.
- Trezor Suite: This is a more robust software suite for desktop, designed to give you more control over your wallet. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Head to Trezor.io/Start® and download the software that matches your operating system. After the download completes, follow the on-screen prompts to install it.
Step 5: Setting Up Your PIN Code
Security is paramount when using any hardware wallet. The first thing Trezor will ask you to do is set up a PIN code. This PIN will act as an additional layer of protection on your device, preventing unauthorized users from accessing your funds.
- Choose a PIN: You can choose a 4-9 digit PIN. You will need to enter this PIN each time you use your Trezor device.
- Note: This PIN is stored only on the device and is never shared or uploaded online. If you forget your PIN, you will need to reset the device using your recovery seed.
Once your PIN is successfully set, you will be asked to confirm it by entering it a second time.
Step 6: Writing Down Your Recovery Seed
This is one of the most important steps in the setup process. Trezor will generate a recovery seed, a series of 12, 18, or 24 random words that act as a backup in case your device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
- Important Note: Never store your recovery seed digitally or online (e.g., on your phone or in a cloud service). Write it down on the recovery seed card provided with the device and store it in a safe, offline location.
- The recovery seed is the only way to recover your funds if your Trezor is lost or compromised. If someone gains access to your seed, they can access your funds.
Make sure you double-check the seed phrase for accuracy when writing it down.
Step 7: Verifying Your Recovery Seed
To ensure you’ve written down your recovery seed correctly, Trezor will prompt you to verify it. This step involves selecting the correct words from the list of words that will appear on your Trezor screen. It’s an extra precaution to ensure that you haven’t made a mistake when writing the seed down.
Step 8: Finalizing the Setup
Once your recovery seed is verified, your Trezor device is officially set up! The device will synchronize with the Trezor Suite or the Trezor web interface, depending on which you’re using.
At this point, you’ll be able to:
- Check Your Balance: Your Trezor device will display the cryptocurrencies you’ve already stored on it, or you can add new assets.
- Send and Receive Funds: You can start sending or receiving cryptocurrencies by generating wallet addresses on your Trezor device.
Step 9: Using Your Trezor Device
After setup, you’re ready to start using your Trezor device.
- Sending Cryptocurrencies: To send funds, you’ll need to connect your device to your computer and sign the transaction directly on the Trezor screen. This ensures that your private keys never leave the device.
- Receiving Cryptocurrencies: You can generate a unique receiving address for each transaction. This helps with privacy and security by preventing address reuse.
Step 10: Regularly Backup Your Device
To ensure that you’re always prepared in case of an emergency, regularly check and update your backup process. Use a secure offline location for your recovery seed, and remember that the seed is the ultimate key to your cryptocurrencies. Without it, recovery is not possible.
Conclusion
Starting up your Trezor device may seem like a lot at first, but by following the Trezor.io/Start® page and carefully setting up each security feature, you’re creating a solid foundation to protect your digital assets. The setup process includes critical steps such as creating a PIN, writing down your recovery seed, and verifying the seed for security purposes. Once completed, your Trezor wallet will offer a highly secure and user-friendly platform for managing your cryptocurrencies.