A Trezor hardware wallet secures your cryptocurrency keys offline, protecting them from malware and online theft. Using a hardware wallet is a foundational step to take control of your crypto holdings. This guide walks you through the essentials: unboxing, setup, secure backup, and safe daily use.
Make sure you have a reliable internet connection for initial setup, a computer or mobile device supported by Trezor, and a safe place to store your recovery seed. Always use official resources when downloading software or following setup steps.
When you receive your Trezor, inspect the packaging for tamper-evident seals and compare the device to images on the official site. Only use the official package contents and the official cable provided. If anything looks suspicious, contact Trezor support before proceeding.
Connect your device to your computer or mobile device and visit trezor.io/start. The start page will guide you to the official Trezor Suite or the web wallet and walk you through firmware checks and the safe initialization procedure.
Initialize the device using the official interface. Create a strong PIN directly on the device screen — do not store the PIN on your computer. The PIN prevents unauthorized physical use in case of loss or theft.
Your recovery seed (a list of words) is the ultimate backup for your funds. Write it down on the provided recovery card or a durable backup solution. Never store the seed digitally, never share it, and never enter it into any website or app. Treat it like the literal key to your money.
Keep your Trezor's firmware and the Trezor Suite/wallet software up to date. Firmware updates can include crucial security fixes and new features. Always confirm you’re updating from official pages: Firmware Updates.
Use your Trezor to sign transactions offline — your private keys never leave the device. Verify every transaction on the device screen itself. Avoid signing transactions from untrusted apps and double-check destination addresses. The Trezor Suite or official wallet pages explain supported coins and integrations.
Consider passphrase protection (an additional secret word) for extra security: it creates a hidden wallet that requires both the seed and passphrase to access. Use this only if you understand the recovery implications, and store passphrases securely and separately from your seed.
If you run into issues, the Trezor Support and Guides pages provide step-by-step help and official contact channels. Avoid community tools or downloads unless linked from official Trezor pages.