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Get Started with Trezor

Begin Your Journey to Ultimate Crypto Security

Welcome to Trezor, the world's first and most trusted hardware wallet. This guide will walk you through setting up your device to ensure your cryptocurrencies are protected with enterprise-grade security. By following these steps, you'll establish a secure foundation for managing your digital assets with complete control and peace of mind.

Unboxing and Verification

Package Contents

Your Trezor box should contain:

  • Trezor hardware wallet (Model T or Safe 3)

  • USB-C to USB-A cable

  • 2 recovery seed cards

  • Getting started guide

  • Trezor stickers

  • Lanyard (Model T only)

Verify Authenticity

Only purchase from our official Trezor Shop or authorized resellers. Check that:

  • Security seals are intact

  • Package shows no signs of tampering

  • Device appears new and undamaged

Critical: If anything seems suspicious, contact support immediately and do not proceed with setup.

Preparation Checklist

What You Need:

  • Computer with internet connection (Windows, macOS, or Linux)

  • Chrome, Firefox, or Brave browser installed

  • Private, distraction-free environment

  • Pen (not pencil) for writing

  • 10-15 minutes of uninterrupted time

Download and Installation

  1. Visit suite.trezor.io/start

  2. Your browser will guide you to install necessary components:

    • Trezor Bridge (for device communication)

    • Trezor Suite (desktop application, optional but recommended)

The Setup Process

Step 1: Initial Connection

Connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided USB cable. The device screen will light up with the Trezor logo.

Browser Detection:

  • Chrome/Firefox/Brave: Should recognize device automatically

  • If not detected: Try different USB port or cable

  • Install Trezor Bridge if prompted

Step 2: Firmware Installation

Firmware is the operating system of your Trezor. Installing the latest version ensures:

  • Protection against known vulnerabilities

  • Support for new cryptocurrencies

  • Access to latest features

Process:

  1. Click "Install firmware" in Trezor Suite

  2. Wait for download and installation (2-5 minutes)

  3. Device will restart automatically

  4. Confirm successful installation on device screen

Step 3: Create New Wallet

Select "Create new wallet" when prompted. We recommend:

  • Standard seed backup: For most users (12-24 word recovery phrase)

  • Shamir backup (Model T only): Advanced option for splitting backup

Step 4: Backup Your Recovery Seed (Most Critical Step)

Your recovery seed is the master key to all your cryptocurrencies. If lost, your funds are irrecoverable.

Backup Procedure:

  1. Your Trezor will display words sequentially on its screen

  2. Write each word in exact order on the seed cards

  3. Use clear, permanent ink

  4. Double-check spelling and order

  5. Never digitize or photograph your seed

Security Best Practices:

  • Store cards in separate, secure locations

  • Consider fire/water-proof storage

  • Never share with anyone

  • Memorize or use passphrase for added security

Step 5: Set Your PIN

Protect against physical theft with a PIN:

  1. Trezor shows random number grid

  2. Enter corresponding positions on computer

  3. Choose 4-50 digits

  4. Confirm by re-entering

  5. Remember - PIN cannot be recovered if forgotten

Step 6: Personalize Your Device

Name your device for easy identification:

  • "Primary Savings"

  • "Trading Wallet"

  • "Long-term Storage"

  • Or any name you prefer

Navigating Trezor Suite

Dashboard Overview

Trezor Suite is your secure command center:

  • Portfolio: View all holdings in one place

  • Accounts: Manage individual cryptocurrency accounts

  • Exchange: Buy/sell crypto directly

  • Send/Receive: Manage transactions

Your First Transaction

To receive crypto:

  1. Select desired cryptocurrency account

  2. Click "Receive"

  3. Verify address on Trezor screen

  4. Share address with sender

  5. Wait for network confirmation

To send crypto:

  1. Select account with funds

  2. Click "Send"

  3. Enter recipient address (double-check!)

  4. Verify all details on Trezor screen

  5. Confirm transaction

Advanced Security Features

Passphrase Protection

Add a custom word to create hidden wallets:

  • Extra security layer

  • Plausible deniability

  • Multiple wallets from one device

Enable in: Settings > Device > Passphrase

Shamir Backup (Model T)

Split your recovery seed into shares:

  • Requires threshold of shares to recover

  • Ideal for business or inheritance planning

  • Enhanced backup security

U2F/WebAuthn

Use Trezor as security key for:

  • Google, GitHub, Facebook accounts

  • Password managers

  • Enterprise authentication

Maintenance and Updates

Regular Updates

Stay protected with automatic updates:

  • Firmware updates every 3-6 months

  • Trezor Suite updates monthly

  • Security patches as needed

Backup Verification

Periodically verify your backup:

  1. Use "Dry-run recovery" in Trezor Suite

  2. Test recovery on spare device

  3. Never expose primary seed during testing

Device Care

  • Store in cool, dry place

  • Avoid physical damage

  • Keep firmware updated

  • Use original cable

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens if I lose both my Trezor and recovery seed?

Unfortunately, your funds would be permanently lost. This is why we emphasize:

  • Multiple secure seed storage locations

  • Regular backup verification

  • Consideration of inheritance planning

No one, including SatoshiLabs, can recover your funds without the recovery seed.

2. Can I use one Trezor for multiple cryptocurrencies?

Yes! Trezor supports 9,000+ assets including:

  • Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot

  • All ERC-20 tokens

  • Most major cryptocurrencies

Simply add accounts for each supported coin in Trezor Suite.

3. How do I know my Trezor is genuine?

Verify through:

  • Firmware signature check during setup

  • Holographic seal on packaging

  • Purchase source (only official shop/resellers)

  • Device behavior (never asks for seed online)

If uncertain, contact support before entering any recovery seed.

4. What's the difference between Trezor Model T and Safe 3?

  • Model T: Touchscreen, microSD slot, Shamir Backup, $219

  • Safe 3: Button interface, secure element, most affordable, $79

Both provide identical security for private keys with different premium features.

5. Can I recover my wallet without a Trezor device?

Yes, using any BIP39-compatible wallet:

  1. Install compatible wallet software

  2. Choose "Recover from seed phrase"

  3. Enter your 12/24-word recovery seed

  4. Access your funds immediately

This emphasizes why protecting your seed is crucial.

6. Is Trezor safe from quantum computers?

Current Trezor models use cryptographic algorithms that are quantum-vulnerable. However:

  • Practical quantum attacks are years away

  • We monitor cryptographic developments closely

  • Future firmware updates will address emerging threats

  • Your seed phrase allows migration to quantum-resistant algorithms when available

Troubleshooting Guide

Common Issues and Solutions

Device Not Recognized:

  1. Try different USB port/cable

  2. Restart computer

  3. Reinstall Trezor Bridge

  4. Try different browser

Forgotten PIN:

  1. Initialize device (wipes data)

  2. Recover with seed phrase

  3. Set new PIN

  4. Restore funds

Firmware Update Failed:

  1. Reconnect device

  2. Retry update

  3. Contact support if persistent

Transaction Stuck:

  1. Check network status

  2. Use replace-by-fee if enabled

  3. Wait for confirmation

  4. Contact support if >24 hours

Security Best Practices

Essential Habits

  • ✅ Never share recovery seed

  • ✅ Always verify addresses on device screen

  • ✅ Regularly update firmware

  • ✅ Use strong, unique PIN

  • ✅ Enable passphrase for large holdings

  • ✅ Practice recovery procedure

Advanced Protection

  • Use dedicated computer for crypto

  • Enable Tor in Trezor Suite

  • Use CoinJoin for Bitcoin privacy

  • Implement multi-signature setups

Getting Help

Official Resources

Emergency Situations

If you suspect:

  • Device tampering

  • Seed phrase exposure

  • Unauthorized transactions

  1. Immediately move funds to new wallet

  2. Contact support

  3. Reset all affected accounts

Welcome to Self-Custody

You've successfully joined millions who trust Trezor for secure cryptocurrency storage. Remember:

Your keys, your coins. Your security, your responsibility.

Next Steps:

  1. Make a small test transaction

  2. Explore Trezor Suite features

  3. Set up regular backup checks

  4. Consider additional security features

  5. Join the Trezor community

Ready to explore? Launch Trezor Suite to begin managing your digital assets with confidence and security.

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