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Get Started with Trezor

Welcome to Self-Custody: Setting Up Your Hardware Wallet

Congratulations on choosing Trezor, the original and most trusted hardware wallet. Your journey to secure cryptocurrency ownership begins here. This guide will help you set up your device in minutes, ensuring your digital assets remain protected against online threats while maintaining complete control over your funds.

What You'll Need

Before starting, please ensure you have:

From your Trezor package:

  • Trezor device (Model T or Safe 3)

  • USB-C cable

  • Recovery seed cards (2 pieces)

  • Getting started guide

Additional requirements:

  • Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux or Android smartphone

  • Private, distraction-free environment

  • Pen (not pencil) for writing your recovery seed

  • Latest version of Google Chrome, Brave, or Firefox browser

Critical Security First

Only use official sources:

  • ✅ Purchase directly from Trezor Shop or authorized resellers

  • ✅ Always visit trezor.io/start or suite.trezor.io directly

  • ✅ Never download firmware from third-party websites

  • ✅ Verify device packaging seals are intact

Setup Process

1. Connect Your Device

Navigate to suite.trezor.io/start in your browser and connect your Trezor using the provided USB-C cable. Your browser may prompt you to install Trezor Bridge, which enables communication between your device and computer.

Note for Mac users: You may need to allow system software from SatoshiLabs in Security & Privacy settings.

2. Install Latest Firmware

Your device will automatically prompt for firmware installation. This crucial step ensures:

  • Latest security patches are applied

  • New features and coin support are available

  • Compatibility with Trezor Suite

Click "Install" and wait for the process to complete. Your device may restart during this process.

3. Create Your Wallet

Choose "Create new wallet" when prompted. We recommend selecting "Standard seed backup" for optimal security.

4. Backup Your Recovery Seed (Most Important Step)

Your recovery seed is the master key to your cryptocurrency. It consists of 12, 24, or 12 words that can restore all your funds on any compatible wallet.

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Write it down physically - Your Trezor will display words on its screen one by one

  2. Use the provided seed cards - Write clearly with a permanent pen

  3. Verify the backup - Your device will ask you to confirm random words from your list

  4. Store securely - Never digitize or share your recovery seed

Security best practices:

  • Store seed cards in multiple secure locations

  • Never store digitally (no photos, cloud, or text files)

  • Consider a Cryptosteel for fire/water protection

  • Share with no one - not even Trezor support

5. Set Your PIN

Protect physical access to your device with a PIN:

  1. The Trezor screen shows a random number grid

  2. Enter corresponding positions on your computer

  3. Choose 4-50 digits (longer is more secure)

  4. Remember your PIN - it cannot be recovered

6. Name Your Device

Personalize your Trezor with a name (e.g., "My Crypto Vault") to easily identify it if you own multiple devices.

First Actions in Trezor Suite

Access Your Dashboard

Once setup completes, you'll enter Trezor Suite - your secure interface for managing crypto.

Receive Your First Crypto

  1. Navigate to the "Accounts" tab

  2. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

  3. Click "Receive" to generate an address

  4. Verify the address matches your Trezor display

  5. Share this address to receive funds

Explore Key Features:

  • Portfolio Overview - Track all your holdings in one place

  • Exchange Integration - Buy/sell crypto directly through partners

  • Coin Control - Advanced Bitcoin transaction management

  • Labeling System - Organize transactions and addresses

Advanced Security Options

Passphrase Protection (Recommended)

Add a 25th custom word to your recovery seed for:

  • Hidden wallets within your device

  • Plausible deniability if coerced

  • Additional security layer

Enable in Settings > Device > Passphrase after initial setup.

Shamir Backup (Model T)

Split your recovery seed into multiple shares requiring a threshold to reconstruct. Ideal for:

  • Business accounts requiring multiple approvals

  • Estate planning

  • Enhanced backup security

Maintenance & Updates

Regular Firmware Updates

Trezor Suite notifies you when updates are available. Always:

  1. Backup your recovery seed (if not already done)

  2. Connect your device

  3. Follow the prompt to install updates

  4. Never interrupt the update process

Device Recovery Practice

Periodically practice recovering your wallet:

  1. Use a small amount of test funds

  2. Reset your device

  3. Restore using your recovery seed

  4. Verify funds are accessible

This ensures you can confidently recover your wallet if needed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device Not Recognized

  1. Try a different USB cable/port

  2. Restart your computer

  3. Reinstall Trezor Bridge

  4. Try another browser

Forgotten PIN

  1. Initialize your device (wipes all data)

  2. Restore using your recovery seed

  3. Set a new PIN

Important: Initialization erases the device. Only your recovery seed can restore funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is my cryptocurrency stored on the Trezor device?

No. Your crypto always remains on the blockchain. Trezor stores your private keys - the mathematical proof of ownership. The device signs transactions offline, keeping your keys secure from online threats.

2. What happens if I lose my Trezor?

Your funds remain safe. Simply:

  1. Purchase a new Trezor (or any BIP39-compatible wallet)

  2. Choose "Recover wallet" during setup

  3. Enter your 12, 24, or 12-word recovery seed

  4. Regain access to all your accounts

3. Can I use Trezor with third-party wallets like MetaMask?

Yes! Trezor integrates with popular wallets:

  • MetaMask: Connect via "Connect Hardware Wallet"

  • Electrum: Direct integration for Bitcoin

  • Exodus: Native Trezor support

  • Rabby, Frame, and more

Always verify addresses on your Trezor screen when using third-party interfaces.

4. How do I ensure I'm using genuine Trezor software?

  • Always navigate directly to suite.trezor.io

  • Check for the padlock icon and "SatoshiLabs" in the address bar

  • Verify firmware signatures match during installation

  • Never enter your recovery seed anywhere except on the Trezor device screen

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

  • Model T: Touchscreen, Shamir Backup, SD card protection

  • Safe 3: Button interface, secure element chip, most affordable
    Both provide industry-leading security with different feature sets and price points.

6. Can I use my Trezor with mobile devices?

Android: Yes, with USB-OTG cable and Trezor Suite app
iOS: Limited functionality via Bluetooth with Trezor Safe 3 (read-only features)
For full functionality, we recommend using a computer with Trezor Suite.

Your Security Checklist

  • Purchased from official Trezor Shop

  • Recovery seed written on provided cards

  • Seed stored in multiple secure locations

  • PIN memorized (not written with seed)

  • Firmware updated to latest version

  • Small test transaction sent and received

  • Recovery process practiced (optional but recommended)

Need Help?

Official Resources:

Security Notice: Trezor support will NEVER ask for your recovery seed or PIN. Report suspicious requests immediately.

Welcome to True Ownership

You've taken a crucial step toward financial sovereignty. With Trezor, you're not just storing cryptocurrency - you're securing digital property with bank-grade security accessible only to you. Remember: your keys, your coins.

Next Steps: Explore Trezor Suite features, set up automatic backups, and consider enabling advanced security options as you become more comfortable with self-custody.

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