Welcome to Trezor: Your Secure Start in Self-Custody

Welcome to Trezor, where taking control of your digital assets begins. This guide is designed to help you start safely, confidently, and with a clear understanding of how your Trezor hardware wallet protects your cryptocurrencies. Whether this is your first hardware wallet or you’re upgrading your security, you’re in the right place.

Trezor was built around a simple idea: you should be the sole owner of your private keys. By keeping your keys offline and under your control, Trezor helps protect your assets from online threats such as malware, phishing, and unauthorized access.

This page walks you through the essential concepts and steps you need to know before using your device, so you can set it up properly and use it with confidence.

What Is a Trezor Hardware Wallet?

A Trezor hardware wallet is a small physical device that stores your private keys in a secure, offline environment. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, your sensitive data never leaves the device. Transactions are signed inside the wallet itself, which means your keys are never exposed to the internet.

This approach significantly reduces the risk of theft. Even if the computer or phone you connect to is compromised, your funds remain protected as long as your recovery information is secure.

Before You Begin

Before setting up your Trezor, make sure you have:

• Your new Trezor device and its original packaging

• A computer or compatible mobile device

• A private, quiet place where you won’t be interrupted

• Pen and paper for writing down recovery information

Security starts with preparation. Never rush the setup process, and never allow anyone else to see your recovery details.

Checking Device Authenticity

When you first open your Trezor package, inspect it carefully. A genuine Trezor device arrives sealed and untampered with. The device should not be pre-configured, and you should never receive a device with a recovery phrase already written down.

If anything looks suspicious or altered, do not continue with the setup. Using an authentic, untampered device is a critical part of staying secure.

Installing the Official Software

To manage your wallet, send and receive cryptocurrencies, and update your device, you’ll use the official Trezor software interface. This software allows you to interact with your wallet while keeping your private keys safely inside the device.

During setup, you may be prompted to install the latest firmware. Firmware updates ensure your device has the newest security improvements and supports the latest features. Always install firmware directly through the official setup process and only confirm updates on your device screen.

Creating a New Wallet

When you create a new wallet, your Trezor generates a recovery phrase, sometimes called a seed phrase. This phrase is the most important part of your wallet. It is a series of words generated completely offline by your device.

The recovery phrase is the master key to your funds. Anyone with access to it can control your assets, and without it, you may permanently lose access if your device is lost or damaged.

How to Store Your Recovery Phrase Safely

• Write the words down by hand, in the correct order

• Never store the phrase digitally or take photos of it

• Keep it offline and away from cameras or other people

• Store it in a safe, fire-resistant location

• Consider using a secure backup solution for long-term storage

Trezor will ask you to confirm the recovery phrase during setup to ensure it was written down correctly. Take your time with this step.

Setting a PIN Code

After securing your recovery phrase, you’ll set a PIN code for your device. The PIN protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access. Each time you connect the device, you’ll need to enter this PIN to unlock it.

Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess but easy for you to remember. If someone repeatedly enters the wrong PIN, the device enforces increasing delays, making brute-force attempts impractical.

Optional: Adding a Passphrase

For advanced users, Trezor offers an optional passphrase feature. A passphrase acts as an extra layer of security on top of your recovery phrase. Each unique passphrase creates a separate wallet.

This feature is powerful, but it also increases responsibility. If you forget your passphrase, there is no way to recover it. Only use a passphrase if you fully understand how it works and can store it securely.

Receiving Your First Cryptocurrency

Once setup is complete, you can receive cryptocurrency to your Trezor wallet. To do this, you’ll generate a receiving address using the software interface. Always verify the address on your Trezor’s screen before sharing it or using it.

This verification step ensures the address hasn’t been altered by malware on your computer or phone. Funds sent to this address will be protected by your device’s private keys.

Sending Transactions Securely

When sending cryptocurrency, Trezor requires you to confirm transaction details directly on the device. You’ll see the destination address and amount on the screen, and nothing is sent until you physically approve it.

This confirmation process protects you from malicious software attempting to redirect funds. Always review transaction details carefully before confirming.

Understanding Self-Custody

Using a Trezor means you are practicing self-custody. This gives you full control, but also full responsibility. There is no customer support desk that can reset your wallet or recover lost recovery phrases.

With that responsibility comes independence. Your funds are not dependent on exchanges, third parties, or centralized services. As long as you protect your recovery phrase and device, you remain in control.

Best Security Practices

To keep your wallet safe over the long term:

• Never share your recovery phrase with anyone

• Be cautious of phishing attempts and fake apps

• Only confirm actions you initiate yourself

• Keep your device firmware up to date

• Store backups securely and privately

Remember that Trezor will never ask for your recovery phrase outside of the device’s own recovery process.

What to Do If Your Device Is Lost or Damaged

If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or damaged, your funds are not gone—as long as you have your recovery phrase. You can restore your wallet on a new Trezor device using that phrase.

This is why proper backup storage is essential. The device can be replaced; the recovery phrase cannot.

Moving Forward With Confidence

You’ve now taken a major step toward securing your digital assets. Trezor is designed to give you peace of mind by keeping your private keys offline and under your control.

Take time to explore the software interface, learn about supported cryptocurrencies, and continue educating yourself about safe practices. Security is not a one-time action—it’s an ongoing habit.

Welcome to a safer way to manage your crypto.