Start Your Journey With Trezor
Welcome to Trezor. You are about to take an important step toward protecting and controlling your digital assets. This guide is designed to help you understand how your Trezor works, how to set it up securely, and how to use it with confidence from day one.
Trezor is built for self-custody. That means you—not an exchange, company, or third party—are in control of your private keys and your funds. With that control comes responsibility, and this page will help you understand both.
Take your time as you read through the steps. Careful setup is the foundation of long-term security.
What Makes Trezor Different
Cryptocurrencies are controlled by private keys. Whoever holds those keys controls the funds. Many people store their keys on online services or applications connected to the internet, which exposes them to hacking, phishing, and account takeovers.
A Trezor hardware wallet stores private keys in a dedicated physical device that stays offline. Even when connected to a computer or phone, the keys never leave the device. All sensitive actions must be confirmed on the Trezor itself.
This design minimizes trust in external systems and maximizes your control.
Preparing for Setup
Before starting, choose a safe and private environment. Avoid public places, shared screens, or situations where someone could see or record your setup process.
You will need:
Your new Trezor device
A compatible computer or mobile device
A stable power or USB connection
Pen and paper for recovery information
Enough time to complete the setup without rushing
Never begin setup if you feel distracted or pressured.
Inspecting Your Device
When you open the package, check that your Trezor appears new and unused. A legitimate device is never preconfigured, and you should never receive a recovery phrase already written down.
The device should power on to a setup screen that guides you through initialization. If anything seems unusual, stop and do not continue.
Starting with a clean, untampered device is essential for security.
Understanding the Software Interface
To manage your wallet, you will use the official Trezor software interface. This interface allows you to view balances, manage accounts, send and receive assets, and install firmware updates.
The interface acts as a window into your wallet, but it does not control your private keys. All critical actions must be confirmed on the device screen.
If a message on your computer does not match what appears on your Trezor, trust the device—not the computer.
Firmware and Device Updates
Firmware is the software that runs directly on your Trezor. It controls how the device protects keys and signs transactions.
During setup, you may be prompted to install or update firmware. This is normal for new devices. Always confirm firmware actions on the device screen and never install firmware from unofficial sources.
Keeping firmware updated ensures your Trezor benefits from the latest security improvements.
Creating Your Wallet
When you create a new wallet, your Trezor generates a recovery phrase. This phrase is produced offline and displayed only on the device screen.
The recovery phrase is the backup to your wallet. If your device is lost, damaged, or replaced, this phrase is the only way to restore access to your funds.
Recovery Phrase Essentials
The phrase consists of a fixed number of words
The order of the words matters
The phrase is unique to your wallet
Anyone with the phrase can control your funds
There is no way to regenerate or change a recovery phrase later.
Writing Down the Recovery Phrase
When your Trezor displays the recovery phrase, write it down carefully by hand. Do not take photos, screenshots, or digital notes.
As you write:
Double-check spelling
Maintain the exact order
Keep the phrase hidden from others
Avoid speaking the words out loud
The device will later ask you to confirm parts of the phrase. This helps ensure that your backup is correct.
Storing the Recovery Phrase Securely
Once written down, the recovery phrase must be stored safely. This is a long-term decision that directly affects the security of your assets.
Consider the following principles:
Keep it offline at all times
Protect it from fire, water, and physical damage
Store it in a location only you can access
Avoid storing it with obvious labels
Never share your recovery phrase with anyone, for any reason.
Setting a PIN
After securing your recovery phrase, you will choose a PIN code. The PIN protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access.
Each time the device is connected, the PIN must be entered. After multiple incorrect attempts, the device enforces increasing delays, making guessing attempts impractical.
Choose a PIN that is hard to guess but memorable for you. Do not reuse common codes or personal dates.
Optional Protection With a Passphrase
Advanced users may choose to enable a passphrase. A passphrase adds an extra secret that works together with your recovery phrase.
Each passphrase opens a separate wallet. Without the correct passphrase, that wallet cannot be accessed—even with the recovery phrase.
This feature offers strong protection, but it also increases risk if misused. If you forget the passphrase, there is no recovery method. Only use this option if you fully understand the consequences.
Receiving Digital Assets
To receive assets, you will generate a receiving address using the Trezor interface. Always verify the address on the Trezor device screen before using it.
This verification step ensures that the address has not been altered by malicious software. Only trust what appears on the device itself.
Once verified, you can safely receive funds to that address.
Sending Transactions
When sending assets, transaction details are displayed on the Trezor screen. You must physically confirm the transaction for it to proceed.
Carefully review:
The destination address
The amount being sent
Any additional transaction details
If something does not look right, cancel the transaction. The device gives you final control.
What Self-Custody Means
With Trezor, you are your own custodian. This gives you freedom from third parties, but it also means there is no safety net.
There are no account resets, no password recovery emails, and no support team that can restore lost recovery phrases.
Your security depends entirely on how well you protect your device, PIN, and recovery information.
Long-Term Security Habits
To maintain strong security over time:
Be cautious of unsolicited messages or instructions
Only approve actions you personally initiate
Keep your device physically secure
Periodically review your backups
Stay informed about basic security practices
Trezor will never ask you to reveal your recovery phrase outside of the recovery process on the device.
If Your Device Is Lost or Damaged
If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or stops working, your assets are still safe—as long as your recovery phrase remains secure.
You can restore your wallet on another compatible device using that phrase. This is why careful backup storage is critical.
The device is replaceable. Your recovery phrase is not.
Moving Forward
You are now equipped with the knowledge needed to use Trezor safely. Take time to explore your wallet, understand its features, and build good security habits.
Self-custody is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with awareness and care.
Welcome to Trezor. Your keys. Your crypto. Your control.