Owning cryptocurrency is ownership of private keys. Trezor makes that ownership tangible — a dedicated device that keeps your keys isolated from internet risks. This guide explains what to expect at Trezor.io/start, how to complete the initial setup safely, and which best practices will keep your assets secure as the ecosystem evolves.
Why choose a hardware wallet?
Software wallets are convenient but exposed to malware, phishing and cloud risks. A hardware wallet like Trezor stores cryptographic keys in a secure, offline environment. When you sign a transaction, the device performs the cryptographic operation internally and exposes only the signed transaction — never your private key.
Quick setup overview
- Purchase from an official source. Buy only from Trezor.io or verified retailers to avoid tampered devices.
- Unbox with care. Check seals and packaging. Initialize the device cleanly by following the on-screen prompts.
- Create a new wallet. Choose a strong PIN — this protects the device if physically lost.
- Back up your recovery seed. Write the seed on the provided card or a metal backup, and store it in a secure place. Consider distributed backups or a safe deposit box for long-term safety.
- Register firmware and update. Verify firmware through the Trezor Suite or official site — firmware fingerprints and signed packages ensure authenticity.
Security best practices
- Keep firmware current. Trezor releases updates to improve security and add features. Install only official updates through Trezor Suite.
- Use a passphrase for advanced protection. A passphrase (sometimes called 25th word) creates a hidden wallet; treat it like an additional password.
- Split-critical backups. For large holdings, split your seed across multiple secure locations using Shamir Backup if available.
- Beware phishing. Bookmark Trezor.io and use it instead of clicking links. Trezor's official pages include clear signing verification instructions.
New features and recent improvements
Trezor continues expanding coin support, improving UX in Trezor Suite, and pioneering secure recovery methods. Recent releases have focused on multi-account flows, better firmware transparency, and broader wallet integrations. These changes make day-to-day management smoother without sacrificing the device's security-first design.
Everyday use — sending, receiving, and managing tokens
Connecting your Trezor to a computer or mobile device via Trezor Suite or compatible third-party wallets lets you sign transactions safely. To send crypto, compose the transaction in your wallet app, confirm details on the Trezor's screen, and approve with the device's buttons. Always verify the destination address on the device display before confirming.
Troubleshooting & recovery
If your device is lost or damaged, your recovery seed is the only fallback. Use it to restore your wallet on a new Trezor or compatible hardware. If you suspect a compromise, move funds to a new wallet immediately using a device that you initialized from a freshly generated seed.
Practical scenarios
For small, frequent payments, pair Trezor with a mobile software wallet and keep only a small hot wallet funded. For long-term holdings, keep the bulk of your assets in the Trezor-protected cold wallet and minimize exposure by limiting how often you connect and sign transactions.