The definitive guide to initializing your Trezor hardware wallet. Secure your digital assets with the world's most trusted cold storage solution.
In the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency, security is paramount. Trezor pioneered the hardware wallet industry, offering a physical device that isolates your private keys from the internet. This "cold storage" method ensures that your assets remain safe from online hackers, malware, and phishing attacks.
Whether you have chosen the robust Trezor Model One or the advanced touchscreen Trezor Model T, visiting Trezor.io/Start is your first step towards true financial sovereignty. By keeping your keys offline, you eliminate the single biggest point of failure in crypto security: the internet connection.
Trusted by millions of users worldwide, Trezor devices are open-source, auditable, and built with a focus on user-friendly security. This guide will walk you through the entire setup process to ensure your funds are protected from day one.
Follow these 8 essential steps to initialize your Trezor wallet securely. Do not skip any steps to ensure maximum security.
Before you begin, carefully inspect the packaging of your Trezor device. Ensure the holographic seals are intact and show no signs of tampering. If the package appears opened or damaged, contact Trezor support immediately and do not use the device. Your security starts with the physical integrity of the hardware.
Open your web browser and navigate to the official setup page: Trezor.io/Start. Be cautious of phishing sites; always verify the URL in your address bar. This portal will guide you to download the correct software for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Download and install the Trezor Suite desktop application. This is the interface you will use to manage your portfolio, send transactions, and update your device. Trezor Suite is designed to be more secure than browser-based wallets, providing a dedicated environment for your crypto operations.
Use the USB cable provided in the box to connect your Trezor to your computer. The device screen should light up. Follow the prompts in Trezor Suite to install the latest firmware. Firmware updates are crucial as they contain security patches and new features.
In Trezor Suite, choose "Create new wallet". You will have the option to create a standard wallet or a Shamir Backup (Model T only). For most users, the standard wallet is sufficient. The device will generate a unique master private key for you.
This is the most important step. Your Trezor will display a sequence of words (12 to 24 words). Write these down on the provided recovery seed cards. Never store this seed digitally (no photos, no cloud storage, no typing it into a computer). This seed is the only way to recover your funds if your device is lost or broken.
The device will ask you to verify the seed words you just wrote down to ensure no mistakes were made. Take your time. Accuracy is critical here. Once verified, your wallet is backed up.
Create a strong PIN code to protect your device from unauthorized physical access. For advanced security, you can also enable a Passphrase (often called the "25th word"), which acts as a hidden wallet. Your setup is now complete!
Discover why Trezor remains the industry leader in hardware wallet technology.
Offline storage keeps your keys isolated from online threats. EAL6+ certified secure elements (in newer models) provide robust protection against physical attacks.
Trezor's code is fully open-source, allowing security researchers to audit the software constantly. Transparency builds trust and ensures no backdoors exist.
Supports over 1,000 cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, and more. Manage all your assets in one secure interface.
The intuitive Trezor Suite interface makes managing crypto easy for beginners while offering advanced features like CoinControl for experts.
Exclusive to Model T, split your recovery seed into multiple shares. Even if one is lost or stolen, your funds remain secure.
Use Tor directly within Trezor Suite to mask your IP address and protect your financial privacy from prying eyes.
Join millions of users who trust Trezor for their cold storage needs.
Trezor created the world's first hardware wallet. With over a decade of experience, they set the standard for crypto security.
The device screen shows you exactly what you are signing. Even if your computer is compromised, the device display cannot be hacked.
The Trezor team actively maintains the firmware, releasing regular updates to patch vulnerabilities and add support for new coins.
With a strong community and transparent development process, Trezor has earned the trust of both retail investors and institutions.
Common questions about Trezor.io/Start and device setup.