Trezor.io/start — Secure Your Crypto
A practical, user-friendly walkthrough to setting up your Trezor hardware wallet using Trezor Suite, protecting your recovery seed, and adopting cold-storage best practices for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies.
Why use Trezor.io/start and Trezor Suite?
Trezor hardware wallets separate the signing of transactions from internet-connected devices. Visiting Trezor.io/start ensures you download the official Trezor Suite installer and follow manufacturer-recommended steps. This reduces exposure to phishing and tampered software, and helps you implement reliable cold storage and offline crypto storage strategies.
Before you begin
- Buy a genuine, unopened Trezor device from an authorized retailer.
- A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) and a compatible USB cable.
- A secure, private place to write down your recovery seed (avoid digital copies).
- Visit trezor.io/start to download Trezor Suite.
Step-by-step: initialize your Trezor (recommended flow)
- Download Trezor Suite: open trezor.io/start and choose the correct OS installer. Always verify the site URL and download checksum if available.
- Install and open Trezor Suite: follow installer prompts and launch the app.
- Connect your device: plug in your Trezor and follow onscreen guidance to create a new wallet or recover an existing one.
- Create a PIN: select a PIN you can remember but which is not easily guessable. This guards against local physical access.
- Write down the recovery seed: the device will display 12–24 words. Write them in order on the supplied recovery card or a secure metal backup. Verify the words when prompted.
- Complete setup: once the device confirms the seed and PIN, create accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets inside Trezor Suite.
Using Trezor Suite & signing transactions
When you send funds, Trezor Suite prepares the transaction but the Trezor device will display the receiving address and amount for you to confirm physically. Always verify the address and amount on the device screen — your computer could be compromised and display tampered data.
For large, long-term holdings, prefer cold storage: keep your device offline, connect only to create signed transactions when needed, and avoid routine exposure.
Advanced protections (optional)
- Passphrase: an additional word added to your seed that creates a separate hidden wallet. Treat the passphrase as secret — losing it means losing access to funds in that hidden wallet.
- Shamir Backup: if supported on your device model, split the seed into multiple shares to store across locations for redundancy and theft resilience.
- Metal backups: store your seed on a fire- and corrosion-resistant metal plate for best durability.
Troubleshooting & common questions
- Device not recognized: try a different USB cable/port and ensure Trezor Suite is updated.
- Seed words missing or mismatch: stop setup and contact official support — do not proceed with an incomplete seed.
- Firmware update issues: update only through Trezor Suite and keep your recovery seed secure before updating.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: Is trezor.io/start the right place to download Trezor Suite?
Yes — always use trezor.io/start to download official installers and follow manufacturer guidance.
Q: Can I recover funds if I lose my Trezor device?
Yes — with your recovery seed you can recover funds on another compatible device or recovery tool that supports the same seed standard.
Q: Should I use a passphrase?
Passphrases add security but increase complexity. Use them only if you understand the operational risks (you must never lose the passphrase).
Q: How do I protect Bitcoin & Ethereum specifically?
Protect them the same way: hold private keys offline with Trezor, verify transactions on-device, and store your recovery seed in a secure, offline backup.
Q: Is my Trezor safe on public computers?
Trezor keeps private keys offline, which helps, but avoid entering recovery seeds or passphrases on untrusted systems.