Trezor
Complete Guide to Trezor® Setup
Learn how to securely set up your Trezor hardware wallet, install Trezor Bridge, and protect your cryptocurrency assets with the world's most trusted cold storage solution.
Getting Started with Your Trezor® Hardware Wallet
A comprehensive guide to setting up your device for maximum security
Understanding the Trezor® Setup Process
The Trezor® hardware wallet represents the gold standard in cryptocurrency security, providing a completely offline environment for storing your private keys. When you begin the setup process at Trezor® (trezor.io/start), you're taking the first step toward complete control over your digital assets.
Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, Trezor® devices keep your sensitive information isolated from internet-connected devices, dramatically reducing vulnerability to hacking attempts, phishing scams, and malware.
Key Benefits of Using Trezor®
- Complete isolation of private keys from online devices
- Protection against malware and phishing attacks
- Support for over 1,000 cryptocurrencies
- User-friendly interface with advanced security features
- Open-source firmware for transparency and community auditing
Essential Components for Setup
Before beginning your Trezor® setup, ensure you have the following:
- Your Trezor hardware wallet (Model T or Model One)
- The provided USB cable
- Recovery seed cards (included in the package)
- A computer with internet access
- Approximately 20-30 minutes of uninterrupted time
The setup process involves several critical steps that establish the foundation of your wallet's security. Rushing through any part of this process could compromise your assets, so it's essential to proceed carefully and deliberately.
Step-by-Step Setup Process
Follow these steps carefully to ensure your wallet is properly secured
Install Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge enables communication between your Trezor device and web browser. Download it from the official Trezor website to begin.
Connect Your Device
Connect your Trezor hardware wallet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Ensure you're using the original cable for optimal security.
Initialize Wallet
Follow the on-screen instructions in Trezor Suite to initialize your device. Choose between creating a new wallet or recovering an existing one.
Backup Recovery Seed
Write down your 12, 18, or 24-word recovery seed on the provided cards. Store them securely offline—this is your ultimate backup.
Advanced Security Features
Once your basic setup is complete, Trezor® offers several advanced security options to further protect your assets:
Passphrase Protection
The passphrase feature adds an additional layer of security by creating a "hidden wallet" that's inaccessible without both your recovery seed and the custom passphrase. This protects against physical theft of your recovery seed.
Shamir Backup
Available on Trezor Model T, Shamir Backup allows you to split your recovery seed into multiple shares. You can set a threshold (e.g., 3-of-5) for how many shares are needed to recover your wallet, distributing risk across multiple locations.
Device PIN
Your Trezor device is protected by a PIN that must be entered using the device's touchscreen or buttons. This prevents unauthorized access even if someone physically possesses your device.
Security Best Practices
- Never share your recovery seed with anyone
- Store your recovery seed in multiple secure locations
- Always verify receiving addresses on your Trezor screen
- Keep your device firmware updated
- Use a strong, unique passphrase for hidden wallets
Remember that the security of your cryptocurrency ultimately depends on how well you protect your recovery seed and device. Trezor® provides the tools, but you must implement proper security practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Trezor® setup and security
Trezor Bridge is a communication tool that allows your Trezor hardware wallet to securely interact with web browsers. It acts as a bridge between the device and Trezor Suite or the web wallet, enabling encrypted communication without compromising security. You need to install Trezor Bridge before you can set up or use your Trezor device with a computer.
No, Trezor Bridge is required for the desktop version of Trezor Suite to communicate with your hardware wallet. However, the web version of Trezor Wallet uses a different communication method. For the best security and user experience, we recommend using Trezor Suite with Trezor Bridge installed.
If you lose your Trezor device but have your recovery seed safely stored, your funds are completely secure. Simply purchase a new Trezor device (or use any compatible wallet) and restore your wallet using your recovery seed. Your recovery seed is the master key to your cryptocurrency—the device itself is just a secure way to access it.
We strongly recommend against purchasing used Trezor devices. While the devices themselves have security features, a previously owned device could have been tampered with. Always purchase directly from the official Trezor shop or authorized resellers to ensure you're receiving a genuine, untampered device.