Why a hardware wallet matters
A hardware wallet stores your private keys offline, away from the typical threats that affect software wallets. When you control the private keys, you control the assets. Devices like Trezor are purpose-built with dedicated screens and buttons so transaction approvals happen on-device and cannot be silently intercepted by malicious software on your computer.
Begin at trezor.io/start
Always begin at trezor.io/start. That official address guides you to the verified onboarding flow and points you toward either the Trezor Suite application or an in-browser setup. Using the official start page minimizes the risk of downloading spoofed software or landing on a compromised page.
Preparing before setup
Preparation matters. Use a trusted computer that is likely free of malware, have a pen and paper ready, and plan where you will store the written recovery seed. Avoid storing your seed phrase digitally—no photos, screenshots, or cloud notes. Consider physical security: a safe, a deposit box, or a specialized backup method for long-term protection.
What to expect on trezor.io/start and during setup
The site will direct you to download Trezor Suite or continue in a browser version. Suite will check for firmware updates and help you install them securely. During setup the device generates a recovery seed (commonly 12, 18, or 24 words) and asks you to record those words in order. You will later verify that the words were recorded correctly — this verification is an essential step.
PIN and optional passphrase
After recording your recovery seed, you set a PIN to prevent unauthorized use if the device is lost or stolen. Optionally, advanced users can enable a passphrase (a “25th word”), which creates hidden wallets. While powerful, passphrases must be remembered; losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in hidden wallets.
Restore, recovery, and troubleshooting
Your recovery seed is the single source of truth for restoring funds. If you need to restore to a new device, only use the seed and follow the guided recovery in Trezor Suite. Never enter your seed into untrusted sites or third-party services. If the device behaves unexpectedly (no response, stalled firmware), check the cable and USB port first; consult the official support pages at trezor.io/support before following instructions from other sources.
Using Trezor for everyday transactions
Once set up, Trezor lets you receive and send assets, interact with decentralized apps, and manage many cryptocurrencies. The critical security feature is on-device confirmation: any transaction you sign must be confirmed on the device itself. That confirmation prevents remote malware from authorizing transfers without your explicit approval.
Best practices for long-term security
- Keep multiple, geographically separated backups of your recovery seed stored securely.
- Never store the complete recovery seed digitally.
- Check device packaging and avoid using tampered devices.
- Apply firmware updates only via official channels like the Trezor Suite and trezor.io.
- Test any new setup with a small transfer before committing large amounts.