Trezor® Hardware Wallet | Getting Started | Trezor™

Introduction

In the digital age, securing your assets—especially cryptocurrency—is more critical than ever. Unlike traditional bank accounts, cryptocurrencies are stored in decentralized wallets that are only as secure as the systems protecting them. Trezor®, the world’s first hardware wallet developed by SatoshiLabs, has long been a trusted name in crypto security.

This guide will help you understand how to get started with your Trezor® hardware wallet, walking you through setup, usage, and best practices. Whether you own a Trezor Model One or the more advanced Trezor Model T, this walkthrough applies to both and is designed for users of all levels.

What Is a Trezor® Hardware Wallet?

A Trezor hardware wallet is a physical device that stores your cryptocurrency offline—often referred to as “cold storage.” Unlike software wallets that are exposed to internet threats, Trezor keeps your private keys isolated from your computer, phone, and online connections.

Key Features:

• Offline Storage of private keys
• PIN Protection & Recovery Seed
• Touchscreen (Model T) or buttons (Model One)
• Multi-currency support (BTC, ETH, LTC, ERC-20 tokens, and more)
• Integration with Trezor Suite and third-party wallets

Why Choose Trezor®?

1. Security First: Your private keys never leave the device, making them immune to hacks or phishing.
2. Open Source: Trezor’s firmware and software are open for community auditing.
3. Versatile Compatibility: Works with Trezor Suite, Electrum, MetaMask, Exodus, and other wallets.
4. Privacy-Focused: Optional Tor connectivity, Coin Control, and no forced accounts.

Getting Started: What’s in the Box?

When you unbox your Trezor, you’ll typically find:

• 1x Trezor Hardware Wallet
• 1x USB-C/USB-A cable (depending on model)
• Recovery seed cards
• User manual
• Trezor-branded stickers

Step-by-Step Setup Guide

Step 1: Go to the Official Trezor Site

Always go to https://trezor.io/start to avoid phishing scams. Never trust links from unofficial sources.

Step 2: Connect Your Trezor Device

Use the USB cable to connect your Trezor Model One or Model T to your computer. Once connected:

• Model One will display text.
• Model T has a color touchscreen.

Step 3: Install Trezor Suite

Download Trezor Suite, the official app for managing your crypto, from the site. Choose the desktop app for better privacy and control.

Install and open it, then follow the on-screen instructions to pair your device.

Step 4: Install Firmware

Most new Trezors ship without firmware for safety reasons. Trezor Suite will prompt you to install it. Confirm the installation on your device.

Step 5: Create a New Wallet

You will now be prompted to:

• Create a new wallet
• Or restore from a recovery seed

Choose Create New Wallet.

Step 6: Backup Your Recovery Seed

You will be shown a 12, 18, or 24-word recovery seed, depending on your device.

IMPORTANT:

• Write it down exactly and in order.
• Never store it digitally (photos, cloud, or emails).
• Keep it in a fireproof safe or secure physical location.

You will confirm the words on your Trezor to complete this step.

Step 7: Set a PIN

A PIN code protects your device from unauthorized access. If someone steals your Trezor, they cannot access your funds without the PIN.

• Model One: You’ll use your computer to select numbers based on a hidden grid.
• Model T: Use the touchscreen directly.

Avoid easy PINs like 1234 or 0000.

Using Trezor with Trezor Suite

Once setup is complete, you’ll land on the Trezor Suite dashboard. Here’s what you can do:

1. Add Accounts

Trezor Suite supports multiple cryptocurrencies and lets you create different accounts within each. Add:

• Bitcoin
• Ethereum (and ERC-20 tokens)
• Litecoin
• Cardano
• Dogecoin
• And more

2. Receive Crypto

Click on the crypto you want to receive → “Receive” → “Show full address.”

Always verify the address on your Trezor screen. Copy and share the address with the sender.

3. Send Crypto

To send crypto:

• Select the account → “Send”
• Paste the recipient’s address
• Choose amount and fee
• Confirm on your Trezor device

4. Check Portfolio Overview

Trezor Suite offers a clean portfolio view that displays:

• Asset balances
• Total portfolio value in your chosen fiat
• Transaction history
• Price charts for supported coins

Advanced Features

Hidden Wallets with Passphrases

You can create multiple hidden wallets using a passphrase in addition to your PIN and seed.

• Use different passphrases for different accounts.
• No passphrase = main wallet
• Lost passphrase = lost funds

Only use this if you understand the risks.

Shamir Backup (Model T Only)

Split your recovery seed into multiple shares. You can set how many shares are needed to restore access. Example: 5 shares created, 3 needed to recover.

This adds redundancy and protection against single-point failure.

Tor Support & Coin Control

Enable Tor within Trezor Suite for IP anonymity.

Use Coin Control to select specific UTXOs for transactions. This helps manage privacy and reduce fees.

Supported Cryptocurrencies

Trezor supports over 1,000+ coins and tokens, including:

• Bitcoin (BTC)
• Ethereum (ETH)
• Litecoin (LTC)
• Cardano (ADA)
• ERC-20 tokens (USDT, LINK, UNI, etc.)
• Dogecoin (DOGE)
• Dash
• Zcash
• Monero (via third-party apps)

For some coins, you may need to use third-party wallets like MetaMask, Electrum, or AdaLite.

Tips for Staying Safe

1. Never Share Your Recovery Seed: Trezor staff or anyone else will NEVER ask for it.
2. Always Verify URLs: Fake sites often mimic trezor.io.
3. Keep Firmware Updated: Trezor regularly releases security patches.
4. Avoid Screenshots of Your Wallet: Even portfolio screenshots can leak sensitive info.
5. Enable Watch-Only Wallets: Monitor funds without needing to connect your device.

Troubleshooting

My Trezor won’t connect

• Try a different USB cable or port
• Update your operating system
• Reboot both Trezor and PC
• Use the desktop app instead of the web version

I Lost My PIN

• Reset the device using your recovery seed

I Lost My Recovery Seed

• Unfortunately, Trezor cannot recover your wallet. That’s why keeping your seed safe is critical.

Conclusion

The Trezor® Hardware Wallet remains one of the most secure and trusted solutions for storing cryptocurrency. With the Trezor Suite app, managing your portfolio becomes simple, secure, and private.

From setup to advanced features like passphrases, Shamir Backup, and coin control, Trezor is built for both crypto newcomers and seasoned investors. By taking the time to correctly set up and understand your wallet, you ensure that your digital assets are protected from theft, hacks, and hardware failure.

Crypto self-custody is about taking control—and with Trezor, you're doing it the right way.