Trezor.io/start | Getting Started | Trezor® (Official Guide)

Welcome to hardware wallet onboarding. Learn how to secure your digital assets with the safest technology available.

How It Works

Setting up your hardware wallet is simple and secure. Follow these four essential steps to protect your cryptocurrency investments.

01

Unbox & Connect

Carefully unpack your device and connect it to your computer using the provided USB cable.

02

Install Software

Download the official companion app from the verified website to manage your device.

03

Create Wallet

Generate a new wallet and securely backup your recovery seed phrase offline.

04

Start Using

Your wallet is ready! Send, receive, and manage your crypto assets with confidence.

Why Choose Hardware Wallets?

Military-Grade Security

Hardware wallets store your private keys offline in a secure chip, protecting them from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks that target online storage solutions.

Full Control & Privacy

You maintain complete ownership of your assets. No third party can access, freeze, or control your funds. Your transactions remain private and anonymous.

Easy Recovery

Lost your device? No problem. Your recovery seed phrase allows you to restore all your accounts on any compatible hardware wallet instantly.

Essential Safety Guide

⚠️ Critical Security Rules

Hardware wallets are the gold standard for cryptocurrency security, but their effectiveness depends entirely on how you use them. Understanding these fundamental principles will help you avoid the common pitfalls that lead to asset loss. Never compromise on these essential practices.

Never Share Your Recovery Seed

Your 12-24 word recovery phrase is the master key to your entire wallet. Write it on paper and store it in multiple secure physical locations like a safe or bank deposit box. Never type it on any computer, phone, or online service. Legitimate companies will never ask for your seed phrase. Anyone with access to these words can steal all your funds permanently.

Verify All Addresses on Device Screen

Before confirming any transaction, always check that the receiving address displayed on your hardware wallet screen matches exactly with the address you intended to send to. Malware on your computer can change addresses in your browser, but it cannot alter what appears on your device screen. This simple habit prevents devastating losses.

Only Use Official Software

Download wallet management software exclusively from the manufacturer official website by typing the URL directly into your browser. Fake apps and phishing websites are common attack vectors. Bookmark the legitimate site and always check for the secure HTTPS padlock. Third-party software could be designed to steal your assets.

Keep Firmware Updated

Manufacturers regularly release security updates to patch vulnerabilities and improve device functionality. Enable notifications for firmware updates and install them promptly using only the official companion application. These updates are essential for maintaining the highest level of protection against evolving threats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting started

What is a hardware wallet?+

A hardware wallet is a physical device designed to securely store cryptocurrency private keys offline. Unlike software wallets that keep keys on internet-connected devices, hardware wallets isolate your keys in a secure chip, making them immune to remote hacking attempts and malware.

Do I need technical knowledge to use one?+

No advanced technical skills are required. Modern hardware wallets are designed for beginners with intuitive interfaces and step-by-step setup wizards. If you can use a smartphone, you can use a hardware wallet. The companion apps guide you through every process.

What if I lose my hardware wallet?+

Your funds are safe as long as you have your recovery seed phrase. You can purchase a new device and restore all your accounts using those words. This is why securing your recovery phrase is more important than the physical device itself.

Can hardware wallets be hacked?+

While no system is 100% unhackable, hardware wallets offer the highest security available for cryptocurrency storage. They use secure elements similar to those in passports and credit cards. The greatest risks come from user error, such as poor seed phrase storage or falling for phishing scams.

Which cryptocurrencies are supported?+

Most modern hardware wallets support thousands of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and all major altcoins. Check your specific device specifications, but popular models typically support all major blockchain networks and ERC-20 tokens.