Trezor.io/Start | Official Getting Started Guide 2026

The year 2026 marks a new standard for self-custody with the launch of the Trezor Safe 5 and the advanced Trezor Suite ecosystem. Setting up your device at Trezor.io/Start is the definitive way to secure your Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and thousands of other digital assets.

This guide provides the official "Safe Start" protocol for all Trezor models (Safe 5, Safe 3, Model T, and Model One).

1. Secure Installation & Device Verification

Before unboxing, ensure your device arrived with its tamper-evident holographic seal intact.

  • Download Trezor Suite: Navigate to the official Trezor Download Page to get the desktop application for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
  • Avoid Phishing: Never download Trezor software from unofficial app stores or third-party links. The desktop app provides a more secure environment than the browser version by isolating your data from web-based threats.
  • The Authenticity Check: Once you plug in your device via USB-C, Trezor Suite will perform a cryptographic authenticity check. This verifies that the Secure Element (EAL6+) inside your device is genuine and has not been altered since leaving the factory.

2. Firmware Installation

For your security, Trezor devices ship with no firmware installed. This ensures that you are the one to install the latest, most secure "brain" for your wallet.

  1. Connect your Trezor to your computer.
  2. Follow the prompts in Trezor Suite to install the latest firmware.
  3. Bitcoin-Only Option: You can choose to install "Bitcoin-only" firmware if you do not plan on holding other altcoins. This simplifies the device's code and reduces the attack surface for maximum security.

3. Creating Your Wallet & Backup

This is the most critical stage of the setup. You will generate your Secret Recovery Phrase (also known as a Wallet Backup).

  • Backup Standard: * Trezor Safe 5: Typically uses a 20-word Single-share Backup.

  • Trezor Model T / Safe 3: Typically uses a 12-word or 24-word backup.

  • Shamir Backup (Advanced): If you own a Trezor Safe 5 or Model T, you can opt for Shamir Backup. This allows you to split your recovery phrase into multiple "shares" (e.g., 3 of 5). You would need a specific number of these shares to recover your wallet, providing protection against theft or loss of a single backup sheet.

The Offline Rule: Write your words on the provided physical cards. Never take a photo, never save them in a password manager, and never type them into any website. Your Trezor device will ask you to verify the words directly on its screen to ensure accuracy.

4. PIN Protection & Security Layers

  • Set a PIN: Your PIN prevents unauthorized physical access to your device. Trezor uses a randomized grid on the device screen, so even a keylogger on your computer cannot "see" what you are typing.
  • Passphrase (The 25th Word): For advanced security, you can enable a Passphrase. This creates a hidden wallet that is mathematically impossible to find without the custom word you choose. Note: Trezor does not store this word; if you lose it, you lose access to the hidden wallet forever.

5. Managing Your Assets

With your wallet ready, use the Trezor Suite dashboard to:

  • Enable Coins: Toggle on the blockchains you wish to use (SOL, ETH, BTC, etc.).
  • Receive Assets: Click "Receive" and verify the address on your Trezor device screen. Never trust your computer screen alone; only the Trezor screen is immune to malware.
  • Trade & Stake: Use the "Buy/Sell/Swap" tab to interact with verified partners like Invity, or use WalletConnect to safely explore DeFi dApps and NFT marketplaces.