Quick clarification — Trezor is not an exchange

Important: Trezor.io/Start is the official onboarding and setup portal for Trezor hardware wallets — devices that securely store your private keys offline. Trezor Suite (the official app) can integrate third-party services for buying, selling or swapping crypto, but the Trezor hardware itself is a cold wallet, not an exchange.

Sources: Trezor official site and Trezor Suite documentation confirm the device’s role as a hardware wallet and describe integrated trading features.

Why this guide (EEAT-aligned)

This guide follows Google’s EEAT principles: it’s written to reflect real experience with hardware wallets, cites official Trezor resources, emphasizes authoritative security practices, and gives practical, trustworthy steps you can follow right now.

What you’ll need

  • A genuine Trezor device (Model One, Model T, or Trezor Safe series).
  • Your computer (or an up-to-date browser) and the supplied USB cable.
  • A secure, private place to write down your recovery seed (paper or metal backup).

Step-by-step: Create & secure your Trezor wallet (beginner friendly)

  1. Open the official start page: Type trezor.io/start into your browser and follow the guidance. Confirm the site is trezor.io and uses HTTPS.
  2. Download Trezor Suite: Choose web or desktop at suite.trezor.io. Trezor Suite is the official app for initializing your device and managing coins.
  3. Connect & install firmware: Plug in your device. New devices require firmware installation via Trezor Suite — this is normal and secures your wallet with verified code.
  4. Create a new wallet: In Trezor Suite choose “Create new wallet.” Follow on-screen prompts until the device displays a 12 or 24-word recovery seed.
  5. Record your recovery seed — offline: Write each word in order on the included recovery card or a metal backup. Verify the words when the device asks. This phrase is the master backup for all your keys — keep it offline and private.
  6. Set a strong PIN: Choose a PIN you can remember but others cannot guess. The PIN prevents unauthorized use if the device is stolen.
  7. Optional — enable passphrase: For extra privacy, enable a passphrase (this creates a hidden wallet). Only enable this if you fully understand how passphrases work and back up the passphrase plan separately.
  8. Optional — use integrated buy/sell/swap: Trezor Suite connects to third-party providers (e.g., Invity) to offer buy/sell/swap. These features let you trade while keeping keys in your device, but they are not a custodial exchange — you still control your keys.
  9. Test a small transaction: Receive a small amount from another wallet or an exchange and confirm the receiving address on your Trezor device screen before accepting funds. This verifies end-to-end correctness.

Security checklist — what to do immediately

  • Never store the recovery seed digitally (no photos, no cloud backups).
  • Buy only from the official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
  • Keep firmware & Trezor Suite updated; verify firmware signatures when prompted.
  • Use hardware backups (metal seed plates) if holding significant funds long term.
  • Consider splitting large holdings (multi-wallet strategy) — keep active funds separate from long-term cold storage.

Practical tips from experience

Write your seed clearly, then store a copy in a secure secondary location (e.g., a safety deposit box). Consider a metal backup if exposure to fire/water is a concern. If you use a passphrase, remember that losing it means losing access to that hidden wallet.

How trading in Trezor Suite differs from centralized exchanges

Trezor Suite offers “Buy / Sell / Swap” tools by integrating third-party services (so you can trade without moving keys to a custodial wallet). You still approve transactions on your hardware device — this reduces counterparty risk compared to storing funds on an exchange. However, trading features depend on external providers and may require KYC with those providers.

Official resources & next steps

FAQs

1. Is Trezor.io/Start an exchange?
No — it’s the official onboarding portal for hardware wallets. Trading features exist inside Trezor Suite via third-party providers, but Trezor itself is a cold-storage wallet.
2. How do I restore my wallet if my device is lost?
Buy a new compatible hardware wallet and use your recovery seed to restore your accounts in Trezor Suite. The recovery seed is the universal backup.
3. Can Trezor Suite buy or swap crypto directly?
Yes — Trezor Suite integrates services (e.g., Invity) to buy/sell/swap. These are third-party providers; your keys remain on your device and you approve transactions locally.
4. Should I enable a passphrase?
Passphrases add security and privacy (they create hidden wallets), but they also add complexity and risk — if you lose the passphrase, you lose access. Only enable if you understand the tradeoffs.
5. Where should I store my recovery seed?
Offline and physically secure — a fireproof safe, safety deposit box, or a durable metal backup. Avoid any digital copy or photo.
6. How do I confirm a genuine Trezor device?
Purchase from trezor.io or authorized resellers. Trezor Suite validates firmware authenticity during setup — follow its prompts and don’t bypass checks.