Official Trezor® Wallet

What is the Trezor® hardware wallet?

Trezor® is a hardware (cold) wallet designed to keep your cryptocurrency private keys off the internet and under your personal control. Unlike custodial services or exchange wallets, a hardware wallet stores the keys in a dedicated, isolated device so signing transactions happens locally — protecting funds even if the computer used to manage them is compromised.

In practice, this means you can securely store Bitcoin and many popular altcoins while using familiar wallet interfaces to send and receive funds. The device is compact, portable, and built to resist both physical tampering and remote attack vectors.

Why choose cold storage?

• Isolation: Private keys never leave the device and are never exposed to the internet during normal use.
• Resilience: Seed backups mean your funds can be recovered if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
• Defense-in-depth: Trezor combines PIN protection, firmware verification, and optional passphrase support for layered security.
• Self-custody: You—and only you—control the keys. There’s no third-party that can freeze or seize your crypto on your behalf.

Key features

Trezor devices come with a range of features designed for both newcomers and power users. Highlights include:

• Private key isolation: All cryptographic operations take place inside the device.
• Open-source firmware: Code transparency enables community audits and higher trust levels.
• Seed backup (recovery phrase): Generate a 12–24 word phrase that can recover your wallet on any compatible device.
• PIN code & passphrase: Prevents unauthorized use even if the device is physically accessed.
• Wide coin support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many altcoins and tokens (check current compatibility for specific coins).
• Compact, durable design: Rugged construction intended for daily use and travel.

Quick setup guide

Setting up your Trezor is designed to be straightforward. The following is a summary of the typical steps you’ll follow:

1. Buy from an official source: Only purchase from the official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
2. Unbox and inspect: Verify packaging seals and device integrity before powering it on.
3. Connect to your computer: Use the official wallet web app or the recommended desktop app and follow on-screen instructions.
4. Create a new wallet: Choose to create a new wallet; the device will generate a recovery seed—write it down on the supplied card and store it securely offline.
5. Set a PIN: Choose a PIN you’ll remember that’s not guessable from your personal information.
6. Install updates: Confirm and install official firmware updates when prompted to ensure the latest security improvements.

Remember: never share your recovery phrase or type it into a computer. The best practice is to store it offline (for example, in a safe or physically separated secure location).

Security best practices

Owning a hardware wallet reduces many risks, but security is still a process. Here are practical, field-tested recommendations:

• Keep seed offline: Write your recovery phrase on paper or metal — don’t store it as a digital file or a photo.
• Use a strong PIN and passphrase: The PIN defends against immediate physical access; the optional passphrase adds another secret that functions like a 25th word.
• Verify addresses: Always confirm transaction details shown on the device screen before approving — this prevents malware from swapping addresses.
• Beware phishing: Only use the official wallet interface and type the URL yourself; avoid clicking links in emails or messages.
• Limit exposure: Use the hardware wallet for long-term storage and substantial amounts; for small, daily spending, keep a separate hot wallet.
• Multi-signature & redundancy: For very large holdings, consider multisig setups where more than one key or device is required to move funds.

Supported assets

Trezor supports a broad range of cryptocurrencies and tokens. While Bitcoin and Ethereum are core, the ecosystem extends to many altcoins and ERC‑20 tokens via compatible interfaces. If you plan to store a specific token, confirm support in the official compatibility list before transferring funds.

How Trezor compares to other storage options

Comparison at a glance:

• Exchange wallets: Convenient but custodial—exchanges control the keys and are targets for hacks and regulatory actions.
• Software wallets (hot wallets): Easier for everyday use but more exposed to malware and phishing.
• Paper wallets: Cold but error-prone; easy to lose and hard to use for regular withdrawals.
• Hardware wallets (Trezor): Balance of security and usability—private keys stay isolated while everyday transaction signing remains practical.

Who should use Trezor?

Trezor is a great fit for:

• Long-term holders who want strong protection for significant crypto holdings.
• Anyone who values self-custody and wants to remove counterparty risk when storing funds.
• Users building secure setups with multisig or advanced recovery strategies.
• Developers and privacy-conscious users who prefer open-source firmware that can be audited.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I lose my Trezor?

If you lose the device, you can recover your funds using the recovery phrase on any compatible wallet or a replacement device. That’s why keeping the recovery phrase secure is critical.

Can Trezor be hacked remotely?

Because private keys are stored on the device and signing is local, remote hacks are very difficult. Most successful attacks rely on user mistakes (phishing, exposing seed words, or buying tampered devices).

Is the recovery phrase enough to steal funds?

Yes — anyone who obtains your recovery phrase can rebuild the wallet and move funds, so never share it. A hardware PIN/passphrase reduces risk but does not replace safe seed handling.

Final thoughts

Trezor® hardware wallets offer robust cold-storage security for Bitcoin and many altcoins with a focus on transparency and user control. When paired with careful physical security and good operational practices, a hardware wallet should be the cornerstone of any serious cryptocurrency security plan.

If you’re new to self-custody, follow the official guides closely, buy devices from trusted channels, and treat your recovery phrase like the single most valuable credential you own.