Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®

Welcome

Congratulations on choosing a hardware wallet. A Trezor device is designed to keep your private keys offline and under your control. This guide walks you through the Trezor.io/Start process — from unboxing and verifying the device to creating a PIN, generating and securing your recovery seed, and performing your first transaction. Follow each step carefully; security is a habit, and good habits protect your crypto.

Before you begin

Prepare the following items before you start:

• A computer with an up-to-date browser (avoid public or untrusted machines).
• A USB cable (data-capable) or adapter supported by your device model.
• A quiet space to write and store your recovery seed securely offline.
• Time — do not rush the seed creation or verification steps.

Important safety notes: buy your device from official channels, never share your recovery seed, and never enter it into any website, email, or message—recovery is always done on a hardware device.

Step 1 — Visit Trezor.io/Start

Open a modern browser and go to trezor.io/start. The official start page will guide you to download Trezor Suite or the recommended web-based flow. Verify the URL and ensure the HTTPS lock is present in the browser address bar before downloading software or following instructions.

Step 2 — Connect your device

Plug your Trezor device into your computer using a data-capable USB cable. The device will show a welcome screen and prompt you to follow on-device instructions. If the computer prompts for drivers or additional permissions, follow only the official instructions shown on the start page or Suite app.

Step 3 — Initialize or recover

You’ll be presented with two primary options:

1. Create a new device — the device generates a new recovery seed (typically 12-24 words) that you write down. This is the standard method for new users.
2. Recover existing device — if you already have a recovery seed from another device, choose recovery to restore your wallets onto the Trezor.

If you’re creating a new device, the device will show the seed word indices on-screen in a random order. Write each word down in sequence on the supplied recovery card or another secure medium. Never photograph or store the seed digitally.

Step 4 — Set a PIN

After seed generation, set a device PIN. The PIN prevents unauthorized local access if your Trezor is lost or stolen. Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess. Note that the PIN entry uses randomized on-screen positions on the device so that keyloggers cannot easily capture input from your computer.

Optional: Use a passphrase for hidden wallets

Trezor supports an additional passphrase feature — effectively creating hidden wallets that are only accessible when the exact passphrase is provided. This feature increases security and plausible deniability but requires careful handling: if you lose the passphrase, funds in that hidden wallet are irrecoverable.

Step 5 — Verify your recovery seed

After writing down your seed, the Suite or device will request confirmation of specific words to ensure you recorded them correctly. This verification prevents mistakes that could lead to permanent loss. Only proceed once you can re-enter and confirm the seed words accurately.

Step 6 — Backup best practices

Your recovery seed is the single most important artifact for fund recovery. Consider these options:

• Write the seed on multiple physical copies and store them in geographically separated secure locations (e.g., home safe and a safety deposit box).
• Use durable engraving plates or metal backups to resist fire, water, and wear.
• Do not split the seed among people or devices unless you use a secure secret-sharing scheme and understand the implications.

Never store the seed in cloud services, email drafts, photos, or any digital notes — these are prime targets for attackers.

Step 7 — Install Trezor Suite or use the web app

For a full experience, install Trezor Suite (desktop) or use the verified web-based interface. The Suite provides portfolio views, coin management, firmware updates, and integrations with trusted exchanges. Always download Suite from the official site and verify signatures when available.

Step 8 — Update firmware

After setup, check for firmware updates. Firmware updates may include security improvements and new features. Only apply updates from the official Trezor servers and follow on-screen instructions carefully. The device will display update progress and require physical confirmation to proceed.

Step 9 — First transaction (receive & send)

To receive funds, open the account for the chosen coin in Suite, click Receive, and verify the displayed address on your device before sharing it. For sending, create a transaction in Suite, then confirm all details on your Trezor device screen. Always verify that the address and amount shown on the device match what you expect — this prevents host-based manipulation.

Troubleshooting common issues

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port; use a direct port rather than a hub. Restart your browser or Suite.
• Seed verification fails: Double-check the written words and their order; don’t guess — start recovery again if necessary.
• Firmware update stalled: Reconnect the device and retry; consult official docs before intervening.