Trezor.io/Start® — Start Your Trezor Device

Welcome — first things first

Starting with Trezor means taking custody of your keys in a small, hardened device. This guide walks you — step-by-step — from unboxing to making your first safe transaction using Trezor Suite and Trezor.io/Start. It focuses on modern best practices: firmware verification, secure seed handling, passphrase considerations, and ongoing habits that keep your crypto secure over years, not minutes.

Why use a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets isolate private keys from internet-connected devices. Even if your computer is compromised, a hardware wallet requires physical confirmation to sign transactions, so attackers cannot silently drain your funds.

• Offline key storage: Private keys never leave the device.
• Transaction confirmation: You verify addresses and amounts on the device’s screen.
• Proven cryptography: Open-source firmware and audited code increase transparency.
• Recovery options: Restore wallets with a recovery seed on any compatible device.

Unboxing & first checks

When your Trezor arrives, inspect the packaging and device carefully:

1. Check packaging seals and tamper-evident stickers (if present) — suspicious damage or missing seals should prompt contact with the vendor or Trezor support.
2. Confirm the model (Model One or Model T) and verify serial numbers against any documentation.
3. Use the official cable included in the box and avoid unknown third-party adapters during setup.

Plug in & visit Trezor.io/Start

Open a trusted browser and navigate to trezor.io/start. The official page detects your model and leads you to Trezor Suite or the WebUSB flow. Prefer Trezor Suite (desktop) for the most robust experience.

1. Connect the device via USB; your computer should detect it and the device screen will display a welcome animation.
2. Follow on-screen prompts on trezor.io/start to install Trezor Suite or continue with the guided web flow.
3. Do not use unknown sites or third-party scripts — always use official resources when initializing wallets.

Install & open Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official desktop application for managing accounts, firmware, and settings. Download it only from the official site and install the version for your operating system.

1. Download Trezor Suite from trezor.io and run the installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
2. Launch Suite and connect the device. Approve prompts on the Trezor screen to establish a secure connection.
3. Choose to create a new wallet or recover an existing one.

Create your wallet & secure your recovery seed

When creating a new wallet, the device generates a recovery seed: typically 12, 18, or 24 words. This seed is the canonical backup — treat it as your highest-value secret.

1. Choose Create new in Trezor Suite and confirm on the device.
2. Write the recovery words exactly as they appear, in order, on the provided recovery card or your preferred steel/paper backup method.
3. Confirm the seed via the device when asked.
4. Store backups in at least two secure, geographically separated locations (e.g., safe + safety deposit box).

Set a PIN and consider a passphrase

Set a device PIN to protect the physical device. Trezor randomizes keypad layout on the screen to prevent shoulder-surfing. For advanced users, a passphrase adds an extra hidden-wallet layer.

• PIN: choose a unique numeric PIN and memorize it; too short is weaker, too predictable is bad.
• Passphrase (optional): acts as an additional seed input (like a 25th word). It creates hidden wallets and offers plausible deniability but requires careful management — losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing funds in that hidden wallet.

Verify & update firmware safely

Firmware updates patch bugs and improve security. Trezor Suite will prompt updates and verify signatures during installation.

1. Allow firmware updates only through Trezor Suite or official channels.
2. Confirm firmware prompts on the device itself — the device verifies the update package before applying it.
3. Do not interrupt installation; keep the device connected until the process completes.

Receiving and sending crypto — trust the device screen

Trezor requires you to verify addresses and transaction details on the device display. This step prevents software-level address substitution attacks.

Receiving

1. In Trezor Suite select Receive → choose your account/coin.
2. Verify the address shown in Suite matches the address on the device screen.
3. Share the verified address only after confirmation.

Sending

1. Enter the recipient address and amount in Suite.
2. On the device, confirm the destination and amount exactly as shown.
3. Approve the transaction to sign it; Suite will broadcast to the network.

Advanced features & integrations

Trezor supports many advanced workflows and integrations that increase utility while maintaining security.

• Hidden wallets (passphrase): create separate hidden accounts tied to a passphrase for privacy or contingency planning.
• Third-party wallets & dApps: Trezor can integrate with selected external wallets and services — always verify compatibility and permissions.
• Coin control & UTXO selection: for Bitcoin users, manual input selection offers privacy and fee optimization benefits.
• Staking & bridges: some assets allow staking via supported services — verify custody model before delegating assets.

Backups, disaster planning, and replacement

Plan for device loss, theft, or damage. A sound backup and recovery plan ensures you can restore funds quickly and securely.

1. Keep at least two geographically separated backups of your recovery seed (steel plate or high-quality paper).
2. Test recovery using a spare device or a temporary setup with a small non-critical wallet before you rely on it for big balances.
3. If your device is lost, restore on a new Trezor or compatible device and move funds to a fresh address if you suspect the seed was exposed.

Troubleshooting — common questions

Device not recognized

Try a different USB port and cable, ensure Trezor Suite is updated, and check OS driver prompts. On web flows, install Trezor Bridge if required.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the PIN, you must reset the device and restore using your recovery seed. A reset erases the device but not the funds (if you control the seed).

Firmware update failed

Keep the device connected, restart Suite, and retry. Avoid interrupting the process; if issues persist, consult official support.

Everyday security habits

• Always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving.
• Keep firmware and Suite updated to the latest stable releases.
• Store backups in secure, separate locations and avoid digital copies.
• Use a passphrase only if you understand the recovery implications; if used, document procedures securely.
• For large holdings, consider using multiple devices, multisig setups, or professional custody options for institutional-level protection.

FAQ — quick answers

Can I restore my wallet on any Trezor?

Yes — a recovery seed created on one Trezor model can be used to restore on another compatible Trezor device (or compatible BIP39 wallet), but verify compatibility for passphrase and derivation specifics.

Is it safe to buy a used Trezor?

Buying used hardware is riskier. If you purchase a used device, perform a factory reset and reinitialize it with a new seed. Prefer buying new from official channels to avoid tampering.

What if I lose my recovery phrase?

If you lose the recovery phrase and still have the device, export keys or move funds to a new wallet while you still control the device. If you lose both device and seed, funds are unrecoverable.

Final words — ownership and responsibility

Trezor gives you direct control of your keys — that control is powerful and comes with responsibility. Follow official setup flows at trezor.io/start, secure your recovery seed offline, verify firmware, and keep consistent security habits. With a careful setup and regular checks, your Trezor will serve as a resilient long-term vault for your digital assets.