How to Set Up Your Trézor.io/start® | Starting Up Your Device

This short, presentation-style guide walks you through a safe first-time setup of your Trezor hardware wallet—from unboxing to your first test transaction. For the official onboarding portal, always begin at trezor.io/start. (Bookmark it and type it yourself; avoid search-engine ads.)

Before You Begin: Security Basics

Buy devices only from trusted sources. If anything seems tampered with, stop and contact support.
Use a private, malware-free computer and a trusted network for initial setup.
Go directly to the official page: trezor.io/start.

Unboxing & Authenticity Checks

What to look for

Factory seal intact; no residue or double stickers.
Casing undamaged; screen unscratched; cable included.
No pre-written “recovery seed” card. If you find one, that’s a red flag.

Compare against guidance at trezor.io/start before proceeding.

Install Trezor Suite (Official App)

Download & Verify

On your computer, visit trezor.io/start to download Trezor Suite for your OS. Install it and run the application. Avoid third-party tools for initial setup.

Connect & Update Firmware

Connect your device with the provided USB cable.
Open Trezor Suite; follow prompts to install or update firmware.
Verify actions on the device screen before confirming them on your computer.

Create or Recover Your Wallet

Creating a New Wallet

Choose Create new wallet in Trezor Suite and confirm on the device. When prompted, generate your recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words).

Write Down Your Recovery Seed

Write words in order on the supplied card—by hand, offline.
Never take photos, store in cloud, or type the seed into a computer or phone.
Make 1–2 physical copies and store them separately in secure places.

You can revisit official instructions anytime at trezor.io/start.

Recovering an Existing Wallet

If migrating from a previous device, choose Recover wallet and enter the seed using the device. Ensure you’re following the official flow inside Trezor Suite started from trezor.io/start.

Protect Access: PIN & Optional Passphrase

Set a Strong PIN

Create a PIN on the device. Use 6–9 digits, avoiding obvious patterns. The device will increment delay after wrong attempts.

Optional: Advanced Passphrase

A passphrase adds a second factor to your seed, creating a hidden wallet. Use only if you understand the trade-offs; forgetting a passphrase means permanent loss. Learn the concept from trezor.io/start.

Tip on Storage

Store the recovery seed and any passphrase separately. Never keep them together.

Add Accounts & Verify Addresses

Choose the Right Network

In Trezor Suite, add accounts for the coins you use (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). For Ethereum-based tokens, you’ll need ETH for gas. Reference coin-specific notes from trezor.io/start.

Always Verify on the Device

Click Receive in Suite to show your address.
Confirm the address matches on the Trezor screen before sharing or using it.
Consider a small test transaction first.

Make a First, Low-Value Test Transaction

Send a tiny amount to your verified address. Wait for confirmations, then attempt a small outbound send. This validates your backup and workflow before larger amounts.

For common questions during this step, check trezor.io/start.

Troubleshooting & Safe Practices

Common Issues

Suite can’t see device: Try a different USB port/cable; ensure no other wallet apps are open.
Firmware loop: Keep the app open and follow prompts on both the computer and device until complete.
Lost PIN: Wipe device and recover from your seed. Never share the seed with anyone.

What to Avoid

Never enter your recovery seed on a website, Google Form, or mobile app.
Ignore DMs/emails offering “support” asking for your seed or to “re-sync” funds.
Don’t install browser extensions from unknown publishers.

When in doubt, re-check the official guidance at trezor.io/start.

Ongoing Maintenance & Hygiene

Periodic Checks

Update Trezor Suite and device firmware when prompted through the app.
Verify backups: confirm your written seed is legible and stored safely.
Consider a fire/water-resistant storage or metal seed backup.

Travel & Usage

When traveling, take only what you need. Keep backups off-site. If your device is lost or damaged, funds remain safe as long as your seed (and passphrase, if used) is secure.

Mini-FAQ

Is the recovery seed the wallet?

Yes. The device is a secure key-manager; the seed is the ultimate backup. Anyone with it can control your funds.

Should I store the seed digitally?

No. Keep it offline on paper or metal. Avoid photos, notes apps, or cloud backups.

Where do I start if I’m unsure?

Begin at the official portal: trezor.io/start.

You're Ready—Start Safely

Bookmark and use the official entry point every time: trezor.io/start.