Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®
Welcome to the official setup guide. This page leads you through every step needed to safely initialize and use your Trezor® hardware wallet. Read each section fully before proceeding — your attention now prevents loss later.
Prepare: your environment and tools
Before you open the box, pick a private, tidy workspace where you won’t be rushed or photographed. Gather a charged computer or mobile device with internet access, the supplied USB cable, and a pen. Use the supplied recovery card or a dedicated notebook — never digital note-taking for your recovery seed.
- Trusted computer or phone (no public terminals)
- USB cable included with the device
- Pen and recovery card or secure notebook
- Private, well-lit area
Unbox: inspect the package
Open the package carefully. Trezor® packaging includes security elements and tamper-evidence. Inspect for broken seals or signs of tampering — if suspicious, stop and contact official support at trezor.io/support. Verify the device model and included accessories match the documentation in the box.
Connect and verify the official website
Connect your Trezor® to the computer using the supplied USB cable. In your browser, navigate directly to trezor.io/start. Do not follow links from emails or social media. Confirm the site uses HTTPS and that the certificate is valid. The official start page will guide you to the recommended Trezor Suite or web-based setup flow.
Install Trezor Suite (recommended)
Trezor Suite is the official interface for managing accounts and interactions. Download it from the official start page, install it, and launch it. Choose Set up new device and follow the on‑screen prompts. Suite performs authenticity checks, firmware installation, and guided initialization.
Authenticate your device
During the initial connection, Trezor® devices perform a built-in authenticity check. Trezor Suite will display a verification challenge you must match on the physical device screen. Never bypass or ignore this confirmation — it ensures the device you hold is genuine and not a tampered unit.
Firmware: when and how to update
Firmware is the secure operating layer on your Trezor®. If a firmware update is available, Trezor Suite will offer it during setup. Accept and install firmware updates from the official Suite only. During the update, follow on‑device instructions and do not disconnect the device until the process completes. Unofficial firmware or interrupted updates can put your device at risk.
Create a PIN
Creating a PIN secures your device against immediate physical access. Choose a PIN that balances memorability with unpredictability. When entering the PIN, the device shows a randomized number layout so that keystroke logging on your computer cannot reveal the PIN. If you forget the PIN, the only recovery method is wiping the device and restoring from your recovery seed.
Generate and record your recovery seed
The recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words) is the master key to your funds. The device will display the words one-by-one; write them down exactly in order on the provided recovery card. Do not store the seed digitally (photos, cloud, password manager). After recording, double-check the spelling and order. If you lose this seed and the device is lost or damaged, funds cannot be recovered.
- Write legibly, keep words separated and ordered.
- Store copies in secure, geographically diverse locations for high-value holdings.
- Consider tamper-evident or fireproof storage for long-term protection.
Confirm the recovery seed
To ensure an accurate recording, the device will request confirmation of random words from your seed. Complete this on the device — the confirmation guarantees you copied the seed correctly. Only continue the setup once the device accepts your confirmations.
Optional: set a passphrase (advanced users only)
A passphrase acts as a 25th word that creates an additional hidden wallet. It makes your setup much more secure but also more complex: a forgotten passphrase means your funds are unrecoverable even if you have the recovery seed. Use a passphrase only if you understand this trade‑off. Never store the passphrase with the seed.
Using your Trezor®: receiving, sending and address verification
After setup, open Trezor Suite or a compatible wallet to add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Always verify receiving addresses on your Trezor® device screen before sharing them. When sending, verify the transaction details — amount and recipient — on the device’s display. The on‑device screen is the final authority; the computer screen can be compromised by malware.
Troubleshooting & recovery scenarios
Device not recognized
Try a different USB port and cable, restart your computer, and ensure Trezor Suite is up to date. If the device still isn’t recognized, consult official support.
Forgot PIN
Forgetting your PIN requires wiping the device and restoring from your recovery seed. That’s why safe storage of the seed is critical.
Seed lost or damaged
If the recovery seed is lost and you no longer possess a functioning device, coins are unrecoverable. Plan before acting: never use a single, vulnerable copy for large holdings.
Security best practices (summary)
- Keep your recovery seed offline and under your control.
- Verify device authenticity and firmware updates via official channels.
- Always confirm addresses and transactions on the device screen.
- Use a passphrase only if comfortable with the recovery implications.
- Reduce digital exposure: consider a dedicated, minimal computer for large-value operations.
Support, warranty and legal notes
For official support, warranty information, and replacement, visit trezor.io/support. Trezor® devices provide strong cryptographic protection, but user responsibility for backup and secret handling remains paramount. This guide does not constitute legal or financial advice.