Welcome — why start carefully
Congratulations — you’ve got a Trezor hardware wallet. Starting it properly is the most important moment in your cryptocurrency journey. A secure initialization and disciplined seed-handling practice are what separate safe self-custody from avoidable loss. This guide walks you through the official Trezor.io/Start flow while adding practical tips, troubleshooting notes, and best practices to build a resilient, user-friendly setup.
Before you begin — checklist
- ✅ A trusted computer (preferably your personal machine).
- ✅ Official Trezor package, unopened seals intact.
- ✅ Pen and paper or a metal seed backup plate for your recovery words.
- ✅ Stable USB cable and a direct USB port (avoid unpowered hubs).
- ✅ Up-to-date browser (Chrome / Edge / Firefox / Brave) and internet connection for initial setup.
Step-by-step: using Trezor.io/Start
Go to Trezor.io/Start
Open your browser and navigate to the official start page. Always type the URL yourself or use a saved bookmark — avoid clicking links from email or social networks.
Verify packaging and device authenticity
Inspect the box and tamper-evident seals. On first power-up, the device will display a welcome screen — follow on-screen checks. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact support.
Connect your Trezor and open the web setup
Use the supplied cable to connect your device. The web page will detect the hardware and prompt you to install any required local connector (Bridge) or allow the connection.
Create a new wallet or recover an existing one
Choose “Create new” if the device is new. If you have an existing seed, choose “Recover” and carefully enter the exact words in the correct order.
Write down your recovery seed (seed words)
The device will generate a 12/18/24-word recovery seed. Write it down exactly as displayed, in order, and store it offline. Consider a metal backup for long-term durability.
Confirm your seed and complete verification
The app will ask you to confirm random words from your seed to ensure you recorded them correctly. Only after confirmation will the setup continue.
Set a PIN code
Choose a PIN you can remember but is hard to guess. Trezor enforces increasing delays on wrong attempts — don’t choose simple sequences like 1234.
Optional: enable a passphrase for hidden wallets
Passphrases create hidden wallets and add an additional secret on top of your seed. Use them only if you understand the risk: if you lose the passphrase, funds can be irrecoverable.
Update firmware if prompted
Official firmware updates improve security and compatibility. Apply updates only via the official Trezor interface and never install firmware from unknown sources.
Add your first account and perform a test transaction
Create a Bitcoin or Ethereum account in the Suite and send a small test amount to confirm the receive address and the overall flow. Verify the address on the device’s screen before sharing it.
Security & best practices
Treat your recovery seed as the single most critical secret. The safety of your funds depends on it more than on the hardware itself.
Seed backup
Write the words in order. Store multiple copies in geographically separate, secure places (safe deposit box, home safe). Consider metal backups to mitigate fire and water damage.
PIN protection
A strong PIN prevents casual access; Trezor applies time delays between wrong attempts to slow brute-force attacks.
Passphrase caution
Passphrases are powerful but unforgiving — losing them means losing access to the corresponding hidden wallet.
Device procurement
Buy devices only from official channels or authorized resellers to reduce the chance of receiving tampered hardware.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not detected: Try another USB port, a different cable, or restart your browser. Avoid USB hubs for initial setup.
- Firmware update failed: Reconnect the device and try again. If it repeatedly fails, follow the official recovery guidance from Trezor support.
- Can't recall PIN: If you forget your PIN but have your recovery seed, you can restore to a new device and set a new PIN. If you lose both, funds are unrecoverable.
- Seed confirmation errors: Ensure the words are transcribed exactly, including spelling. Use the provided list order — word indices matter.
Everyday use tips
- Keep a separate "hot" wallet (software) for small daily transactions and reserve the Trezor for long-term storage.
- Label accounts inside your Suite to avoid sending funds to the wrong address.
- Use small test transactions when interacting with unfamiliar smart contracts or dApps.
- Schedule occasional checks of your seed backups to make sure they remain legible and accessible.
If something goes wrong — recovery flow
The recovery seed is how you recover funds. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, obtain a new compatible device, choose “Recover wallet,” and enter your seed words in the correct order. After recovery, set a new PIN and consider changing any passphrases you used. For high-value setups, consider migrating funds to a new seed generated on a different device.
Final checklist before sending large amounts
- Seed written down and stored securely in multiple locations.
- PIN set and memorized (do not write the PIN near the seed).
- Passphrase understood and stored if used.
- Device firmware is up-to-date and obtained from official sources.
- Receive address verified on-device before sharing.
- Small test transaction completed successfully.
Starting your Trezor correctly is quick, but its security impact lasts forever. Follow the official Trezor.io/Start flow, keep your seed offline, and always verify transactions on the device screen. With those habits, your hardware wallet will give you strong, long-term custody control over your crypto assets.