Trezor.io/Start | Starting Up Your® Device

Clear, step-by-step guidance to unbox, initialize, secure, and start using your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide focuses on best practices — from creating your recovery seed to verifying firmware and safely signing your first transaction.

Welcome — what to expect

Starting a hardware wallet is a small one-time effort that dramatically increases the safety of your cryptocurrency. This page walks through unboxing, device initialization, pin and passphrase choices, firmware verification, recovery seed handling, daily operation tips, and troubleshooting. Follow the checklist carefully — your security depends on it.

Official Start Page Download Trezor Suite

If you're brand-new to hardware wallets, read every step. If you already have experience, use the checklist as a reminder of critical safety checks.

Authenticity

Always confirm you purchased a genuine Trezor device. Use official retailers or direct from trezor.io to avoid tampered devices.

Private keys stay on-device

The device generates and stores private keys in a secure element. Trezor Suite only receives signed transactions — it never holds your keys.

Recovery seed is critical

Treat the recovery seed (12/18/24 words) as the master key to your funds. Losing or exposing it is equivalent to losing control over your assets.

Step-by-step: Starting up your device

1. Unboxing and initial inspection

Before powering your device, check the packaging for any signs of tampering. Official devices include tamper-evident seals or packaging elements. If anything looks altered, do not use the device and contact vendor support. Keep packaging and included materials — they often contain the card or plate to record your recovery seed.

2. Install the official software

Open a browser and visit trezor.io/start or the official downloads page. Download Trezor Suite (desktop) or follow the web instructions. If the Bridge application is required for your platform, install it as instructed. Only use official URLs — phishing sites mimic the brand and can trick you into exposing secrets.

3. Power up & initialize

Connect the device via the supplied cable. The device will boot and display a welcome screen. Follow on-screen prompts in the Suite. You can choose to create a new wallet (generate a new seed) or restore an existing one from a recovery seed. For new users, generate a new seed on the device — this ensures it is created in a secure, offline environment.

4. Choose and record your recovery seed

The device will display a series of words — your recovery seed. These words must be written down exactly and in order. Use the provided recovery card or a metal backup plate for durability. Do not photograph, screenshot, or type these words on any digital device. Create at least two physical backups stored in separate secure locations (safe, safety deposit box). Anyone with this seed can restore your wallet and steal funds — protect it like cash or important legal documents.

5. Set a strong PIN

After recording the seed, the Suite will ask you to set a PIN. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid predictable combinations (birthdays, repeated digits). The device will require this PIN at every unlock attempt. Some devices implement PIN-protection to slow attackers and avoid immediate access if the device is stolen.

6. (Optional) Passphrase / Hidden wallet

Advanced users may add an additional passphrase. A passphrase acts as an extension to your recovery seed and creates a hidden wallet. This provides plausible deniability and an extra security layer, but it complicates recovery: if you lose the passphrase, there is no way to restore that hidden wallet. Only use a passphrase if you fully understand the implications and have reliable ways to back it up securely (mental mnemonic or physical safe).

7. Verify firmware and software

Before performing sensitive operations, verify that your device firmware and Suite software are official and signed. The Suite should display the device model and firmware version. When prompted to update firmware, verify the published checksum or signature if you require extra assurance. Never install firmware from unofficial sources.

8. Test with a small transfer

Before moving large amounts, perform a small test transfer to ensure addresses and signing function as expected. Confirm on-device address displays match the Suite and always verify the receiving address on the hardware device screen — never trust host software alone for address confirmation.

9. Daily use & signing transactions

When you create a transaction in Suite, the unsigned transaction data is sent to the device for signing. The hardware device will display the recipient address and amount for confirmation. Carefully review each field on the device screen before approving. The physical confirmation step is the key defense against remote compromise of your computer.

10. Secure storage & long-term tips

For long-term holdings, consider storing devices and recovery copies in a safe or geographically separated vaults. Use metal seed storage solutions to protect against fire, water, and time. If you manage very large sums, consider multisig setups where multiple devices are required to move funds, spreading risk across keys and physical locations.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

  • Device not recognized: Try a different cable or USB port. Ensure Bridge or Suite is running and that your OS supplies permissions to access USB devices.
  • Seed entry errors during restore: Verify word spelling and order. Some words may appear similar — double-check carefully.
  • Firmware update failed: Restart the device and Suite, retry update. If problems persist, consult official support and avoid any third-party patches.
  • PIN locked after multiple attempts: Many devices implement a delay and potential wipe after repeated incorrect PINs. Follow on-screen instructions; if the device is wiped, use your recovery seed to restore.

Common user mistakes and how to avoid them

  1. Avoid storing your seed digitally. No cloud, no photos, no text files.
  2. Don't buy used devices. Secondary-market units can be compromised; buy only from official or trusted retailers.
  3. Never share your seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone claiming to be "support." Real support will never ask for your recovery seed.
  4. Verify the URL and SSL certificate when visiting trezor.io/start and other official pages to avoid phishing traps.

Recovery and emergency procedures

If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can restore your funds using the recovery seed on a new compatible device. Keep multiple secure copies of your seed in geographically separated locations. If you believe the seed was exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated from a new seed using a secure device and process.

Concluding guidance

Initializing a Trezor device correctly is the foundation of long-term crypto security. The most important elements are: obtaining a genuine device from official channels, generating the recovery seed on-device and safeguarding it physically, verifying firmware and installers, and always approving transactions only on the device itself. With these practices, your private keys remain under your control and your assets remain protected.

Trezor.io/Start — Start securely, stay secure.
This guide is informational. Always follow official vendor instructions and security recommendations. Your recovery seed is your ultimate backup — guard it carefully.