Trezor.io/Start ⁕ Starting Up Your Device™

Welcome — this guide walks you through the safe, correct way to start your Trezor hardware wallet. Follow each step carefully to keep your crypto secure.

Before you begin

Make sure you have a clean, private workspace and a computer you trust. Avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared devices. Have a pen and the included recovery card (or a suitable notebook) ready for writing down your recovery seed.

Quick checklist

Computer or phone with internet access
USB cable (included)
Pen and recovery card or notebook
Private, well-lit space

What’s in the box

Your package typically contains:

The Trezor device
USB cable
Recovery seed card(s)
Quick start guide and security stickers

If anything is missing or the packaging looks tampered with, do not use the device and reach out to official support via trezor.io/support.

Step 1 — Connect and verify

Connect the Trezor device to your computer using the USB cable. Go to trezor.io/start and follow on-screen prompts. Always open the official website; double-check the URL and SSL padlock in your browser.

Security tip: Never enter your recovery seed into a website, app, or phone. The seed must be written down offline only.

Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite (recommended)

Trezor Suite is the official desktop and web app that helps you manage your device. Download it from the official start page. After installing, open Suite and choose Set up new device.

The Suite will detect your device and guide you through firmware checks and initialization. If Suite suggests a firmware update, it's generally recommended — but follow the prompts on the device screen and verify that updates are coming from the official source.

Step 3 — Verify device authenticity

Modern Trezor devices present an authenticity check during the first connection. Follow the on-device prompts and match the nonce or message shown in Trezor Suite/web to confirm the device is genuine. If anything looks off, disconnect and contact support.

Step 4 — Firmware update

If your device does not run the latest firmware, Trezor Suite will offer to install it. Firmware is the device’s secure operating layer — installing official firmware is a normal and safe step. Do not install unofficial firmware.

Follow on-screen instructions in Suite.
Do not disconnect the device during update.
Confirm update prompts that appear on the device display.

Step 5 — Create a PIN

The PIN prevents direct physical access to your accounts. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable. The device will show a randomized grid for PIN entry so keyloggers cannot capture your PIN easily.

If you forget the PIN, the device must be wiped and restored from the recovery seed; the seed is the ultimate backup — keep it safe.

Step 6 — Create your recovery seed

This is the most important step. The recovery seed (typically 12–24 words) is the master key to your crypto. Write it down exactly as shown, in order, on the recovery card. Do not store it digitally (no photos, no cloud, no password managers).

Write legibly and double-check each word.
Store the card in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof place.
Consider splitting copies across geographically separated secure locations if you manage large holdings.

Never share your seed: No one from Trezor or any legitimate service will ever ask for your seed. If someone asks for it, treat it as fraud.

Step 7 — Confirm the seed

The device will ask you to confirm the seed by selecting or typing certain words. This ensures you copied it correctly. Only proceed once the device accepts your confirmation.

Step 8 — Optional passphrase (advanced)

A passphrase adds an additional word (or phrase) to your seed, creating a hidden wallet. It significantly increases security but also increases responsibility: if you forget the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable even with the seed.

Use a passphrase only if you understand the tradeoffs. If used, treat the passphrase like a separate secret — never store it with the seed.

Step 9 — Adding accounts & receiving funds

Once setup is finished, open Trezor Suite or your chosen compatible wallet to add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Always verify addresses on your Trezor device screen before sending funds. The device screen is the authoritative source for addresses.

Troubleshooting & common questions

Device not recognized?

Try a different USB port or cable, restart your computer, and ensure Trezor Suite is up-to-date. If the device still isn’t recognized, consult official support.

Lost recovery seed?

If your recovery seed is lost and the device is damaged or stolen, there is no recovery. Always keep multiple secure copies of the seed.

Forgot PIN?

Forgotten PIN requires a device wipe and restore from the seed. This is why the seed must be stored securely.

Security best practices

Never enter your seed on any digital device.
Keep firmware updated from official sources only.
Verify device messages on the physical screen before approving actions.
Use a passphrase only if you fully understand the risks and recovery implications.
Keep a minimal attack surface: prefer a dedicated computer for high-value operations if you manage large holdings.

Legal & support

For official customer support, warranty, and replacement queries, always visit trezor.io/support. Keep in mind that hardware wallets provide security but do not protect against user mistakes — responsibility for backups and secret storage belongs to the device owner.