Trezor.io/Start® — Starting™ Up Your Device

Step-by-step, secure walkthrough to initialize, protect, and use your Trezor hardware wallet.

Welcome — Before You Begin

Congratulations on choosing a hardware wallet — the most secure way to hold crypto keys. This guide shows you how to go from unboxing to sending your first transaction using Trezor.io/Start®. Everything here is written to reduce risk, keep your recovery phrase safe, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Quick overview:

You'll install Trezor Suite or use the web onboarding at Trezor.io/start, connect your device, create or recover a wallet, and confirm a test transaction. Keep your recovery seed offline and private.

What you need

  • New or reset Trezor device (Model T or One)
  • Computer with a modern browser or Trezor Suite desktop app
  • Reliable USB cable
  • Pen and the recovery card (paper) that came with your device

Step-by-step setup

  • 1
    Unbox & Inspect
    Check the packaging for tamper seals and confirm contents (device, USB cable, recovery card, stickers). If anything looks suspicious, contact the vendor or Trezor support before proceeding.
  • 2
    Go to Trezor.io/Start®
    Open a browser and visit https://trezor.io/start or download Trezor Suite for your OS. Official sources only — never follow links from unsolicited emails or social media.
  • 3
    Connect your device
    Plug in the Trezor using the provided cable. Follow the on-screen prompts — allow the site/app to detect your device and install any required Bridge/driver if requested by the official page.
  • 4
    Initialize: Create new wallet or recover
    Select Create a new wallet to generate a new seed, or choose Recover wallet if restoring from an existing recovery phrase. If creating new, the device will display the recovery words; write them down carefully in order on the provided paper.
  • 5
    Choose a PIN
    Set a secure PIN directly on the device. PIN entry always occurs on the Trezor screen (not your computer), preventing keyloggers from stealing it.
  • 6
    Confirm your recovery phrase
    The device will ask you to verify some words to ensure you've copied them correctly. Do this carefully — never store the seed electronically (photos, cloud, notes).
  • 7
    Install apps & add accounts (optional)
    Using Trezor Suite or supported wallet integrations, install cryptocurrency-specific apps and add accounts to view balances and receive funds.
  • 8
    Test with a small transaction
    Receive a small amount to a newly created address and then try sending a tiny transaction back. Confirm every transaction on the device screen before approving.
Best practice: Make at least two offline backups of your recovery phrase and store them in separate secure locations (e.g., safe, bank deposit box). Consider using a durable metal backup for extra physical protection.

Security essentials

Your recovery phrase is the only way to fully recover your funds. No one at Trezor can access your funds or ask for your seed. Avoid phishing sites and double-check URLs. Keep device firmware and Trezor Suite up to date for security fixes.

Warning: Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. If someone asks for it — it's a scam. If you think your seed has been exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately using a new device/seed.

Troubleshooting common issues

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB port or cable, ensure browser permissions allow local connections, close other wallet apps, and restart your computer.
  • Firmware update failed: Reconnect and retry. Do not disconnect during an update. If update repeatedly fails, consult official support for recovery instructions.
  • Lost recovery sheet before confirming: Do not finish setup; instead reset and start again with a new seed if you cannot securely record the phrase.

Advanced options

For power users, Trezor supports passphrases (an extra word you choose to create hidden wallets), multi-account management, and integrations with third-party wallets for DeFi. Passphrases add security but also responsibility — if you forget it, the funds are unrecoverable.

Pro-tip: Use a separate recovery phrase or hidden wallet for large holdings; keep everyday balances in a standard account to reduce exposure.

FAQ — quick answers

Can I use Trezor on multiple computers?
Yes — the wallet is portable: you can connect your Trezor to any compatible device and access your accounts with the seed and PIN.
What if I forget my PIN?
Multiple incorrect PIN attempts will reset the device (optional setting). Use your recovery phrase to restore the wallet on the same or new device.
Is my seed stored online?
No. The seed is generated by the device and should be stored offline only if you wrote it down physically.