Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Quick Guide

A clear, step-by-step, security-first quick start for your Trezor hardware wallet. Concise instructions so you can set up safely and start managing crypto confidently.

Introduction

Welcome! This guide walks you through the first-time setup of your Trezor device. It focuses on the essentials: verifying the box and device, initializing securely, creating a backup recovery phrase, installing recommended software, and performing a test transaction. The steps here assume you have a Trezor Model T or Trezor One and a modern computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or compatible mobile device. Follow each step carefully — security is mostly about doing small things consistently.

What’s in the box

Unbox and verify you have the following items (exact content may vary by model):

  • 1 × Trezor device (Model T or One)
  • 1 × USB cable
  • Recovery seed card(s) or sheet(s)
  • Quick start leaflet (safety stickers sometimes included)

Safety check: If the box or seal looks tampered with, or if any accessories are missing, contact the seller or Trezor support before powering the device. Do not proceed with setup if something looks suspicious.

Before you begin

Take a moment to prepare a safe workspace:

  1. Choose a private, distraction-free area where others cannot see your screen or seed phrase.
  2. Have a pen (preferably permanent) and the recovery seed card ready — you will write down your seed by hand.
  3. Keep your phone and other devices away while writing the seed to avoid shoulder-surfing or accidental photos.
  4. Make sure the computer you’ll use is updated and free from known malware. Consider using a freshly installed operating system or a clean machine if you suspect compromise.

Step-by-step setup

  1. Connect the device.

    Use the supplied USB cable to connect your Trezor to the computer. The device screen will light up and display a welcome message or a Trezor logo. If it asks for a passphrase or pin from a previous setup, this indicates the device is already configured — perform a factory reset before continuing (see Troubleshooting).

  2. Open Trezor Suite or visit Trezor.io/start.

    Open https://trezor.io/start in your browser or launch the official Trezor Suite app. Always verify the URL and the security certificate in your browser address bar. The website or app will walk you through firmware installation if required.

  3. Install official firmware.

    If prompted, download and install official firmware from Trezor. The device will show a fingerprint or confirmation code — verify the code on your computer matches the code shown on the device before approving. Never install firmware from third-party sources.

  4. Create a new wallet.

    Choose "Create a new wallet" when prompted. The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words in order on the recovery card provided — do not photograph or store them digitally.

  5. Confirm your recovery phrase.

    The device will ask you to confirm a few randomly selected words. This ensures you copied the seed correctly. Only after successful confirmation will the device finish initialization.

  6. Set a PIN.

    Choose a PIN that’s easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. The PIN protects access if your device is physically stolen. Tip: avoid sequential numbers and straightforward patterns.

  7. Optional: Enable passphrase (advanced).

    Passphrase adds an extra 25th word that acts like a password, creating a hidden wallet. Only enable it if you understand how it works — losing the passphrase means losing access. Use this only for advanced security cases.

  8. Install Trezor Suite add-ons and apps.

    Within Trezor Suite you can install coin-specific apps (for some models) or connect to supported third-party wallets. Only use trusted software listed by Trezor’s official site.

  9. Test with a small transaction.

    Send a small test amount (tiny fraction) from an exchange or another wallet to your new Trezor address. Confirm receipt and then try sending a small outgoing transaction. This validates your setup before moving larger funds.

  10. Store the recovery seed securely.

    Keep the written seed in a safe place: a home safe, bank safe deposit box, or multiple geographically separated locations. Consider durable steel backups for long-term resistance to fire and water. Never share the seed with anyone.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Here are quick fixes to common problems:

  • Device not turning on: Try a different USB cable or port. Avoid using USB hubs during setup.
  • Browser won’t detect device: Ensure you’re using a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave, or Firefox). Disable extensions that may interfere and verify the site certificate.
  • Device already configured: If prompted to enter an existing PIN or passphrase, perform a factory reset from the device menu and then start fresh.
  • Firmware error: Reattempt firmware install from Trezor Suite. If problems persist, contact Trezor support with device logs.

Security best practices

Protecting your crypto is mostly low-effort good habits. Follow these rules:

  1. Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone — not support staff, not acquaintances, never.
  2. Do not type your recovery seed into a computer or phone. It must be written by hand on the recovery card or on an approved steel backup.
  3. Be suspicious of unsolicited messages asking for wallet details or offering help.
  4. Keep firmware and Trezor Suite updated. Updates include security fixes and compatibility improvements.
  5. Consider using multiple wallets or multisig setups for larger holdings.

FAQ

Q: Can Trezor be compromised if someone has the device?
A: Physical possession alone is not enough — the attacker still needs your PIN and/or recovery seed. However, if they have both, they can access funds. Use a strong PIN and secure the seed.
Q: What if I lose my recovery seed?
A: Without the seed you cannot recover your wallet on another device. This is why secure, multiple-location storage is critical.
Q: Is it safe to buy used Trezor devices?
A: Avoid used devices. You cannot be certain they weren't tampered with. Buy new from authorized sellers or the official store.
Q: Can the Trezor be hacked remotely?
A: Trezor's design isolates private keys on the device itself; remote hacking is difficult. The most common attack vectors are social engineering, malicious software on the user’s computer, or exposed recovery seeds.

Final checklist

  • Device authenticated and firmware installed
  • Recovery seed written, confirmed, and securely stored
  • PIN set and tested
  • Small test transactions completed
  • Trezor Suite installed and connected

If all items are checked, you’re ready to manage funds using your Trezor device.