Trezor.io/Start — Starting Up Your Device
Welcome! This guide walks you through safely setting up your Trezor hardware wallet — from unboxing to your first secure transaction.
Before you begin
Setting up your Trezor is a one-time process that creates a secure environment for your private keys. Read these quick points first:
- Use only the official Trezor website and Trezor Suite app when prompted during setup.
- Do the setup in a private, well-lit place. Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone.
- Have a pen and the included recovery card (or a secure backup method) ready for writing down your recovery phrase.
What’s in the box
Most packages include:
- Your Trezor device
- USB cable (or USB-C depending on model)
- Recovery card(s) and a quick-start leaflet
- Security stickers and packaging seal
Check packaging: If the tamper-evident seal looks damaged or missing, contact support before connecting the device.
Step-by-step setup
-
Go to Trezor.io/Start
Open your browser and navigate totrezor.io/start. The official site will walk you through downloading Trezor Suite and provide model-specific instructions. -
Download and open Trezor Suite
Install the Trezor Suite desktop app (or use the web app if supported). Launch it and follow the on-screen instructions to connect your device. -
Connect your device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect the Trezor to your computer. The device screen should light up and display a welcome message. -
Verify firmware
Trezor Suite will check if your device has the latest firmware. If an official firmware update is needed, follow the prompts. Never install firmware from unknown sources — the Suite will only fetch official releases. -
Create a new wallet
Choose Create a new wallet in the app. You’ll be guided to set a PIN and to generate your recovery seed. -
Set up a PIN
Choose a PIN you can remember but that’s not easily guessed. The PIN protects your device from unauthorized use. Your device will display a randomized number grid when entering the PIN — this prevents keyloggers from capturing it. -
Write down your recovery seed
Your device will generate a 12-, 18-, or 24-word recovery phrase. Write the words on the provided recovery card (or a secure alternative). Confirm the seed by following the device prompts. This phrase is the only way to recover funds if your device is lost or broken.Never store the recovery phrase digitally (photos, cloud, email). Treat it like cash: physical, secure, and private. -
Finish & verify
After confirming the seed, Trezor Suite will finalize the setup. You can now add accounts, receive crypto, and make your first secure transaction.
Security best practices
Follow these simple rules to keep your crypto safe:
- Only enter your recovery seed on the Trezor device — never into a computer or phone.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and split if needed across secure locations.
- Enable passphrase (advanced): an additional secret word you can add to create hidden wallets. Use this only if you understand the risks and recovery implications.
- Verify URLs and never use third-party recovery services that ask for your seed or private keys.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and quick fixes:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Device not detected | Try a different USB port/cable and ensure the device is powered. Restart the computer and relaunch Trezor Suite. |
| Firmware update failed | Retry the update in Trezor Suite. If it still fails, contact official support — do not install unofficial firmware. |
| Lost recovery seed | Without the seed you cannot restore funds. If you still have access on your device, create a new wallet and securely back up the new seed immediately. |
If the above steps don’t help, reach out to official support for guided assistance.
Making your first transaction
- Open the account in Trezor Suite and copy your receive address.
- Send a small test amount from an exchange or another wallet first (this confirms everything is working).
- After the test arrives, you can send larger amounts and manage multiple crypto accounts.
Use the transaction preview in Trezor Suite to verify recipient addresses and fees before approving a send on your device.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone steal my funds if they have my device?
No — the private keys never leave the device. Without your PIN (and passphrase if used), an attacker cannot sign transactions. However, if they also obtain your recovery seed, they could restore the wallet on another device.
Is the recovery seed the same as a backup?
Yes — the recovery seed is the canonical backup. If you lose the device, the seed allows you to restore access to your funds on another compatible wallet.
Should I enable the passphrase feature?
Passphrase adds another layer of protection but increases recovery complexity. Only enable it if you understand how to securely manage and remember the passphrase.