Trezor.io/start – Get Started — Official Setup Guide

A clear, step-by-step walkthrough to unbox, initialize, secure, and begin using your Trezor hardware wallet safely via trezor.io/start.

1. Unboxing and verification

Before you touch the device, make sure you ordered it from an official or trusted reseller. Trezor devices arrive in tamper-evident packaging. Visual checks are your first layer of safety.

What to look for

  • Intact tamper-evident seals and original packaging.
  • The device model name printed on the box (Trezor Model One / Trezor Model T).
  • Included accessories: USB cable, recovery card (paper), quick-start leaflet.

If packaging looks tampered

Stop. Contact the seller and Trezor support. Do not connect a suspicious device to any computer or mobile device.

2. Prepare your computer (use trezor.io/start)

The only official place to start is trezor.io/start. Open your browser and navigate there. This page will guide you to download Trezor Suite or use web-based onboarding.

Browser & OS tips

  • Use an up-to-date browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave).
  • Temporarily disable suspicious browser extensions during setup (privacy/security extensions are fine but watch for those that modify websites).
  • Prefer a trusted computer you control; public/shared machines are not recommended.

Official downloads

From the start page, you’ll be directed to either install Trezor Suite (desktop app) or use the web workflow. Follow on-screen prompts. Never download Trezor software from third-party sites.

3. Connecting your Trezor

Now plug your device into your computer with the supplied cable and follow the on-screen guide.

Step-by-step

  1. Plug the Trezor into a USB port. The device screen should power on and display the Trezor logo.
  2. If prompted, allow the browser to access the device (a small popup permission request).
  3. Follow the install prompts at trezor.io/start or in Trezor Suite.

What the device will ask

The device will guide you to either create a new wallet or recover an existing one from a seed. Choose create a new wallet for a fresh setup.

4. Initializing and creating a recovery seed

This is the most critical step. The recovery seed is the only backup of your wallet — it should be created on the device screen, not on the computer.

Creating a new seed (recommended)

  1. Select Create new on the device when prompted.
  2. Choose the seed length and type as offered (e.g., 12, 18, or 24 words). Default is usually 12 or 24 depending on model and firmware.
  3. Write words exactly as shown on the device on the recovery card included. Never photograph or digitally store your seed.
  4. Confirm the words on the device when asked. This verifies you copied them correctly.

Important safety rules

  • Never enter your seed into a computer, phone, or cloud service.
  • Store your paper seed in at least two geographically separated, secure locations if you have large holdings.
  • Consider using a metal seed backup for long-term durability.
Quick command snippet (for developers)
// There's no CLI step for seed creation — do this on the device.
// Example: if using Trezor Suite CLI tools later:
// Install: npm i -g trezor-suite (official instructions vary; always check trezor.io/start)

5. Passphrase and advanced options

After seed creation, you can optionally enable a passphrase (an additional secret word or phrase). This creates a hidden wallet: powerful but risky if misused.

What a passphrase does

A passphrase effectively creates a separate wallet derived from your seed. If you lose the passphrase, funds in those hidden wallets are effectively lost but the base seed remains safe.

Best practices

  • Only use a passphrase if you understand the consequences.
  • Store passphrase memory or a secure offline record—treat it like a secondary seed.
  • Test small transactions first when using passphrase-protected wallets.

6. Installing Trezor Suite & official software

Trezor Suite is the official app for managing your coins, firmware updates, and settings. It’s available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Installation steps

  1. Download Trezor Suite from trezor.io/start.
  2. Install and open the app. Connect the device when asked.
  3. Follow any firmware update prompts — these are signed and delivered by Trezor. Firmware updates may be required for security and features.

Firmware warnings

Only accept firmware updates that match the official update dialog. If you see an unexpected or unsigned request, disconnect and confirm via official Trezor channels.

7. Receiving, sending and managing coins

Once initialized and paired with Trezor Suite, you can create addresses, receive funds, and send transactions. Always verify addresses on the device screen.

Receiving funds

  1. Open Trezor Suite → Accounts → Receive.
  2. Generate a receive address and verify the address text and QR code on your Trezor’s screen before sharing it.

Sending funds

  1. Create a send transaction in Trezor Suite (enter recipient address and amount).
  2. Confirm transaction details on your computer and then verify them on your Trezor device screen (amount, destination, fee).
  3. Approve the transaction with the device buttons or touchscreen (Model T).

Check small first

When sending to a new address, send a small test amount first to confirm everything is correct.

8. Security best practices

Security is the point of using a hardware wallet. Here are practical rules to follow.

Golden rules

  • Never share your recovery seed or passphrase with anyone.
  • Use a hardware wallet only from the official site: trezor.io/start.
  • Keep firmware up to date but always verify update prompts on-device.
  • Prefer physical backups (paper/metal) stored securely and geographically separated.

On social engineering

Scammers may call, email, or DM claiming to be support. Trezor will never ask for your seed or passphrase — if anyone does, it's a scam.

9. Troubleshooting & FAQ

Device not detected

  • Try a different USB cable or port — use the original cable where possible.
  • Restart browser or computer; close conflicting apps that might take USB control.
  • Make sure device is powered on — hold buttons briefly if screen is blank.

Lost or damaged seed

If the seed is lost and you no longer have access to the device, recovering funds is usually impossible. If you still have the device and it's unlocked, export or create a new seed immediately and back it up.

Firmware or update failed

Follow the official recovery instructions at trezor.io/start. Do not attempt unofficial firmware or tools.

FAQs

  • Can Trezor be hacked? Physical security and user behavior are the biggest risks. The device is designed to keep private keys offline; attacks require direct physical access or user mistakes.
  • Can I use Trezor with mobile? Yes — Trezor supports mobile via compatible apps and WebUSB / supported bridges. Check official compatibility on trezor.io/start.

10. Conclusion & resources

Setting up a Trezor correctly creates a strong foundation for secure crypto storage. Be patient during the first setup: secure backups, verify everything on-device, and follow best practices.

Official resources

  • Go to trezor.io/start
  • Trezor Knowledge Base and official support channels are your friend for edge-case problems — always prefer official docs.

Final checklist

  1. Unboxed & verified packaging
  2. Downloaded software from trezor.io/start
  3. Created and backed up recovery seed
  4. Verified addresses on device for sends/receives
  5. Stored backups securely (paper/metal)