Trézor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device

Overview

Begin where trust starts: trezor.io/start

If you’ve just unboxed your hardware wallet, the most important habit is also the simplest: start from the official entry point at trezor.io/start. Using the manufacturer’s onboarding flow helps you verify firmware, get the authentic desktop app, and follow a proven checklist that protects new users from phishing detours. This guide summarizes that journey, so you know what to expect before you even plug in the device.

At a glance, setup has four pillars: connecting your device, installing the companion Suite, creating and storing your recovery seed, and enabling everyday protections like a PIN and (optionally) a passphrase. None of this requires advanced knowledge; it requires patience, attention to prompts on the secure screen, and a willingness to write things down carefully—offline.

Open trezor.io/start Download Suite

Step-by-step

From unboxing to first receive

Connect and verify. Plug in the device and follow on-screen instructions. If firmware needs an update, let the official process handle it before adding funds. Do not rush this step.
Install the companion Suite. The app is your dashboard for creating accounts, monitoring balances, and approving sends. Download it only via the official path you reached from trezor.io/start.
Create a strong PIN. Your PIN defends day-to-day access if the device falls into the wrong hands. Choose something memorable to you, not obvious to others.
Generate your recovery seed. This seed is the master key to your wallet. Write each word in order, legibly, and never type it on a computer or phone. Anyone with the seed controls the funds—treat it like a bearer bond.
Optional: passphrase. Think of a passphrase as a “25th word” that unlocks an additional, hidden wallet. Use it only if you can store it safely; losing it is irreversible.
Add accounts and receive. In Suite, add the coin accounts you need. For your first test, send a tiny amount to a fresh address and confirm the address on the device’s screen before approving.

Critical: No legitimate website will ask for your recovery seed. If a page other than the official flow requests it, close the tab and start again from trezor.io/start.

Security habits

Simple practices that pay off

Verify receiving and change addresses on the device screen, not just in the app. Keep firmware and the Suite current, but apply updates deliberately—read the prompts and never disconnect mid-update. Consider segmenting holdings: one account for daily spending, another for long-term storage, and—if you’re comfortable—a separate passphrase-protected wallet for higher privacy.

Cold backups: Paper works; metal seed plates resist fire and water for long-term durability.
Physical safety: Treat the device like a key; keep it out of sight and avoid plugging it into untrusted computers.
Network hygiene: Prefer your home network; avoid public Wi-Fi when initiating sensitive actions.

Lose the device? You can restore on a new one using your recovery seed. That’s why the seed—stored safely and privately—is everything.

Troubleshooting

Common hiccups and quick fixes

Device not recognized: Try a different USB port or cable, then reopen the Suite. On some systems you may need to approve drivers.
Firmware loop: Follow the bootloader instructions on the device exactly. If unsure, disconnect, reboot your computer, and begin again from the official start page.
Seed mismatch during restore: Re-enter words slowly. Don’t guess missing words; wait until you have the exact list before restoring.
Phishing alarms: Any site that asks for your seed is malicious. Close it and re-enter via trezor.io/start.

Next steps

Confident self-custody starts here

Beginning with trezor.io/start sets the tone for a secure, verifiable setup. With a properly stored recovery seed, a strong PIN, and a measured approach to updates, you’ll handle everyday transactions with hardware-backed peace of mind. Bookmark this page, review it before onboarding friends or family, and keep building good operational habits—your future self will thank you.

Open trezor.io/start Learn about recovery