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

Congratulations — you’re about to start your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide walks you through the complete, safe, and user-friendly process of Starting® Up® Your® Device®. It covers unboxing, first-power, firmware, PIN and passphrase basics, seed generation and backup, common troubleshooting, and best security practices. Follow each step carefully and take your time — hardware wallets are designed to keep your crypto safe, not to rush you.

Before you begin

Find a clean, private surface, a pen (not a pencil), and the included recovery card or a dedicated seed backup solution. Ensure you have the latest version of your desktop or mobile browser and a reliable internet connection. Do not let anyone watch while you set up the device — secrecy protects your recovery seed.

Important safety note: Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase with anyone. Trezor will never ask for your seed. If you encounter an online or phone request for your seed, treat it as a scam and stop immediately.

What’s in the box

One Trezor hardware device (Model may vary)
USB cable
Recovery seed card(s)
Quick start leaflet and stickers

Quick checklist

Charge/plug the device and verify the display turns on
Visit trezor.io/start on a secure computer
Install official Trezor Bridge / Suite if prompted
Follow on-device prompts — the device display is authoritative

Step-by-step setup

1. Power & Connect

Plug the device into your computer using the supplied cable. Confirm the device screen lights up and shows a welcome message. If the device prompts to confirm a connection, accept on the device.

2. Visit the official start page

On your computer, open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. Follow the on-screen instructions. Only use the official site; avoid third-party links or downloads.

3. Install firmware (if required)

If your device needs firmware, the official interface will prompt you to update. The device will display the progress and require you to confirm on the physical device. Do not disconnect during updates.

4. Create a new wallet

Choose Create a new wallet in the official interface. The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). Words will appear only on the device screen — don’t rely on the computer for seed words.

5. Write down your recovery seed

Carefully write each word in order on the provided recovery card or another secure medium. Double-check the spelling. This is the single most important backup to restore your wallet if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

6. Set a PIN

Choose a PIN on the device. The PIN protects physical access. Make it memorable to you but not easily guessable. The device will require this PIN each time it’s connected.

7. Optional: Add a passphrase

A passphrase acts as a 25th seed word. It adds another layer of security and creates a separate "hidden" wallet. Use it only if you understand the implications: losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.

8. Confirm and test

The interface may ask you to confirm certain words or perform a small test transaction. Send a small test amount to confirm everything works before moving significant funds.

Recovery seed care

Store your written seed in multiple secure places if possible (e.g., a safe deposit box, fireproof safe). Avoid digital photos/screenshots, cloud storage, or email. If you use metal backup plates or professional seed storage, follow manufacturer instructions to resist fire, water, and corrosion.

Troubleshooting & common pitfalls

Device won’t power: try another USB port/cable. Avoid hubs for the first setup.
Firmware update failed: reconnect, do not unplug during flashing, and restart the process from the official site.
Seed words mismatch: if words don’t match on test, reset and generate a new wallet — never proceed with an incorrect seed.
Lost PIN: you’ll need your recovery seed to restore to a new device — keep the seed safe.

Best security practices

Always verify addresses on the device display, not the computer screen.
Do regular firmware updates from official sources when prompted.
Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or phone.
Use a passphrase only if you can keep it secret and retrievable in a safe way.
Consider creating a multisignature wallet for larger holdings as an additional security model.

After setup: daily use tips

For routine transactions, confirm all details on the device screen before approving. Keep small amounts in a "hot" wallet for daily spending and larger sums in the hardware wallet (cold storage). Revisit your backup strategy yearly — circumstances change and a fresh check helps avoid surprises.

If you need help

If anything seems suspicious — unexpected prompts, strangers asking for seeds, or unfamiliar websites — stop and verify. Use official channels and documentation for support. Keep your recovery seed offline and only use it to restore to a trusted device when necessary.