Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device (Official Guide)

Welcome — this official guide walks you through everything needed to start your Trezor hardware wallet safely. Whether you are new to hardware wallets or migrating existing funds, follow these steps carefully to protect your private keys and secure your crypto assets.

Why Trezor? A short primer

Security-first hardware wallet

Trezor stores your private keys on a dedicated hardware device isolated from the internet. Transactions are signed inside the device and you confirm actions on its physical screen — this reduces exposure to malware, phishing, and remote attacks. Trezor’s firmware and software are open-source and audited by the community.

What you will need

  • Your Trezor device and the included USB cable.
  • A desktop or laptop (Windows, macOS, Linux) with an internet connection for downloading Trezor Suite and performing initial setup.
  • Blank paper (recovery card) and a pen. Do not photograph or store the seed digitally.
  • A calm, private space — the setup takes about 10–20 minutes.

Step‑by‑step setup (detailed)

  1. Unbox & verify

    Inspect the packaging and device. If tamper seals appear broken or the device looks damaged, contact the seller or support and do not use the device.

  2. Download Trezor Suite

    Always download Trezor Suite from trezor.io (official site) or the official app stores. Trezor Suite is the companion app used to initialize, manage accounts, update firmware, and interact with supported coins. Verify the website address and certificate in your browser if you are unsure.

  3. Connect your device

    Use the supplied USB cable to connect Trezor to your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions in Trezor Suite. The device will show a welcome screen; only proceed if the messages match the app.

  4. Create a new wallet or recover

    For new users choose "Create new". If migrating from another hardware wallet or restoring, choose "Recover wallet" and use the recovery seed. During new setup you'll be prompted to create a PIN — choose a unique PIN and memorize it.

  5. Write down the recovery seed

    Trezor will generate a 12 or 24‑word recovery seed. Use the supplied recovery card to write the words exactly and in order. Double-check each word. Keep the seed offline, never in cloud storage, email, screenshots, or photos.

  6. Confirm seed & finalize

    The device will ask you to confirm a small subset of words from the seed to ensure you recorded them correctly. After verification the wallet setup is complete — add accounts and receive addresses using Trezor Suite.

Security essentials — what to do (and not do)

  • Do not share your seed: No person or service will ever ask for your recovery seed. If someone asks, it is a scam.
  • Avoid digital backups of seeds: No photos, cloud notes, or password managers unless using a purpose‑built, encrypted backup solution and you fully understand the tradeoffs.
  • Use a strong device PIN: Avoid simple numeric sequences or birthdays. Use length and unpredictability where possible.
  • Store seeds safely: Consider steel backup plates for long-term storage in safe deposit boxes or fireproof safes. Store duplicates in geographically separated, secure locations.
  • Keep firmware updated: Trezor issues firmware updates to improve security and add features. Only apply updates via Trezor Suite and verify update prompts on the device screen.

Understanding transactions & address verification

When you send crypto, the transaction is prepared by Trezor Suite but signed on the device. Always verify recipient addresses and amounts on the Trezor device screen — malware can alter addresses shown on your computer. Trezor's display ensures you confirm the exact details before signing.

Advanced options for experienced users

  • Passphrase (hidden wallet): Add an extra passphrase to create hidden wallets derived from the same seed. Passphrases increase complexity and protection but add the risk of permanent loss if forgotten.
  • Multi‑signature: For institutional or very large holdings, use multi‑sig setups where multiple keys are required to sign transactions. This reduces single‑point‑of‑failure risk.
  • Air‑gapped setups: For maximal security, advanced users can operate Trezor in air‑gapped modes with unsigned transactions transferred via QR codes or USB and signed offline.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Device not recognized

If your computer does not detect the Trezor, try a different USB port or cable and ensure Trezor Suite is installed. On some Linux distributions you may need to add udev rules — follow official guides on trezor.io/support.

Forgot PIN

If you forget the device PIN you will need to perform a factory reset and restore from your recovery seed. The reset will wipe the device, so ensure you have the recovery seed before attempting this.

Suspicious behavior

If the device screen shows unexpected prompts or if download links seem incorrect, disconnect and contact Trezor support. Do not enter your seed or PIN if you suspect tampering.

Checklist before you send or receive funds

  • Confirm firmware is the latest verified release via Trezor Suite.
  • Verify receiving addresses on the device when accepting funds.
  • Send a small test amount first when transferring to a new address or service.
  • Keep at least one secure offline backup of your recovery seed.

Recovery seed deep dive

The recovery seed (12 or 24 words) is the single most important piece of data for your wallet. It encodes your private keys in a human‑readable format and allows you to restore funds on compatible wallets if the device is lost, damaged, or replaced. You should:

Legal & safety notes

This guide is for informational purposes and does not replace official product documentation. Always rely on trezor.io for downloads, release notes, and verified support. Do not share sensitive information such as seeds, PINs, or passphrases. Follow local laws and tax regulations when transacting in crypto.