Trezor.io/Start | Starting Up Your® Device

Introduction — Why proper setup matters

Congratulations on your new Trezor® device. This guide walks you through every step — from unboxing to recovering and maintaining strong security hygiene — using clear headings (H1 to H5), helpful tips, and direct links to the official start page.

Unboxing your Trezor® device

Before connecting your device, always inspect packaging and contents. A genuine Trezor® box is sealed and includes an authenticity sticker (depending on model), the device itself, a USB cable, and recovery seed cards. If anything appears tampered with, stop and contact support from the official site.

What to check

• Factory seals and tamper-evident stickers are intact.
• Model name on box matches what you ordered.
• In-box accessories: cable, recovery card, quick-start leaflet.
• Only use official software at https://trezor.io/start.

Safety tip

Never follow setup instructions sent by email or private messages unless they direct you to the official start page. Phishers mimic setup steps to steal recovery phrases.

Initial setup — First connection and firmware

Trezor devices may ship with no firmware installed for security reasons. The first time you connect your device, the web application will instruct you to install firmware from the official Trezor website. Follow on-screen instructions carefully.

Step-by-step: Connect and install

1. Go to trezor.io/start in your browser.
2. Connect your Trezor device via the supplied USB cable.
3. Follow the on-screen wizard to install official firmware if prompted.
4. Confirm the fingerprint/firmware checksum on the device screen when asked.

Why firmware matters

Firmware ensures cryptographic operations and the device UI are authentic and secure. Only install firmware from official sources; do not accept firmware files from untrusted links.

Creating a new wallet and seed

When you create a new wallet, your Trezor will generate a recovery seed (a series of words) that restores your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Treat this seed as the single most sensitive piece of information — it is the ultimate backup.

Generate your seed

1. Follow the on-device prompts to create a new wallet.
2. Write down the recovery seed exactly as shown on the recovery card provided.
3. Do not store your seed digitally (photo, cloud, email). Store it offline in a secure location.

Seed length and formats

Modern Trezor devices typically use BIP39 wordlists and support 12, 18, or 24-word seeds depending on configuration. The device will tell you the exact number of words — follow it precisely.

Extra security: passphrase

A passphrase (optional) is an additional secret you can add to the seed for plausible deniability and multi-account setups. Use a strong, memorable passphrase and store it safely. Beware: if you forget the passphrase, the seed alone will not restore the derived accounts.

Set a PIN — device access control

Setting a PIN prevents unauthorized access if someone has physical possession of your Trezor. PIN entry uses randomized number positions on the device screen to protect against keyloggers.

Choosing a secure PIN

• Pick a PIN of at least 6 digits (longer is better).
• Do not pick easily guessable sequences (e.g., 123456 or birthdays).
• Enter the PIN on the Trezor hardware whenever requested — not on the host computer.

PIN recovery

If you forget the PIN you will need to wipe the device and restore it using the recovery seed. This is why secure seed storage is critical.

Using your Trezor® wallet safely

Once set up, you can receive and send cryptocurrency, check balances, and connect to supported apps. Always verify addresses on the device screen and never rely solely on what the host computer shows.

Receiving funds

1. Open the receive tab in the official Trezor interface.
2. Confirm the receiving address on your Trezor device screen before copying or sharing it.

Sending funds

1. Compose the transaction in the web app or compatible software.
2. Confirm the recipient address and amount on the physical device before approving.

Why confirm on-device?

The host computer can be compromised. By confirming transaction details on the Trezor device's secure screen, you guarantee that the actual signing parameters are exactly what you expect.

Backup and recovery — what to do if things go wrong

Your recovery seed is the only true backup. If your device is lost, stolen, or irreparably damaged, you can restore access by entering the seed into a compatible hardware wallet.

Best practices for seed storage

• Write the seed on the provided recovery card or on durable steel backups.
• Store copies in geographically separate, secure locations (e.g., safe deposit boxes).
• Consider metal backup plates for fire and water resistance.

Testing recovery

It’s wise to perform a test recovery on a spare device to ensure your backup was recorded correctly. Do this in a secure environment and never share your seed with anyone during testing.

Troubleshooting common issues

Below are common scenarios and safe steps to resolve them. When in doubt, follow official documentation at trezor.io/start.

Device not recognized by computer

1. Try a different USB port or a short, high-quality USB cable.
2. Ensure the device is not in bootloader mode unless updating firmware intentionally.
3. Restart your browser and computer; try the official start page in a recommended browser.

Firmware installation fails

If firmware installation fails, do not interrupt power more than necessary. Reconnect, use the official page, and follow prompts. If problems persist, contact official support; do not use third-party firmware.

Lost recovery seed

If you lose your recovery seed but still have access to the device, create a new wallet and seed immediately, transfer funds, and securely store the new seed.

Advanced features: passphrases, multiple accounts, integrations

Trezor supports advanced workflows: passphrase-protected accounts, hidden wallets, and integration with desktop/third-party apps. Use these only if you fully understand their implications.

Passphrase (advanced)

A passphrase acts as an extension of your recovery seed. Different passphrases create different wallets from the same seed. This is powerful but risky: forget the passphrase and you lose access to those derived funds.

Compatibility & integrations

Trezor works with many wallets and services (check compatibility on the official site). Always ensure integrations are reputable, and prefer open-source or well-reviewed software.

Maintenance: firmware updates and long-term care

Keep firmware up to date. Regular updates improve security and add features. Only install updates from the official Trezor site and verify update prompts on the device.

Cleaning and physical care

• Wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid liquids and harsh chemicals.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• If not used for a long time, periodic checks are useful to ensure the recovery seed is still accessible.

Security checklist (printable)

Glossary — quick definitions (H5 examples)

Seed

The human-readable recovery phrase (12/18/24 words) that restores your wallet.

Passphrase

An optional extra secret that extends the seed and creates additional hidden wallets.

Firmware

The device's internal software that performs cryptographic signing and UI functions.

Final words — stay safe, stay in control

Your Trezor® device is an excellent tool for self-custody and secure management of crypto assets. The most resilient defense is following best practices: keep your seed offline, verify everything on-device, and use official software at trezor.io/start.

If you ever need step-by-step interactive help, the official page provides guided setup: https://trezor.io/start.

<!-- Example: link to the official start page -->
<a href="https://trezor.io/start" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Open Trezor Start</a>