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

Step-by-step Guide • Safe setup • Quick reference
Presentation • 10 slides • Full color

Welcome

Securely begin with your Trezor hardware wallet

This guide walks you through powering on your Trezor device, initializing it for first use, creating a secure PIN, backing up your recovery phrase, and best practices for ongoing security. Follow each slide to complete setup confidently and safely.

Author: Guide Generator
Last updated: Sep 16, 2025

1. Unboxing & Physical Check

Inspect packaging and device integrity

When you receive your Trezor, verify the sealed package, check tamper-evident stickers if present, and inspect the device for damage. Only proceed if the package looks intact and the device is from an authorized seller. Counterfeit or tampered devices are a security risk.

Checklist
  • Sealed packaging
  • No visible physical damage
  • Official Trezor accessories (USB cable)
Quick tip

Do not plug the device into an unknown or public computer before confirming authenticity.

2. Connect to a Trusted Computer

Preparing your workstation

Use a personal computer you control. Go to trezor.io/start in your browser — this is the official setup portal. Connect the Trezor using the supplied USB cable. The site will detect your model and present model-specific instructions.

Security note

Always type the URL manually and verify the SSL certificate in the browser address bar. Avoid third-party links.

3. Install Trezor Bridge & Firmware

Drivers and firmware updates

Follow the on-screen prompts to install Trezor Bridge if required. If firmware is missing or outdated, the setup wizard will offer a verified firmware installation. Only install firmware signed by Trezor. The device will display confirmation codes during firmware installation—verify these match the website.

Why firmware matters

Firmware contains the device logic — unsigned or modified firmware can compromise your keys.

4. Initialize Device

Create new wallet or restore

Choose Create a new wallet unless restoring from an existing recovery seed. The device will generate a new seed (recovery phrase). Choose the standard seed length recommended by Trezor unless you have a reason to use advanced settings.

5. Set a PIN

Protect local access to your device

Create a PIN on the device when prompted. Use a PIN that you can remember but is not guessable. The PIN will be requested each time the device is connected and used. Enable the PIN-only protection for quick use, and consider passphrase protection for advanced security.

6. Record Your Recovery Phrase

Write it down — do not photograph

Your recovery phrase (typically 12–24 words) is the single most important secret. Write it on the provided recovery card or another trusted medium. Store copies in secure, separate locations (e.g., home safe, bank deposit box). Never store the seed digitally, in the cloud, or on a photo.

Do not
  • Photograph the seed
  • Store on email or cloud
  • Share with anyone

7. Confirm & Test

Verify the recovery and do a transaction test

The device will ask you to confirm a subset of seed words to ensure accurate backup. After setup, send a small test transaction (a tiny amount) to verify that the wallet can sign and send successfully. Confirm addresses on the device screen before approving any transaction.

8. Install Wallet Software

Trezor Suite and compatible wallets

Install Trezor Suite or another supported wallet client from official sources. Use the desktop or web versions provided at trezor.io. Keep your wallet software up to date and enable automatic updates if available. Use browser extensions with caution and prefer the official suite.

9. Best Practices & Recovery Plan

Long-term security

Keep your recovery phrase in multiple secure locations, consider a metal backup plate for disaster resistance, and never reveal your seed. If you lose the device but not the seed, you can recover funds on a new Trezor or compatible wallet. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet after restoring to a trusted device.

Emergency steps
  1. Restore seed to a new device
  2. Transfer funds to fresh addresses
  3. Revoke approvals on smart-contract apps where applicable
Useful links

trezor.io/startoffice.com