Welcome — this guide walks you through the essential steps to get your Trezor hardware wallet up and running using the official start page at Trezor.io/start. The instructions focus on secure, privacy-aware setup and practical tips you can apply whether you are a first-time user or returning to tighten your security posture. Hardware wallets like Trezor provide an isolated environment for your private keys, and following a few straightforward rules dramatically reduces risk from online threats and social engineering.
Trezor.io/start ® | Trezor™ Setup & Security Guide
Practical steps to set up your Trezor device, initialize securely, and keep your crypto safe.
Unboxing & verification
Before connecting anything, inspect the package for tampering. Genuine Trezor products arrive sealed and include tamper-evident packaging, a device, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and quick-start documentation. If the packaging shows signs of prior opening, contact the vendor or support. Never use a device that appears altered.
Tip: Buy from official channels or recognized resellers. If purchasing second-hand, prefer an unopened device or insist on a factory reset and verification steps once in your possession.
Start at Trezor.io/start
Open a modern browser and go to Trezor.io/start. This page leads you to the official instructions and software tools. Avoid third-party sites that mimic setup flows. The official site will guide you to download any required bridge or use the recommended web or desktop app. Bookmark the official domain to reduce the risk of phishing.
Example: Visit https://trezor.io/start and follow on-screen prompts to get the latest Trezor Suite or firmware.
Firmware & updates
During initial setup, Trezor may prompt you to install or update firmware. Firmware authenticates the device’s software layer and should always be obtained through official channels. Do not skip firmware verification steps — the device verifies firmware signatures locally to ensure code integrity. Allow updates only when initiated through the official app or site.
Security note: Firmware updates are normal and important. However, if you ever receive unexpected prompts from unknown software, disconnect and verify the source before proceeding.
Initialize & create recovery seed
Follow the Trezor Suite prompts to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. When creating a new wallet, the device will generate a recovery seed — a sequence of words that represent your private keys. Write these words by hand on the recovery card supplied; do not store the seed digitally or photograph it. Consider splitting the seed across secure locations or using a steel backup for long-term durability.
Do not: type your seed into a computer, cloud note, or phone. Do not share seed words with anyone. Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed through email or support chat.
Passphrase & PIN
Set a device PIN during setup. The PIN prevents local access if the device is lost or stolen. For advanced users, consider enabling a passphrase feature: this acts as an additional word added to your seed and creates a hidden wallet. Use passphrases carefully — if forgotten, funds become unrecoverable. Balance convenience and security based on your threat model. Choose PINs that are memorable but not trivially guessable, and avoid writing them down with the seed.
Best practices
- Keep your recovery seed offline and secure; use physical backups and consider a fireproof steel backup for long-term storage.
- Always verify the receiving address on the Trezor screen before confirming transactions; malware can alter addresses on your computer but not on the device display.
- Use strong, unique PINs and enable passphrase protection if you understand the risks and benefits.
- Keep device firmware updated via official channels and avoid any third-party firmware.
- Use coin-specific accounts in the official Trezor Suite to reduce confusion during transactions (e.g., separate accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum tokens, etc.).
Recovery procedures
If you need to recover a wallet, use the official Trezor recovery flow and ensure you are in a private setting while entering seed words on the device. Only use the device to enter seed words; do not enter them on a computer. Once recovered, create a fresh backup and verify balances carefully. If your recovery involves moving funds to a new wallet, test with a small amount first to confirm everything functions as expected.
Threat model & common attacks
Understand common threats: phishing websites, supply-chain tampering, malware that modifies transactions, shoulder-surfing when entering PINs, and social engineering aimed at extracting recovery seeds. Your defenses are simple: keep seed offline, verify addresses on-device, use official sites and apps, and treat recovery words as highly sensitive material. Knowing the attacks helps you prioritize protections that match your risk level.
Quick FAQ
Q: Can I recover my wallet if I lose the device?
A: Yes, with the recovery seed. Keep the seed secure and private.
Q: Should I store my seed in a password manager?
A: No — password managers and cloud storage increase exposure. Prefer physical steel backups or offline storage.
Q: Is Trezor compatible with third-party wallets?
A: Trezor supports many wallets via integrations, but always verify compatibility and prefer official guidance when linking accounts.
Advanced: Multisignature & advanced setups
For higher-value custody, consider multisignature setups that require multiple independent devices or keys to sign transactions. Multisig reduces single-point-of-failure risk and is compatible with many wallets that interoperate with Trezor devices. Implement multisig only after careful planning: document cosigner arrangements, backup all recovery material separately, and rehearse recovery steps. Multisig is powerful but adds complexity — ensure everyone involved understands recovery procedures.
Physical security and storage
Beyond digital precautions, protect the physical device and backup seeds. Store backups in multiple geographically separated locations to reduce risk from localized disasters. Use tamper-evident bags for seed cards and consider safes or safety-deposit boxes for long-term storage. Avoid labeling backups with obvious hints that identify their contents. If you use a safe, periodically confirm it remains accessible to authorized parties without exposing secrets inadvertently.
Verifying transactions
Always verify transaction details shown on the device before approving. Check the destination address, amounts, and fees on the Trezor screen itself — not only in the host software. If something looks wrong, cancel and re-evaluate. When dealing with large transactions, consider sending a small test amount first to confirm the full flow. Use hardware confirmations as the single source of truth for what you are signing.
Social engineering & scams
Scammers may impersonate support staff or create convincing websites to trick users into disclosing seeds or approving fraudulent transactions. Remember that legitimate support will never ask for your recovery seed or PIN. Use two-factor authentication on email and related accounts, and be cautious when following links from unsolicited messages. When in doubt, navigate to official sites manually and validate URLs before interacting.
Practice recovery
It is wise to perform a mock recovery in a secure environment to ensure your backup method works. Use a new, empty device or a known test wallet to rehearse the process. Practicing reveals mistakes in your backup storage or documentation early, and builds familiarity so you can recover under pressure if needed. Document recovery steps and store those instructions separately from the seed material.
Final checklist
- Verify packaging integrity and source of purchase.
- Visit Trezor.io/start for official software and instructions.
- Install firmware via official app and confirm signatures.
- Create and securely store your recovery seed offline; consider steel backups.
- Set a strong PIN and consider using a passphrase if appropriate.
- Verify every transaction on the device screen before confirming.
- Practice a recovery to confirm backups are usable.
- Keep firmware and software up to date using official channels.