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

Before you begin

Take a moment to prepare. A calm, distraction-free environment reduces mistakes during setup — especially when jotting down your recovery seed. You will need:

• Your Trezor device and USB-C / micro-USB cable (included in the box).
• A computer with a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) and internet access.
• Paper and a pen (or a verified metal backup kit) for recording your recovery seed.
• Time: the initial setup should take about 10–20 minutes if you follow instructions carefully.

Important: Never set up your device on a public computer or a network you don't trust. Avoid storing your recovery seed in an online document, photo, or cloud storage.

Unboxing and first inspection

Open the box and verify the device packaging is intact. Trezor devices ship with tamper-evident seals. Inspect for any signs of tampering or damage.

1. Remove the device and cable from the box.
2. Check for printed documentation and a recovery seed card (if provided — some models include a metal replacement option or a blank card).
3. On the device, verify that the screen is uncracked and the buttons respond when pressed.

If anything looks suspicious, do not continue setup. Contact the vendor or Trezor support before using the device.

Visit Trezor.io/Start

Open your browser and navigate to trezor.io/start. This page will automatically detect your device and guide you through the official setup flow. Avoid third-party guides that instruct you to bypass the official setup unless you have an advanced, verified reason to do so.

Why use the official start page? It hosts the latest signed web apps and verification steps required to ensure you are interacting with genuine Trezor firmware and applications.

Initial device setup

Follow the on-screen prompts on trezor.io/start and on your device. The typical initial setup includes the following:

1. Connect the device: Plug the USB cable into your computer and the device. The device screen will light up and show a welcome message.
2. Confirm authenticity: The web app will prompt you to verify the device fingerprint and model. Compare the device firmware prompt to the instructions on the web page.
3. Create a new wallet or recover from seed: Choose "Create new" to generate a fresh seed, or "Recover" if you are restoring an existing wallet using a recovery phrase.
4. Set a PIN: Choose a short PIN to protect the device UI. The PIN is requested when the device is connected; it is entered using randomized on-device coordinates for added protection against keyloggers.
5. Write the recovery seed: The device will display the recovery words (typically 12, 18, or 24 words depending on model and options). Write them down precisely in order and verify them when prompted.
6. Set an optional passphrase: For advanced users, a passphrase acts as a 25th word; treat it like a password—forgetting it can permanently lose access to funds.

During the process, the device will show each word and the web app will ask you to confirm a subset to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Choosing and securing your recovery seed

Your recovery seed is the single most important piece of information for recovering access to your funds. Protect it like you would protect assets in a safe.

• Write it down by hand: Store the paper in a secure, waterproof envelope or a safe.
• Consider a metal backup: Metal backups resist fire, water, and deterioration far better than paper.
• Use geographic separation: Store copies in separate, secure locations to protect against physical disasters or theft.
• Never share: Never reveal your seed to anyone. Trezor staff will never ask for your seed.

Recovery test: If you're comfortable, do a test recovery on a spare device to ensure your backup works. This is optional but provides peace of mind.

Firmware and software updates

After initial setup, check for firmware updates. Firmware updates include security fixes and new features. Apply updates only through the official Trezor web app and confirm the update on the device itself.

1. Open trezor.io/start and follow prompts to update firmware if available.
2. Do not interrupt the device while flashing firmware. Ensure your computer's power is stable.
3. Verify the update completion message on-device and in the web app.

If a firmware update fails, follow the recovery/bootloader instructions provided by the official app. Do not attempt unverified or unofficial recovery procedures.

Daily use: sending and receiving funds

Once set up, Trezor makes everyday operations simple and secure. Typical daily flows are:

Receiving funds

1. Open your wallet app (Trezor Suite or a supported web wallet).
2. Generate a receiving address and verify the address on the device screen before sharing it with the sender.
3. Never copy-paste addresses without verifying them on-device; clipboard malware can alter addresses.

Sending funds

1. Create the transaction in your wallet app and review outputs and fees carefully.
2. When prompted, confirm the transaction on the device. The device screen shows destination addresses and amounts; review these thoroughly.
3. Only approve if everything matches your intent.

Always double-check amounts and addresses on the device. This is the core protection against remote tampering.

Advanced security options

For users seeking stronger security, consider these advanced measures:

• Passphrase: Adds an additional word that creates a hidden wallet. Use it if you understand the trade-offs: losing the passphrase means losing access.
• Multi-signature setups: Combine multiple hardware wallets and keys for high-value storage to require multiple approvals for spending.
• Air-gapped signing: For maximum protection, use an offline computer to create unsigned transactions and sign them on the Trezor without ever connecting the signing device to the internet.

Advanced setups increase security but also complexity. Carefully document procedures and test recovery workflows.

Troubleshooting common issues

Here are practical solutions to problems many users encounter:

Device not recognized

• Try a different USB cable or port. Avoid charge-only cables.
• Restart your browser or the Bridge/driver service if applicable.
• On Windows, check Device Manager for unknown devices and reinstall Bridge if needed.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your PIN you must perform a device reset and restore from your recovery seed. This is why securely storing your seed is essential.

Lost recovery seed

If the recovery seed is lost and the device is inaccessible, there is no way to recover funds — the seed is the ultimate backup. Contacting support cannot restore a lost seed.

Best practices checklist

Use this checklist to verify you've completed essential security steps:

• ✅ Device is genuine and untampered.
• ✅ Recovery seed written down in order and stored securely.
• ✅ Firmware updated using official sources.
• ✅ PIN set and kept secret.
• ✅ Addresses always verified on-device before sending.
• ✅ Avoided storing seed digitally or sharing it with anyone.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can Trezor be used with my smartphone?

Many Android phones support OTG USB connections; use a compatible cable and an app that supports hardware wallets. iOS support varies and may require specific adapters or apps.

What if the device is lost or stolen?

If the PIN and passphrase are unknown to the thief, your funds remain protected. If the recovery seed is compromised, move funds to a new wallet immediately.

Is it safe to update firmware?

Yes — updating firmware through the official site is safe and recommended. Always verify update prompts and apply them only from official channels.

Final words

Setting up your Trezor device carefully is the single best step you can take to protect your cryptocurrencies. The combination of on-device confirmations, secure seed generation, and offline private key storage gives you strong protection against remote attacks. Follow the instructions above, keep backups secure, and regularly update firmware and software from official sources.

If you're ever unsure, consult official documentation at trezor.io/start or reach out to authorized support channels. Stay safe, and welcome to hardware-secured custody.