Trezor.io/Start – Setup Your Trezor Hardware Wallet
A clear, secure, step-by-step walkthrough to get your Trezor ready — from unboxing to safely storing your recovery seed.
Introduction
Hardware wallets like Trezor provide one of the safest ways to store your cryptocurrencies by keeping private keys offline. This guide walks you through the entire Trezor.io/start experience: setting up the device, initializing a wallet, creating a recovery seed, installing firmware, and following best security practices so you can use crypto with confidence.
Before you begin — what you’ll need
- Your Trezor device (Model One or Model T) fresh from the sealed package.
- A computer with an up-to-date browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge) and internet access.
- A USB cable that came with the device (do not use untrusted cables or adapters).
- A quiet, private place to write down the recovery seed — and a pen or metal backup for long-term storage.
Step 1 — Unboxing and first inspection
When you receive your Trezor, inspect the packaging seal for tamper-evidence. Genuine Trezor units are shipped in a sealed box — do not use the device if the seal looks broken or altered. Keep the packaging until setup is complete.
Step 2 — Visit trezor.io/start
Open a supported browser and go to trezor.io/start. The site will guide you to install the official Trezor Suite or use the browser-based setup flow. Always verify the URL and the browser’s TLS lock to ensure you're on the authentic site.
Step 3 — Install firmware and Trezor Suite
If your device requires firmware, the official setup will prompt you to install it. Only install firmware presented by the official Trezor website. For desktop management, download Trezor Suite (official app) from the site and install it to manage accounts and transactions.
If you see firmware prompts anywhere else — stop and double-check the URL. Never install unofficial software claiming to support Trezor.
Step 4 — Create a new wallet and recovery seed
During initialization choose Create a new wallet. Trezor will generate a random recovery seed — typically 12, 18, or 24 words depending on the model and options. Write each word neatly on the supplied recovery card. Do not store the seed digitally (no photos, no cloud notes).
Consider using a metal backup plate for fire and water resistance if you plan on long-term storage.
Step 5 — Set a PIN and passphrase (optional)
Choose a PIN you can remember but others won’t guess. The PIN protects your device if it is stolen. For advanced users, enabling a passphrase adds a hidden wallet layer — treat passphrases like an extension of the recovery seed and back them up safely.
Step 6 — Add accounts and receive funds
Open Trezor Suite and add the cryptocurrency accounts you want to use (Bitcoin, Ethereum, ERC-20 tokens, etc.). To receive funds, share only the receiving address shown in Trezor Suite — verify the address on the device screen before sending any funds.
Security tips & best practices
- Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone — Trezor support will never ask for them.
- Keep multiple offline backups of your recovery seed in secure, geographically separate locations.
- Use the device’s screen to verify addresses and transaction details — do not trust unsigned external apps.
- Keep firmware and Trezor Suite up to date by applying official updates when released.
If you suspect your seed or PIN has been exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately using a new Trezor/device and a freshly generated seed.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the browser has permission to access USB devices.
- Firmware failed: Reboot your computer, reconnect the device, and follow the official recovery steps on trezor.io.
- Forgot PIN: You can reset the device to factory settings (which erases the device). Use your recovery seed to restore access.
Final checklist
- Package integrity verified
- Firmware and Trezor Suite from official site
- Recovery seed written and backed up securely
- PIN set and device tested with a small transaction