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

A step-by-step, security-first walkthrough to unbox, initialize, and operate your Trezor hardware wallet. Follow these instructions to get a safe and reliable setup for managing cryptocurrency.

What is Trezor.io/start?

trezor.io/start is the official entry point maintained by Trezor to guide new and returning users through the correct setup and downloads for their Trezor device. It directs you to the right version of Trezor Suite (desktop or web), provides verified firmware updates, and links to device-specific documentation. Using the official start page reduces the risk of phishing and ensures you follow the manufacturer’s recommended procedures for secure initialization.

Before you begin — preparation checklist

  • Choose a private, distraction-free space to perform the setup.
  • Have a pen and the supplied seed card or high-quality paper ready to write your recovery phrase by hand.
  • Prefer the official desktop Trezor Suite for a stronger isolated experience; web is an option if needed.
  • Use a trusted computer with an up-to-date OS and browser; avoid public or shared machines for initial setup.
  • Do not take photos, screenshots, or digital copies of your recovery seed.

Important: The recovery phrase (seed) is the single point of recovery for your assets. Treat it like a valuable physical asset and protect it accordingly.

Unboxing & device inspection

Inspect the packaging carefully before you power up. Trezor packages include tamper-evident elements; if anything looks altered, do not proceed and contact Trezor support via the official site. Confirm model markings and accessories (USB cable, documentation, seed card) match what you ordered.

Download Trezor Suite

From trezor.io/start choose the recommended Trezor Suite — desktop installers are available for Windows, macOS and Linux. For best security, prefer the desktop installer downloaded directly from the official site and verify the URL in your browser. The Suite provides the guided setup flow, firmware verification, account management, and transaction history.

  1. Open trezor.io/start in your browser (preferably using a bookmark).
  2. Select your device model and download the desktop Suite.
  3. Install and launch Trezor Suite, then follow the on-screen instructions when connecting your device.

Initialize your device — create a new wallet

The initialization happens primarily on the device to maximize security. During creation, the Trezor generates a recovery phrase and displays it on the device screen. Record the words exactly in the order presented.

  1. Connect the Trezor: Plug the device into your computer with the supplied cable and open Trezor Suite.
  2. Create new device: Choose Create a new wallet when prompted.
  3. Write down the recovery phrase: Copy each word in order on the seed card. Double-check spellings and order — even small errors prevent recovery.
  4. Confirm the phrase: The device will test you by asking for specific words to verify the backup.
  5. Set a PIN: Choose a PIN using the device's randomized entry to protect against keyloggers and physical access.

Do not enter your seed into the computer. All recovery words must be entered only on the Trezor device when restoring — never type them into a PC or phone.

Restoring from an existing recovery phrase

If you already have a compatible recovery phrase (BIP39/BIP44/etc.) from another hardware wallet or a previous Trezor, select the Restore wallet option during setup. Enter the words on the Trezor device as prompted and set a new PIN. After restoring, Trezor Suite will rescan the blockchain to show your accounts and balances.

PIN & optional passphrase explained

A PIN protects the device from unauthorized access; choose a PIN that you can remember but that is not easily guessed. Trezor devices display a randomized keypad to mitigate malware that attempts to capture PIN entry. For advanced users, the passphrase option adds an additional secret word or phrase on top of the recovery seed creating a hidden wallet; this adds strong protection but requires careful management because losing the passphrase means irrecoverable funds.

  • PIN: Required for basic device protection; recoverable by restoring the seed on a new device.
  • Passphrase (advanced): Optional — provides plausible deniability and separate accounts but is not stored anywhere. If you use it, back up the passphrase securely (not with the seed).

Firmware updates & device authenticity

Always accept firmware updates only when prompted by Trezor Suite or the official start page. Firmware updates fix vulnerabilities and add features. Trezor Suite verifies firmware signatures and the device displays confirmation messages — follow those device prompts rather than external instructions. Never install firmware from unverified sources.

Adding accounts & managing coins

After setup, add accounts for the blockchains and tokens you want to use within Trezor Suite. The Suite will query the blockchain to show balances and transaction history. For tokens not natively supported, consider trusted third-party wallets that support Trezor signing.

  1. Open Accounts in Trezor Suite and choose Add account.
  2. Select the coin or token and follow prompts to display balances and addresses.
  3. Label accounts for bookkeeping — e.g., savings, trading, business.

Sending & receiving — verify on-device

Always verify receiving addresses and transaction details on the Trezor device screen. When sending funds, Trezor Suite prepares the transaction and sends it to the device for signing; the device shows the destination address, amount, and fee. Confirm these details on the device before approving to prevent address-replacement or malware attacks.

Backup & long-term storage

Store your recovery seed offline in secure locations. Consider durable metal seed plates for fire and water resistance. For high-value holdings, distribute copies in geographically separated secure storage — for example, a safe deposit box and a home safe. Avoid digital storage like photos, text files, cloud drives, or password managers for the raw seed words.

Security best practices (summary)

  • Download Trezor Suite only from trezor.io/start and verify the URL.
  • Write your recovery phrase by hand and keep it offline; never photograph it or store it digitally.
  • Verify transaction details and firmware prompts on the device screen before confirming.
  • Consider using a passphrase only if you understand its consequences.
  • Use small test transfers when sending to new addresses.

Troubleshooting & support

If the device is not detected, try a different USB cable or port, restart Trezor Suite and your computer, and ensure you have the latest Suite version. If you forget your PIN, the device will wipe after repeated incorrect entries — recovery requires your seed. If you suspect tampering or think your recovery phrase has been exposed, restore on a new device and move funds to fresh accounts immediately.

Conclusion

Starting your Trezor device using trezor.io/start gives you an official, secure path for initialization and ongoing maintenance. By following the steps above — verifying packaging, downloading Suite from the official page, writing your recovery seed offline, setting a PIN, and verifying everything on-device — you create a reliable, resilient workflow to protect your cryptocurrency. For the latest device-specific instructions, compatibility details, and official downloads always use trezor.io/start and consult Trezor's documentation.

Open Trezor Start