Welcome to Trezor.io/Start

This is your official guide to setting up and using your Trezor hardware wallet safely and securely. Always make sure you are on the correct site (i.e. https://trezor.io/start) before proceeding.

Why Trezor & Why Start Here

A hardware wallet like Trezor keeps your private keys offline and protects them from malware, phishing, and other online threats. Trezor.io/Start is the authorized onboarding portal built by the creators of Trezor. It ensures you download genuine software, receive verified firmware updates, and follow a secure setup process.

Important Security Note

Never share your recovery seed (also called “seed words”) with anyone. Support will never ask for it. Always confirm URLs, enable HTTPS, and verify on-device prompts.

Before You Begin

Step 0.1 – What You’ll Need

Your Trezor device (Model T or Trezor One)
The USB cable provided with your device
A computer (or compatible device) with internet access
A pen and the seed recovery card (or equivalent offline backup method)
A calm, private workspace free from distractions or cameras

Step 0.2 – Inspect the Packaging

Check that your device’s box seal is intact and not tampered with. If it looks opened or resealed, stop and contact support. Ensure all included items (device, cable, seed cards) are present.

Getting Started

Step 1 – Visit the Official Portal

Open your browser and type https://trezor.io/start. Do **not** follow links from unknown emails or search results unless you verify the domain.

Step 2 – Download Trezor Suite

From the portal, choose the appropriate Trezor Suite version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Download and install it, then launch the app.

Step 3 – Connect Your Device

Using the supplied USB cable, connect your Trezor to your computer. The Trezor Suite should detect it. If it doesn’t, try another USB port or cable.

Step 4 – Initialize Your Device

Within Trezor Suite, choose “Create new wallet” (or “Recover wallet” if you already have seed words). The firmware installation will begin if needed — confirm the update on your device screen.

Step 5 – Generate & Back Up Your Recovery Seed

The device will display a series of 12 or 24 words. Write them down **in order**, on the provided seed card (or use a metal backup plate). Confirm a few of the words when prompted. This is the **only** way to recover your wallet should your device be lost or damaged.

Step 6 – Set Your PIN

Choose a PIN directly on your Trezor device. Do not type it into your computer. This PIN protects your wallet locally — too many incorrect attempts will reset the device.

Step 7 – (Optional) Passphrase / Hidden Wallet

You may enable an additional passphrase — think of it as a 25th word. If you use it, losing that passphrase means losing access to the wallet tied to it. Only enable this if you fully understand the implications and can memorize or store safely.

Verifying Addresses & Transactions

Whenever you generate a receiving address or sign a transaction:

Verify that the address shown in the software matches the address displayed on your Trezor device’s screen.
Confirm exactly what you are signing — the amount, recipient, and details — on-device before approving.

If there is any mismatch or suspicious prompt, abort and disconnect immediately.

Using Your Trezor

Once setup is complete, you can:

Receive cryptocurrency by generating an address and verifying it on your device
Send funds by constructing a transaction in Trezor Suite and approving it on-device
View balances, transaction history, manage multiple accounts
Connect to supported third‑party apps (e.g. Web3 wallets, exchanges) — but always approve via your device

Security Best Practices

Never enter your recovery seed into any website, app, or cloud tool — only on-device when restoring.
Store backup copies of the seed offline, in fire/water resistant places, ideally in geographically separate locations.
Keep your Trezor device firmware & Suite app updated via official channels only.
Always verify that you are using the real domain trezor.io (check SSL certificate, URL). Beware of lookalike domains.
Don’t share screenshots, images, or digital copies of your seed or passphrase.
For high-value holdings, use passphrase protection or multiple wallets per purpose.
Use strong, unique PIN and avoid trivial ones like “1234” or “0000”.

Troubleshooting

Device Not Detected?

Try another USB port or cable. Ensure your OS has necessary drivers or permissions. Restart Trezor Suite and your computer if needed.

Firmware Update Fails?

Disconnect, reboot, reconnect. Ensure you are using the official version of Trezor Suite. If issues persist, check Trezor support resources.

Forgot PIN?

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device and restore using your recovery seed. You will lose all local settings, but funds can be retrieved if seed is correct.

Lost Seed?

If your seed is lost and your device is irretrievable, funds are permanently inaccessible. Always have reliable backups.

Glossary (Key Terms)

Seed / Recovery Phrase: A series of words that allow you to restore your wallet (and funds) if you lose the device.
PIN: A numeric code you enter on the device to unlock it.
Passphrase: An optional extra secret word to protect or hide a wallet beyond the seed.
Firmware: Software running on the device itself; must be verified and signed.
Trezor Suite: The official desktop software to interact with your Trezor wallet.

Next Steps

You’re now ready to receive and send crypto securely. Start with a small test transaction, verify everything, then move on to using your wallet fully.

For further reading:

Trezor Support & FAQ
Security Guides & Best Practices
Compatibility & Third-Party Integrations