Welcome to your new Trezor® — the small device that puts you back in control of your crypto. Whether you're powering it on for the first time or refreshing best practices, this guide walks you through Trezor.io/Start® and the core steps to get up and running safely. We'll cover the very first checks, initializing the device, backup basics, and practical tips to keep your keys safe. 🚀
📦Unboxing & initial checks
When you open the box, verify the packaging looks intact and untampered. Your Trezor usually comes with:
- the Trezor device itself
- a USB cable
- recovery seed cards and stickers
- quick-start leaflet with the official URL:
trezor.io/start
Pro tip: Always start at trezor.io/start
(type it yourself — don't click a link from an unexpected email). Verify the site uses HTTPS and displays official branding. 🔍
🔌Plug in & visit Trezor.io/Start
Connect your device to your computer using the supplied cable. Open a modern browser and go to trezor.io/start
. The website will guide you to install the official Trezor Bridge or Suite app if needed.
Follow on-screen instructions — the device screen and the web interface work together to ensure every action is confirmed on-device. This prevents remote tampering. 🖥️➡️🔒
🆕Create a new wallet (or restore)
You’ll be offered two main choices: Create a new wallet or Recover wallet. If this is brand new, choose "Create new". The device will generate a recovery seed — a list of words that is the key to your crypto.
- Create new: The device generates a shuffled, high-entropy seed. You’ll write down the words in order.
- Recover: If you have an existing seed, you can enter it to restore access to your funds.
Important safety rules: never share your recovery seed, never type it into a website, and never take a photo of it. Keep the physical seed secure and offline. If someone gets the seed, they have your money. 🛑
🔐Set a PIN and label your device
After initialization you'll be prompted to set a PIN. This protects the device in case of loss. Choose a PIN that's long enough to be secure but memorable — the PIN is entered on the device screen (not the computer). Optionally, add a label to identify the device if you use more than one Trezor. Labels are helpful for organization but do not replace physical security.
✍️Writing your recovery seed — best practices
Your recovery seed is your lifeline. Follow these guidelines:
- Write the words in order on the provided cards (or a metal backup device for fire/water resistance).
- Store the backup in a secure, private place — a safe, deposit box, or other trusted storage.
- Consider using two separate locations (e.g., one at home, one in a safety deposit box) to reduce single-point-of-failure risk.
Avoid storing the seed digitally (no photos, no cloud notes, no password managers). If you want redundancy, use an offline steel backup solution that resists damage. 🛡️
📱Install Trezor Suite (optional)
Trezor Suite is the official desktop app that provides a polished interface to manage accounts, send/receive crypto, and update firmware. It's optional, but convenient. You can also use compatible third-party wallets — just ensure they are reputable. Always verify transactions on the device screen before confirming. ✅
🔁Firmware updates & verification
Occasionally, Trezor releases firmware updates to improve security and features. The device will instruct you during setup if an update is needed. When updating firmware:
- Update only from the official Trezor interface at
trezor.io/start
or Trezor Suite. - Confirm update prompts on the device's screen.
- Never install firmware suggested by unknown sources or third-party emails.
🧾Testing with a small transaction
After setup, try a small test transaction first. Send a tiny amount of the coin you plan to use, confirm it appears in your software, then try sending it back. This confirms your wallet, connections, and procedures work as expected without risk.
🛡️Security habits that matter
Good habits keep your crypto safe:
- Never share your seed or PIN. Ever.
- Use a passphrase (advanced users) to add additional encryption to your seed — but know that if you lose the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable.
- Keep your firmware up to date, and keep recovery backups offline and geographically separated.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited support requests, emails, or links. Official support is reached via Trezor's website only.
💡Troubleshooting quick tips
- If the device isn't recognized, try a different USB cable/port and restart your browser.
- If you suspect tampering, do not use the device — contact official support from the website.
- Lost PIN? If you forget the PIN you can restore from your recovery seed onto a new device. The seed is the single most important item.
🎯Wrapping up — confident, secure, ready
Starting up your Trezor® at trezor.io/start
is straightforward when you follow a few simple safety practices: verify official sources, secure your recovery seed, set a PIN, and confirm transactions on-device.
With these basics, you'll be able to manage crypto with significantly stronger security than a software-only wallet. Welcome to self-custody. 🌱