Securely initialize your hardware wallet and protect your digital assets
Congratulations on acquiring a Trezor hardware wallet! Your journey into secure crypto storage begins here. The page Trezor.io/Start is your official gateway to setting up your device in a safe, verified, and dependable way.
Tip: Bookmark https://trezor.io/start immediately, and always type it manually rather than following links from emails or advertisements.
When setting up a crypto hardware wallet, security is paramount. By using the official portal:
Warning: Never trust an email or website claiming to “start your Trezor,” unless you confirm it’s exactly trezor.io/start.
Inspect the device and box packaging. Ensure the tamper-evident seal or hologram is intact. Avoid using unknown USB hubs or third-party cables that may be compromised.
Never photograph or email your recovery seed. Never store it in digital form. Always keep it strictly offline.
Launch your browser and go to https://trezor.io/start. The portal will detect your device and guide you through the initialization process.
If you see any SSL warnings or unfamiliar UI, stop immediately, close the browser, and double-check the URL and certificate.
From within the Start portal, you’ll have two options:
If you install the desktop version, run the setup program and follow on‑screen instructions. Once installed, open Trezor Suite (or the web interface) so it can detect your connected device.
Use your USB cable to connect the Trezor device to your computer. The software will prompt you to begin initialization. This process usually takes several minutes.
If your device lacks firmware or has outdated firmware, the software will ask to install or upgrade it. Always follow the prompts shown on your *device’s display*, not only on your computer.
After the firmware is installed, your Trezor will ask you to confirm that it's genuine. This is your safeguard against counterfeit or malicious devices.
The verification is done entirely on the hardware screen. Do not rely solely on what your browser shows. If anything looks off or mismatched, abort and contact official support.
At this stage you choose:
For a new wallet, the device will display 12, 18, or 24 recovery words (depending on the model). Write them down in order on your seed card. Do not skip or rearrange.
Carefully transcribe each word in order. Double‑check spelling and sequence. This must be done offline and in private. Store the seed card in a safe, fireproof, and waterproof place.
Some users make a second backup in a separate secure location—never store both in the same place, and never digitize them.
You’ll be prompted to choose a PIN of 4 to 9 digits. The device uses a randomized keypad display, meaning observers can’t deduce your PIN by watching your taps.
A passphrase acts as a “25th word” — an extra layer of defense. Use it only if you're comfortable retaining the passphrase securely. Losing it means losing access to those funds.
Once setup is complete, you can add accounts for various cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, and more (depending on device support).
To receive coins, click “Receive” in Trezor Suite or the web interface. Always compare the address displayed in the software with what appears on the device screen—never trust only the web display.
Before sending major sums, send a small test transaction (e.g. equivalent to $5–$10). This gives confidence your setup and procedures work as expected.
Once the funds arrive, confirm balances and that the signature and confirmation steps were correctly performed. Only then proceed to transfer larger amounts.
Regularly launch Trezor Suite and check for firmware or software updates. Updates often patch security vulnerabilities or improve compatibility.
Be wary: no legitimate entity will ask for your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase via email or message. Always confirm domain authenticity and SSL/TLS certificates.
Store your seed in a secure, offline location (e.g. safe, bank deposit box). Consider splitting or dispersing copies in multiple secure sites—but never digitize.
You cannot recover the PIN itself. However, using your recovery seed, you can restore access to your funds on a new device and set a new PIN.
Use your recovery seed to access your wallet on a new Trezor or supported wallet that supports the same standard.
Yes — the security resides in the device and the seed. As long as each computer is trustworthy and malware‑free, you can safely connect to any.
Some mobile support exists (via OTG or mobile apps), but the desktop + browser setup is the most reliable and full-featured flow.
Most times, re-running the update via Trezor Suite helps. If the device enters bootloader mode, carefully follow on‑screen instructions. If problems persist, contact official support with logs.
Some advanced users use techniques like Shamir Secret Sharing — but only do so with clear understanding, and never risk losing enough pieces to reconstruct your seed.
Starting your crypto device is more than a technical task — it's a mindset shift into self‑custody. You are now your own bank. Treat your seed, PIN, and device as highly sensitive security assets.
Double-check every step. Confirm all addresses, firmware, and software sources. If anything feels off, pause, consult official documentation, or reach out to support.
“Trust, but verify” — always confirm device actions on the physical screen, never solely through software or web UI.
With correct setup and secure habits, your Trezor device will serve as a strong fortress guarding your crypto holdings.