Introduction
Congratulations — you’ve got a Trezor hardware wallet in hand. This guide, Trezor.io/Start | Starting® Up® Your® Device®, is designed to walk you through the entire first-time setup, from unboxing to your first transaction, and to equip you with security best practices that keep your crypto safe.
We’ll use clear headings (H1–H5), short actionable steps, and colourful callouts to make setup easy. There’s also a comprehensive FAQ at the end and a curated list of ten "office" links — quick access to essential Trezor resources.
What you need before you start
Hardware and essentials
- A Trezor device (Model One or Model T)
- A computer with a USB port or a mobile device (and a USB-C adapter if needed)
- Access to the official trezor.io/start webpage
- A secure, private place to write down your recovery seed — paper and pen (not digital)
- Patience and attention — double-check every step and every word on the device screen
Security mindset (H3)
Treat your recovery seed like the keys to a vault. Do not photograph it, do not store it in cloud services, and avoid typing it anywhere online. If someone gets your seed, they get your coins.
What the device will never ask for (H4)
Your Trezor will never ask for your seed phrase via email, social media, or any website. Be suspicious of popups or unsolicited support calls requesting your seed or passwords.
Checklist (H5)
- Unopened device packaging? ✔️
- USB cable on hand? ✔️
- Paper & pen for recovery seed? ✔️
- Working computer with a browser? ✔️
- Time set aside: 20–45 minutes. ✔️
First boot & initial configuration
1. Inspect the packaging (H3)
When you open your Trezor box, inspect the seal and packaging. If it looks tampered with, stop and contact support. Manufacturers take physical tamper-evidence seriously.
2. Connect the device (H3)
Plug your Trezor into your computer or phone using the supplied cable. The device screen will show a welcome message. If you see a different message (like a warning about an invalid device), follow the prompts on the official site — don’t proceed blindly.
3. Visit the start page (H3)
Open your browser and go to the official start page: trezor.io/start. The site will detect your device and walk you through the next steps.
4. Install Trezor Suite / official software (H3)
Trezor Suite is the official app for managing devices. Download it from the official site and install. You can choose the desktop app or use the web-based Suite depending on your comfort level.
5. Firmware update (H3)
The first thing Suite will often do is check the device firmware. If a newer firmware exists, follow the Suite instructions to update. Only allow updates through the official Suite or trezor.io — never through unknown third-party tools.
6. Create a new wallet & seed (H4)
Choose "Create new" unless you already have a seed. The device will generate a recovery seed word list (12, 18, or 24 words depending on model and choice). Write each word carefully on the recovery card provided — do not store the seed digitally.
7. Confirm your seed (H4)
The device will ask you to confirm some words. This ensures the seed was recorded correctly. Only you should have access to the seed — do not let anyone watch while you write it down.
8. Set a PIN (H5)
A PIN provides local device protection. Choose a random but memorable PIN — avoid obvious sequences. Many people use diceware-like methods or memorized passphrases. The PIN is entered on the device screen to avoid keyloggers.
9. Optional passphrase (H5)
Advanced users can enable a passphrase (creates a hidden wallet). This is powerful but also dangerous if you forget the passphrase — it acts like a 25th/25+ word that must be remembered separately.
10. Final checks (H3)
- Confirm wallet appears in Trezor Suite.
- Check firmware version in settings.
- Test small transaction receive and send (with a tiny amount first).
Using your device — everyday flow
Receiving funds (H3)
To receive crypto: open an account in Trezor Suite (e.g., Bitcoin account), click "Receive", verify the address on your device screen matches the one in Suite, then share the address with the sender. Always confirm the address on-device.
Sending funds (H3)
When sending, prepare the transaction in Suite, then confirm all details on your Trezor device: recipient address, amount, and fee. Because the device signs transactions offline, malware on your computer cannot forge signatures without access to your device.
Best practices for transactions (H4)
- Always verify addresses on the device screen — not only in your browser.
- Prefer manual fee settings for large or time-sensitive transfers.
- Test with small amounts when sending to a new address.
Security & recovery strategies
Seed storage options (H3)
There are multiple secure methods to store your seed safely:
- Paper backup: Simple and reliable — store in a fireproof safe or bank deposit box.
- Metal backup: Steel plates specifically built for seeds resist fire and water.
- Split backups: Use Shamir Backup (if supported) or split your seed into parts stored separately; this increases redundancy and security.
Protecting against social engineering (H3)
Scammers will try to trick you into giving up your seed or installing fake software. Never share your seed. Legitimate support will never ask for it. If anyone asks for your seed, it's a scam.
Device hygiene (H4)
Keep your Trezor firmware and Suite up to date. Only download from official sources. If you suspect device tampering, stop using it and contact official support.
Advanced: Multi-sig & coin custody (H5)
For larger holdings consider multi-signature setups or professional custody solutions. Multi-sig spreads trust across multiple keys and reduces single point-of-failure risk.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not recognized (H3)
Try different USB ports and cables, restart your browser, or try the desktop Suite. Make sure you downloaded the official Suite. If the device still isn’t recognized, consult the official troubleshooting page.
Forgot PIN (H3)
If you forget your PIN, the device must be reset to factory settings. You can then restore your wallet from the recovery seed. This is why secure seed backup is essential.
Lost seed (H3)
If your seed is lost and you don’t have another backup, funds cannot be recovered. This is irreversible — protect your seed carefully.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it safe to buy a used Trezor?
A: Buying used devices is not recommended. You cannot be certain the device hasn’t been tampered with. If you do, perform a full factory reset and firmware reinstall via official Suite before using it — but buying new from an authorized seller is safest.
Q2: What if my device is lost or stolen?
A: If your device is lost but you have your recovery seed, restore the seed to a new Trezor or compatible wallet. If both are lost — coins are unrecoverable.
Q3: Can I use Trezor with mobile?
A: Yes. Trezor Suite supports mobile connections via compatible phones and OTG adapters. Check official documentation for current mobile compatibility.
Q4: What's a passphrase and should I use it?
A: A passphrase is an extra secret added to the seed; it creates a hidden wallet. It increases security but if you forget it, you cannot recover funds. Consider it only if you understand the risks.
Q5: How do I update firmware safely?
A: Use the official Trezor Suite or the official site. Confirm update prompts on the device screen. Never install firmware from unknown sources.
Q6: Are there limits to the number of coins/accounts?
A: Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies and hierarchical deterministic (HD) accounts. For rare coins or tokens, check official compatibility lists or community docs.
Q7: What is Shamir Backup?
A: Shamir Backup (SLIP39) allows splitting a seed into multiple shares; a subset of shares can reconstruct the seed. It provides flexible redundancy but requires planning and secure storage for each share.
Q8: Can malware steal coins from my Trezor?
A: No — malware can’t extract the private keys from the device. However, it can trick you into sending coins to the wrong address if you don’t verify addresses on-device. Always verify on the Trezor screen.
Q9: Is it okay to backup the seed digitally?
A: No — storing the seed in cloud storage, email, photos, or text files dramatically increases the risk of theft. Use offline, physical backups.
Q10: Where can I get official help?
A: Use the official support channels listed in the Office Links section. Be cautious of impostor sites and social media accounts — verify domain names carefully.
Final words — confident, secure ownership
Setting up your Trezor properly is the first and most important step toward self-custody. The device design prioritizes security, but the human element (seed handling, device verification, cautious behavior online) is where most risks occur. Follow these steps, use the official software, and store your seed offline.
The goal is simple: you should be able to confidently receive, hold, and spend your crypto, knowing that you control the keys. That control comes with responsibility — protect your seed and treat this guide as your launchpad.
Start setup at trezor.io/start