Trezor.io/start® | Official Setup Guide

Introduction

This official setup guide walks you through the entire first-time experience: unboxing, verifying device authenticity, installing firmware, creating a seed (backup), setting a PIN, and connecting to Trezor Suite or supported wallets. Follow each step carefully — security decisions you make now protect your crypto for years.

What you'll need

Hardware

• Trezor device (Model One or Model T)
• USB cable that came with the device
• Computer with a modern browser, or use Trezor Suite

Recommended

• Paper and pen for writing your recovery seed (do not save digitally)
• Secure, private workspace — avoid public Wi‑Fi during setup

Step-by-step setup

1. 1. Inspect the box and device

   Check tamper-evident seals and packaging. Confirm the device model and serial sticker match the paperwork. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact support.

2. 2. Visit the official start page

   Open trezor.io/start on your computer. This page will guide you to the latest official tools and firmware. Never follow third-party links for initial setup.

3. 3. Connect and verify firmware

   Connect your Trezor via USB. The site (or Trezor Suite) will detect the device and verify firmware integrity. If firmware is missing or outdated, follow the on-screen prompts to install official firmware.

4. 4. Create a new wallet

   Choose Create new on-device. The device will generate a recovery seed phrase — a list of 12, 18, or 24 words. Write these words exactly and in order. This is the only backup of your keys.

5. 5. Confirm and secure your recovery seed

   After writing down the seed, the device will ask you to confirm words. Verify carefully. Store the written seed in multiple secure locations (e.g., a fireproof safe). Consider metal backup options for long-term durability.

6. 6. Set a PIN

   Set a PIN on the device to prevent unauthorized physical access. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not trivially guessable. Trezor devices obfuscate PIN input on-screen to protect against shoulder-surfing.

7. 7. Install Trezor Suite or connect to a supported wallet

   Use Trezor Suite for a full desktop experience, or connect to compatible web wallets. Always verify the URL and certificate in your browser.

8. 8. Add cryptocurrencies

   In Suite or your chosen wallet, add accounts for the coins you want to use. Trezor supports a wide range of coins; check coin support for specifics.

9. 9. Make a test transaction

   Send a small amount to and from your new wallet to ensure everything is working. Confirm the transaction on the device before approving.

10. 10. Maintain good hygiene

    Keep firmware up-to-date, verify official download links, and never share your recovery seed or enter it into a computer or phone. Treat the seed as the master key to your funds.

Troubleshooting & tips

Device not detected

Try a different USB port or cable. Update your browser and disable extensions that may block web USB. If problems persist, open Support resources.

Lost or damaged seed

If your seed is lost and the device is your only access, funds are likely irrecoverable. Always maintain at least one secure backup. Consider multisig setups for higher-value holdings.

Advanced topics (brief)

Recovery passphrase (BIP39 passphrase)

For additional security, you may enable a passphrase. This creates a hidden wallet tied to your seed + passphrase. Use with caution: losing the passphrase means permanent loss of that hidden wallet.

Firmware verification & open source

Trezor firmware is open-source. You can verify signatures and builds via the official pages if you want to audit firmware yourself.

Checklist (quick)

• Unbox and inspect device
• Visit official start page
• Install/verify firmware
• Create & confirm recovery seed
• Set PIN
• Install Trezor Suite and add accounts
• Test a small transaction