Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®

Getting started with a Trezor hardware wallet is a crucial step toward taking full control of your digital assets. Trezor devices are designed to keep your private keys offline and protected from malware, phishing attacks, and other online threats. The official onboarding page, Trezor.io/Start®, guides users through the secure setup process, ensuring that even first-time users can confidently initialize their device and begin managing cryptocurrencies safely. This guide explains the full journey of starting up a Trezor device, from unboxing to daily use, without diving into technical code or unnecessary complexity.

When you first open your Trezor package, the most important thing to check is the integrity of the packaging. Trezor devices are shipped with tamper-evident seals. These seals help confirm that no one has accessed the device before you. If the packaging appears damaged or the seal is broken, it is strongly recommended not to use the device and to contact Trezor support immediately. Hardware wallets rely on trust in physical security, and this first step sets the foundation for everything that follows.

Inside the box, you will find the Trezor device itself, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and basic documentation. Some models may also include a magnetic dock or additional accessories. The recovery seed cards are especially important. They are used to write down your recovery seed during setup, which is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged. These cards should be kept offline and stored in a secure location.

To begin the setup, you connect your Trezor device to a computer or supported mobile device using the provided cable. You then visit Trezor.io/Start® in your web browser. This page automatically detects your device model and provides tailored instructions. Trezor supports multiple models, such as Trezor Model One and Trezor Model T, and while the overall process is similar, the interface and confirmation steps may differ slightly between devices.

The next step involves installing the official Trezor software, commonly referred to as Trezor Suite. This application acts as the control center for your hardware wallet. It allows you to manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, track portfolio balances, and adjust security settings. Downloading Trezor Suite only from the official website is critical, as fake software is a common attack vector used by scammers.

Once Trezor Suite is installed and launched, the software will prompt you to install the latest firmware on your device. New Trezor devices are shipped without firmware or with a minimal version to ensure authenticity. Firmware installation is a secure process verified by cryptographic signatures. During this step, the device screen will show confirmation prompts, and you must physically approve the installation. This ensures that no malicious software can be installed without your knowledge.

After firmware installation, you are guided through creating a new wallet or recovering an existing one. For new users, creating a new wallet is the standard option. During this process, the Trezor device generates a recovery seed, typically consisting of 12, 18, or 24 words, depending on the model and settings you choose. These words are generated entirely offline within the device and never leave it digitally.

Writing down the recovery seed is the most important step in the entire setup. The words must be written in the exact order shown on the device screen. They should never be photographed, typed into a computer, stored in cloud storage, or shared with anyone. Anyone who gains access to this seed can fully control your funds. Trezor emphasizes that it will never ask for your recovery seed, and any website or message that does is attempting fraud.

Once you have written down the recovery seed, the device will usually ask you to confirm it. This confirmation step ensures that you have copied the words correctly and understand their importance. Skipping or rushing this step can lead to irreversible loss later, so it is essential to complete it carefully and without distractions.

With the recovery seed secured, the next step is setting a PIN. The PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Each time you connect your Trezor or attempt sensitive actions, you must enter this PIN. Trezor uses a unique randomized PIN entry system, meaning the layout changes each time, protecting against keyloggers and screen recording malware. Choosing a strong, non-obvious PIN adds an extra layer of security.

After setting up the PIN, you can optionally enable additional security features. One such feature is a passphrase, sometimes referred to as a “25th word.” A passphrase acts as an extra secret layered on top of your recovery seed. Even if someone finds your recovery seed, they cannot access your funds without the passphrase. While this feature significantly increases security, it also requires careful handling, as losing the passphrase means losing access to the associated funds permanently.

Once the core security setup is complete, Trezor Suite allows you to create cryptocurrency accounts. Trezor supports a wide range of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others. Each account is derived from your recovery seed, meaning all accounts can be restored using the same seed if needed. The interface makes it easy to add, rename, and manage multiple accounts for different assets.

Receiving cryptocurrency with a Trezor device is straightforward. You select the desired account in Trezor Suite and generate a receiving address. The address is displayed both on your computer and on the Trezor device screen. Verifying that these two addresses match is a crucial security step, as it ensures that malware has not altered the address on your computer. Once verified, you can safely share the address to receive funds.

Sending cryptocurrency also requires physical confirmation on the device. When you initiate a transaction in Trezor Suite, the details such as amount and destination address appear on the Trezor screen. You must confirm the transaction by pressing the device buttons or touchscreen. This design ensures that even if your computer is compromised, unauthorized transactions cannot be completed without access to the physical device.

Trezor.io/Start® also introduces users to best practices for ongoing security. Keeping your firmware up to date is important, as updates may include security improvements, new features, and support for additional assets. Trezor Suite notifies you when updates are available and guides you through the process securely.

Another important practice is staying alert to phishing attempts. Attackers often create fake websites or emails that mimic Trezor branding and ask users to enter their recovery seed. Trezor repeatedly emphasizes that the recovery seed should only ever be entered directly on the device during recovery, never on a website or computer. Understanding this principle alone can prevent most common scams.

Over time, you may want to connect your Trezor to third-party wallets or decentralized applications. Trezor devices are compatible with many external services, allowing you to interact with advanced features while keeping private keys secure. When doing so, it is important to verify permissions and ensure that you are connecting to legitimate platforms.

If your Trezor device is ever lost or damaged, the recovery process is simple as long as you have your recovery seed. You can restore your wallet on a new Trezor device or compatible wallet by entering the seed words directly on the device. This process recreates all your accounts and balances exactly as they were, demonstrating the power and responsibility that comes with self-custody.

In conclusion, Trezor.io/Start® provides a clear, structured, and security-focused path for setting up a Trezor hardware wallet. From verifying packaging to safeguarding the recovery seed and learning daily transaction habits, each step is designed to put users in full control of their digital assets. By following the official setup process carefully and respecting best security practices, users can confidently manage cryptocurrencies with a high level of protection and peace of mind.