Welcome to the official beginning of your journey with Trezor®. This guide explains how to prepare, initialize, and understand your Trezor hardware wallet in a secure and confident way, using clear steps and practical knowledge designed for both new and experienced users.
Trezor® is a trusted name in the world of digital asset protection. A Trezor hardware wallet is a physical security device created to store private keys offline, away from online threats. Unlike software wallets that remain connected to the internet, Trezor devices keep your sensitive information isolated, greatly reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
When you visit Trezor.io/Start®, you are guided through the essential process of preparing your device for first-time use. This process ensures that your wallet is genuine, properly configured, and ready to protect your digital assets. Understanding each step helps you gain confidence and control over your financial independence.
Starting up a Trezor® device is not only about plugging it in. It involves verifying authenticity, installing firmware, generating recovery information, and learning best practices for long-term security. Each step plays a critical role in safeguarding your assets.
Before starting the setup process, it is important to prepare a few essential items. This ensures a smooth and uninterrupted experience from the moment you connect your device.
It is strongly recommended to avoid public or shared computers during setup. Privacy is a key factor when generating sensitive information, and a controlled environment minimizes risk.
The first physical step is connecting your Trezor® device to your computer using the supplied USB cable. Once connected, the device will power on automatically. You may notice a welcome screen prompting you to visit Trezor.io/Start® to continue.
This step ensures that all users begin from a verified source. Trezor® does not rely on preinstalled software from third parties. Instead, the official onboarding process guarantees authenticity and security.
Always type the official website address directly into your browser. Avoid clicking links from emails or advertisements, as these may lead to imitation websites designed to deceive users.
Firmware is the internal software that allows your Trezor® device to function securely. New devices may not include firmware by default, or they may require an update to the latest version. Installing firmware directly from the official source ensures your device operates with the newest security improvements.
During installation, your device screen will display confirmation messages. This physical verification step is essential, as it confirms that actions are being approved on the device itself, not just on your computer.
Once firmware installation is complete, the device will restart automatically. This signals that your Trezor® is ready for wallet creation or recovery.
Creating a new wallet is one of the most important stages in the setup process. When you choose to create a wallet, your Trezor® generates private keys internally. These keys never leave the device, ensuring that they remain secure at all times.
The device will then display a recovery seed, which is a series of words generated randomly. These words represent a backup of your wallet and are the only way to restore access if your device is lost, damaged, or replaced.
It is crucial to write down the recovery words exactly as shown and store them offline in a secure location. Never take photos, screenshots, or store them digitally.
The recovery seed is the foundation of your wallet’s security. Anyone with access to these words can control your assets. For this reason, they must be protected with extreme care.
Trezor® will often ask you to confirm the recovery seed by selecting specific words in the correct order. This verification step ensures that you have written them down correctly.
Advanced users may choose additional security options such as passphrases. These features add an extra layer of protection, but they also require careful management and understanding.
A PIN adds daily-use security to your Trezor® device. Each time you connect the wallet, you will be asked to enter this PIN. The randomized keypad displayed on the device helps prevent tracking or keylogging.
Choosing a strong and memorable PIN is essential. Avoid predictable patterns and never share your PIN with anyone.
Multiple incorrect PIN attempts result in increasing delays, protecting your device from brute-force attacks.
Once setup is complete, you can begin managing supported digital assets through the official interface. Transactions must always be confirmed on the Trezor® device screen, ensuring transparency and control.
The combination of offline key storage and on-device confirmation forms the core security principle behind Trezor® products.
Owning a Trezor® device is a responsibility as much as it is a benefit. Regularly updating firmware, safeguarding recovery information, and staying informed about security practices are essential habits.
Avoid sharing details about your holdings or security setup. Physical and digital discretion significantly reduces risk.