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

This in-depth 2500-word guide walks you step-by-step through unboxing, downloading Trezor® software, initializing your device, backing up your recovery seed, managing accounts, sending and receiving crypto, applying firmware updates, and maintaining a secure setup.

Welcome — before you begin

Congratulations on acquiring a Trezor® hardware wallet. A hardware wallet keeps your private keys isolated from internet-connected devices by performing sensitive cryptographic operations inside a secure element (the physical device). This guide assumes you have the device and a computer available. Read each step carefully and follow the security recommendations — proper setup protects your funds.

Official source: For downloads and official instructions always use trezor.io/start. Do not download software from third-party sites or click links in unsolicited messages.

What you’ll need

  • Your Trezor® device (Trezor Model T or Trezor One) and original USB cable.
  • A computer with a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) or the Trezor Suite desktop app.
  • A clean, secure surface to write your recovery seed (seed card or metal backup recommended).
  • A stable internet connection to download the official Trezor Suite or to access the web-based Suite.

Step 1 — Unboxing and physical checks

  1. Examine the packaging for signs of tampering. Trezor ships devices in tamper-evident packaging. If anything appears opened or modified, contact support and do not use the device.
  2. Verify the model and serial number against documentation and registration materials if provided.
  3. Keep the box and documents; they include useful information and recovery card templates.

Although rare, supply-chain attacks have occurred on hardware devices in the past. If something feels off, stop and contact official Trezor support via trezor.io/support.

Step 2 — Downloading Trezor Suite from Trezor.io/Start

Trezor Suite is the official application for managing your device. You can use the web app or download the desktop app. For the highest security and convenience, use the desktop Suite on a personal, trusted computer.

  1. Open your browser and type trezor.io/start into the address bar; avoid search links that may point to impostor sites.
  2. Choose your device model and the appropriate platform (Desktop: Windows/macOS/Linux or Web-based Suite).
  3. Download the installer or click the web Suite link. Advanced users can verify checksums/signatures if provided.
  4. Run the installer and launch Trezor Suite or open the web Suite in a secure browser tab.

Do not install unofficial plugins or browser extensions that claim to enhance Trezor functionality. Use only official tools and links provided by trezor.io.

Step 3 — Initializing your device (on-device)

Device initialization occurs on the Trezor hardware itself — not in the browser. This is intentional: entering PINs and viewing the recovery seed on the device keeps secrets off your computer.

  1. Connect your Trezor to the computer using the supplied USB cable.
  2. Open Trezor Suite and choose Create new device when prompted.
  3. Follow on-screen instructions and confirm prompts on the Trezor device display. You’ll be asked to choose a PIN and to write down a recovery seed. On Model T, the device displays the words on its touchscreen; on Trezor One, words appear on the small display in sequence.
  4. Record each recovery word in order on the recovery card or a secure backup medium. Confirm the words on-device when prompted.

Never capture your recovery seed with a photo, screenshot, text file, or cloud backup. Storing the seed digitally creates a single point of compromise.

Step 4 — Securely storing your recovery seed

Your recovery seed is the ultimate backup to restore access to your funds. Protect it like you would physical cash or important legal documents.

  • Write the seed on the supplied recovery card or on a high-quality paper; consider a metal backup for fire/water resistance.
  • Store copies in geographically separated secure locations if your holdings justify it (for example, a safe deposit box and a home safe).
  • Do not tell anyone the seed and never enter it into websites or software other than official device recovery prompts.
Extra step — consider a passphrase: Trezor supports an optional passphrase (a user-chosen extra word) that creates a separate hidden wallet. It adds security and plausible deniability but increases recovery complexity. Only use a passphrase if you fully understand the risks and store it securely.

Step 5 — Installing apps & adding accounts

Once your device is initialized, you can add accounts in Trezor Suite for the cryptocurrencies you intend to manage. Some coins may require additional software or third-party wallet integrations.

  1. In Trezor Suite, go to Accounts or Add account.
  2. Select the currency and follow the prompts. The Suite will interact with your device to derive addresses and display balances.
  3. Label accounts to help you keep track of different wallets (e.g., savings vs spending).

Trezor supports many coins; check trezor.io/coins for a current compatibility list and guidance for tokens or non-standard assets that may require third-party wallets.

Step 6 — Receiving crypto (verify on-device)

  1. Select the account in Trezor Suite and click Receive.
  2. Trezor Suite will display a receiving address and the Trezor device will show the same address. Verify both match and confirm on-device.
  3. Use the confirmed address in the sending service and start with a small test amount if you are sending from a new platform.

Verifying addresses on-device prevents malware or clipboard hijacking from altering the receiving address shown on your computer.

Step 7 — Sending crypto (always confirm on-device)

  1. In Trezor Suite click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, and choose the fee settings if adjustable.
  2. Review the transaction summary in the Suite and then confirm the full details on the Trezor device screen before approving the signature.
  3. Approve on-device to sign and broadcast the transaction. Until you approve on-device, no signature can be produced and no funds can move.

Always double-check recipient addresses and amounts on the device — the small display is the canonical source of transaction details.

Step 8 — Firmware updates and device maintenance

Trezor periodically releases firmware updates that patch security issues and add features. Apply firmware updates only through Trezor Suite or official channels.

  1. When Suite indicates a firmware update is available, follow the on-screen instructions carefully and confirm prompts on-device.
  2. Do not interrupt the update process; ensure your computer and device remain connected until the update completes.
  3. If an update fails, consult Trezor Support rather than attempting unofficial recovery procedures.
Firmware updates require extra care because they change low-level device software. Only apply signed updates from official sources.

Security best practices & ongoing habits

  • Never disclose your recovery seed. Treat seed words as you would your most sensitive credentials.
  • Use strong, unique PINs and consider passphrases for added protection if you can manage them securely.
  • Keep your computer clean: use updated OS, reputable antivirus, and avoid using public or compromised machines for critical wallet actions.
  • Beware of phishing — always verify domains and avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails or messages related to your wallet or funds.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

  • Try a different USB cable and port. Some cables are charge-only and do not transmit data.
  • Restart Trezor Suite and your computer. Reinstall Suite from trezor.io/start if necessary.
  • Check that Bridge (if using the web Suite) is installed and running.

Forgot PIN or lost device

If you forget your PIN, the device will wipe after a limited number of wrong attempts. You can restore access using your recovery seed on a new device. If you lose both device and seed, funds are unrecoverable — that’s why secure seed backups are essential.

Advanced topics

Power users may explore passphrase usage, multisig setups with compatible wallets, or connecting Trezor to third-party wallets for additional coin support. These advanced workflows offer flexibility and security but increase complexity — document procedures carefully and test restorations with small amounts first.

FAQ

Is Trezor open source?

Much of Trezor’s software and documentation is open source. Check the official GitHub for libraries, tools, and community resources.

Can I restore my wallet on another hardware brand?

Recovery seeds follow industry standards (BIP39/BIP32) for many wallets, but behavior can differ with passphrases and derivation paths. Consult the target wallet’s compatibility documentation before attempting cross-brand restores.

Resources