Official Site® | Trézor.io/Start® | Get Started with Trézor™
Starting up your Trezor® hardware wallet is the most important step in securing your digital assets. This initial setup lays the foundation for how safely your cryptocurrencies will be stored and accessed in the future. Whether you are new to crypto or upgrading from another wallet, following the correct startup process ensures your private keys stay private—and under your control.
This guide walks you through the complete process of starting up your Trezor device, from unboxing to your first secure transaction.
What Is Trezor and Why Setup Matters
Trezor is a hardware wallet designed to keep your private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchanges, a Trezor device isolates your sensitive data from internet-connected devices, dramatically reducing the risk of hacking, malware, or phishing attacks.
The startup process is not just a formality. During setup, your wallet generates a recovery seed—a unique set of words that acts as the master key to your funds. If this step is rushed, skipped, or compromised, your crypto can be lost permanently.
That’s why Trezor emphasizes starting your device only through the official onboarding process.
Step 1: Unbox and Inspect Your Device
When you receive your Trezor device, inspect the packaging carefully.
Ensure the box is intact and shows no signs of tampering
Check that all security seals are unbroken
Confirm the contents match what’s listed on the package
If anything looks suspicious, do not plug the device in. Contact Trezor support through their official website.
A genuine Trezor device will never come pre-configured or with a recovery seed already included.
Step 2: Visit the Official Start Page
Open a web browser and manually type the official address:
Avoid clicking ads, links in emails, or messages from social media. Phishing sites often look identical to the real page but are designed to steal your recovery seed.
On the start page, you’ll be guided to install Trezor Suite, the official desktop application used to manage your device.
Step 3: Install Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the version that matches your operating system directly from the official site.
After installation:
Launch Trezor Suite
Connect your Trezor device using the supplied USB cable
Follow the on-screen instructions
At this stage, your device is still empty and safe to connect.
Step 4: Install Firmware on Your Trezor
New Trezor devices do not come with firmware installed. This is intentional and ensures no third party has accessed your wallet before you.
When prompted:
Confirm the firmware installation in Trezor Suite
Verify the fingerprint shown on your computer matches the one displayed on the device
Approve the installation directly on the Trezor device
Never install firmware from unofficial sources.
Step 5: Create a New Wallet
Once firmware installation is complete, you’ll be asked whether you want to:
Create a new wallet
Recover an existing wallet
For new users, select Create new wallet.
Your Trezor will now generate your recovery seed. This seed is the single most important element of your wallet’s security.
Step 6: Write Down Your Recovery Seed (Offline Only)
Your recovery seed will consist of 12, 18, or 24 words, depending on your choice.
Important rules:
Write the words down by hand
Store them offline only
Never take photos or screenshots
Never enter them on a website or share them with anyone
Trezor will never ask for your recovery seed outside of device-based recovery.
Anyone with access to this seed has full control over your funds.
Step 7: Verify the Recovery Seed
To ensure you’ve written the seed correctly, Trezor will ask you to confirm selected words. This step helps catch mistakes early, before funds are added to the wallet.
Take your time. Accuracy matters more than speed.
Once verified, your wallet is fully created.
Step 8: Set a Secure PIN
You’ll now set a PIN code for your device. This PIN protects your Trezor if it’s lost or stolen.
Tips for a strong PIN:
Avoid simple sequences
Don’t reuse ATM or phone PINs
Memorize it—don’t store it digitally
The PIN is entered using a randomized keypad, preventing keyloggers from capturing it.
Step 9: Optional – Enable Passphrase Protection
For advanced users, Trezor offers passphrase protection. This adds an extra layer of security by creating hidden wallets linked to a custom passphrase.
With passphrases:
Your recovery seed alone is not enough to access funds
Each passphrase creates a separate wallet
Losing the passphrase means losing access permanently
This feature is powerful but should only be used if you fully understand the responsibility.
Step 10: Add Accounts and Receive Crypto
Your Trezor is now ready to use.
Inside Trezor Suite, you can:
Add cryptocurrency accounts
Generate receiving addresses
Send and receive transactions
Track balances securely
Always verify addresses on the Trezor device screen before confirming transactions.
Staying Secure After Setup
Starting your Trezor device correctly is only the beginning. Long-term security depends on good habits:
Keep your recovery seed safe and private
Verify URLs every time you connect
Update firmware only through Trezor Suite
Ignore messages asking for your seed
Trezor will never contact you first or ask for sensitive information.
Final Thoughts
The Trézor.io/Start process is designed to put you in full control of your digital assets from day one. By carefully following each step—especially recovery seed handling—you create a secure environment that no exchange or third party can compromise.