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

Welcome to the ultimate step-by-step guide for setting up your new Trezor hardware wallet. Whether you’ve just unboxed your Trezor Model T or Trezor Safe 3™, this guide will walk you through the secure setup process to ensure your cryptocurrencies are protected from the moment you start. Let’s begin your journey to unparalleled security.

Why Start at Trezor.io/start? ⚠️

Before we dive in, this is a critical security reminder®. Always begin your setup by navigating directly to https://trezor.io/start from your browser.

  • This ensures you are on the official Trezor® website, protecting you from phishing sites that may mimic Trezor.
  • Never search for the link and never use links sent via email or message.
  • Bookmark the official page for future use.

Counterfeit websites are a real threat in crypto. Starting at the verified source is your first layer of defense. Remember: Your seed phrase is your crypto. Never share it with anyone, ever.™

What’s in the Box? 📦

Your Trezor package should contain:

  • Your Trezor device (Model T or Safe 3)
  • A USB-C® cable
  • Recovery seed cards (cardboard for writing your 12-24 word backup phrase)
  • Getting started guide
  • Trezor stickers
Important: Ensure the holographic seal on the device and box is intact. If it’s broken, do not proceed. Contact Trezor support immediately.

Phase 1: Initial Setup & Device Connection

Step 1: Install Trezor Bridge/Suite

  1. Go to trezor.io/start.
  2. The page will automatically detect your need for Trezor Bridge (a communication tool) or prompt you to download Trezor Suite—the official desktop application. Trezor Suite is recommended for a full-featured experience.
  3. Download and install the application for your operating system (Windows®, macOS®, Linux®).

Step 2: Connect Your Device

  1. Connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided USB-C cable.
  2. Follow the on-screen prompts in Trezor Suite. You’ll be asked to install the latest firmware. Always install the latest firmware. This ensures you have the most recent security patches and features.
Pro Tip: Firmware updates are signed by SatoshiLabs®. Your device will verify this automatically. This is a core security feature of genuine Trezor hardware.

Phase 2: The Heart of Security: Your Recovery Seed Phrase ©

This is the most important step. Your recovery seed phrase (12, 18, or 24 words) is the master key to your entire wallet. If you lose your device, this phrase recovers all your assets on a new one.

Step 3: Generate Your Seed Phrase

  1. Your Trezor device will generate a unique, random seed phrase.
  2. The words will be displayed one by one on the Trezor's screen, NOT on your computer monitor. This keeps it offline and safe from digital snooping.
  3. Write down each word in the exact order on the provided recovery seed card.
  4. Double-check your written words for accuracy.

Step 4: The Verification Process

Trezor Suite will then ask you to confirm your seed phrase by selecting words in the correct order on the device screen. This ensures you have written it down correctly.

Security Golden Rules®:

  • NEVER digitize your seed phrase. No photos, no cloud storage, no text files.
  • Store the card physically secure—like a safe or safety deposit box.
  • Consider a Cryptosteel™ capsule or similar fire/metal backup for extreme durability.
  • Never, ever share these words. Trezor staff will never ask for them.

Phase 3: Personalizing Your Wallet

Step 5: Set Up a PIN

  1. You will be prompted to set up a PIN code.
  2. The PIN is entered using the randomized keypad on your Trezor's screen, not your computer's keyboard. This prevents keyloggers from stealing it.
  3. Choose a PIN you will remember but is hard to guess. This PIN is required every time you connect your device.

Step 6: (Optional) Enable Passphrase® for a Hidden Wallet

For advanced security, you can activate the Passphrase feature. This adds an extra custom word (or phrase) to your seed, creating a completely hidden wallet.

  • Think of it as a "25th word" you define.
  • Without it, even with your seed phrase, the hidden wallet is inaccessible.
  • Do not forget it! There is no way to recover a lost passphrase.

You’re Ready! Navigating Trezor Suite

With setup complete, you now have access to:

  • Dashboard: View your portfolio balance and asset allocation.
  • Accounts: Manage different cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin®, Ethereum®, ERC-20 tokens, etc.).
  • Send/Receive: Securely send and receive crypto. Your addresses are verified on the device screen.
  • Exchange: Swap coins directly within the secure environment.
  • Buy: Purchase crypto with fiat through integrated partners.
Remember: For any transaction, you must physically confirm on the Trezor device. This is the "cold storage" magic—your private keys never leave the device.

Troubleshooting & Best Practices

  • Lost/Stolen Device? Use your seed phrase on a new Trezor to instantly recover all funds. Your crypto is on the blockchain, safe in your seed.
  • Forgot PIN? You can wipe the device and restore it using your seed phrase.
  • Stay Updated: Regularly open Trezor Suite to check for firmware updates.
  • Beware of Scams: Ignore emails, YouTube comments, or support agents claiming to be from Trezor asking for your seed or directing you to a different website.

Conclusion: Your Keys, Your Coins, Your Freedom™

By completing the setup at trezor.io/start, you have taken a monumental step toward true financial sovereignty. You are no longer trusting a bank or exchange with your assets. You are the bank. Your Trezor device, combined with your securely stored seed phrase, forms an impenetrable vault for your digital wealth.

Welcome to the future of secure, self-custodied finance. Explore Trezor Suite, discover its features, and rest easy knowing your investments are protected by the world’s most trusted and pioneering hardware wallet technology from SatoshiLabs. 🔒