🔐

Trézor.io/Start — Getting™ Started & Secure Device Setup

A friendly, practical walkthrough to set up your Trezor device safely — written for humans who want their crypto secure without the headache.

Why start at Trézor.io/Start?

The first few minutes after unboxing your hardware wallet are the most critical. Trézor.io/Start is the official onboarding portal that guides you through firmware updates, seed generation, and the connection flow to your computer. Starting here ensures you get the most secure, up-to-date steps straight from the manufacturer — minimizing the risk of configuration mistakes or malicious tampering.

Before you begin — checklist

  • Find a clean, private space with no cameras or strangers around.
  • Use a trusted computer that you control (avoid public or shared machines).
  • Have a pen and the provided recovery card or a dedicated notebook ready for your recovery seed.
  • Ensure your device box is sealed and undamaged; if not, contact support before proceeding.

Step-by-step setup (simple & secure)

1. Visit Trézor.io/Start

Open your browser and type the exact URL — don’t click links from unknown sources. The official site will recognize your device and provide a guided flow. Many browsers will show a small banner or prompt when a Trezor device is connected.

2. Connect and update firmware

Connect your Trézor device to your computer using the included cable. If prompted, allow the site to access the device. If firmware updates are required, install them from the official interface — firmware verifies the device’s integrity and patches critical vulnerabilities.

3. Create a new wallet

Choose the option to create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). This seed is the ultimate key to your funds — treat it like the most valuable asset you own.

4. Write down the recovery seed

Use the recovery card or a dedicated, fireproof notebook. Write the words in the exact order the device shows. Don’t store the seed on a computer, phone photo, cloud storage, or any online medium. If needed, split the seed across multiple secure locations using a secret-sharing approach — but be careful: splitting increases complexity and must be done properly.

5. Set a strong PIN

You’ll be asked to create a device PIN. Make it long and memorable, but not obvious. Avoid PINs tied to birthdays or predictable patterns. The device supports anti-phishing by limiting guesses and offering passphrase features for advanced users.

6. Test recovery

Most onboarding flows allow a recovery verification step. Use it: verify that the device accepts the seed you wrote down. This confirms that your backup works and your written words are correct.

Post-setup hardening

Once your device is configured, take a few additional steps to harden your setup and reduce future risk.

  1. Store backup securely: Place your written seed in a sealed envelope or a small safe. Consider geographic separation — store a copy in a different secure location from your device.
  2. Enable passphrase (optional): A passphrase adds an extra layer by deriving distinct wallets from the same seed. It’s powerful but comes with responsibility: losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access to funds.
  3. Keep firmware current: Periodically check for firmware updates via the official site; updates can patch security issues or add features.
  4. Be wary of phishing: Always verify domain spellings and avoid unsolicited emails or messages claiming to be support. Bookmark Trézor’s official start page and use that bookmark for future visits.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

If your device isn’t recognized: try a different USB cable/port, reboot your computer, or try the procedure on another trusted machine. If firmware update fails, don’t force workarounds — contact official support and provide the device’s serial number. Never download firmware from third-party sites.

Advanced tips for power users

Power users can take additional precautions: use an air-gapped machine for seed generation, encrypt a secure digital backup with high-grade encryption (but keep recovery offline), or employ multisignature wallets that require multiple hardware devices to authorize transactions. Each advanced method improves security but requires more careful operational discipline.

Threat model thinking — what are we protecting against?

Understand the threats: physical theft, remote malware, phishing, or supply-chain tampering. A hardware wallet primarily protects against remote and software attacks by keeping private keys offline. For physical threats, add secure storage and consider insurance or custodial alternatives depending on the value being protected.

A short checklist to finish

  • Seed written down and verified.
  • PIN set and memorized (not written alongside the seed).
  • Firmware updated.
  • Recovery stored in at least two secure locations.
  • Bookmark official start page and enable two-factor authentication where applicable for associated accounts.

Final thoughts

Setting up your Trézor device using Trézor.io/Start is less about a single moment and more about cultivating secure habits. The device provides strong technical protections, but your choices — how you store your seed, how you respond to unexpected prompts, and whether you keep software updated — define how safe your crypto truly is.

Treat your seed like cash: if someone can find it, they can spend your funds. Design your process so that the seed is invulnerable to casual discovery.