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

Overview

A hardware wallet separates the secret signing keys from internet-connected machines. Trezor devices keep private keys inside a secure environment and require physical confirmation for any signing operation. The recommended first step after unboxing is visiting trezor.io/start to download the official Trezor Suite or use the web Suite if available. This guide walks you through the full startup process, explains why each step matters, and gives practical tips for secure long-term use.

This article is an informational walkthrough: always follow the precise prompts shown by your Trezor device and the official Suite app during firmware updates and setup.

Step 1 — Download Trezor Suite

Open a trusted browser and visit trezor.io/start. Choose the Desktop installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the web version if you prefer. The Suite app handles firmware updates, device initialization, account discovery, and secure transaction workflows.

1. Type trezor.io/start in the address bar or open the official bookmark.
2. Download the appropriate installer for your OS and confirm the file name and publisher before running it.
3. Install and launch Trezor Suite. If offered, advanced users can verify checksums or signatures if Trezor publishes them for the installer.

If your operating system warns about unsigned software, double-check the source and consult official support before proceeding.

Step 2 — Initializing the device

Connect your Trezor using a data-capable USB cable. When Trezor Suite detects your device it will walk you through initialization. You have two main choices: create a new wallet (generate a new recovery seed) or recover an existing wallet (enter an existing seed).

Create a new wallet

1. Select Set up new device in Suite.
2. If prompted, allow Suite to update your device firmware; firmware delivered via Suite is signed — accept only official updates.
3. Create a PIN directly on the device. PIN entry occurs on-device for security; Suite will not capture your PIN.
4. The device will generate a recovery seed (commonly 12 or 24 words). Write down each word in order on the supplied recovery card or a trusted medium.
5. Confirm the seed when prompted. Only after confirmation is your wallet fully initialized.

Recover from existing seed

If you already have a recovery seed, select Recover wallet and carefully enter the words using the device interface. Do not type the seed on your computer — the device input is the secure method.

Step 3 — Protecting your recovery seed

The recovery seed is the single most critical secret. Anyone with the seed can restore your funds to another device. Handle it accordingly.

• Write it by hand: Use the recovery card or high-quality paper and write words legibly in order.
• Consider a steel backup: Metal seed plates survive fire, water, and decay better than paper.
• Geographic separation: Store copies in separate secure locations if you worry about physical disasters.
• Never store digitally: Do not photograph, scan, or upload your seed to any cloud service or email account.
• Passphrase option: Trezor supports an optional passphrase (an additional secret that creates a hidden wallet). Use it only if you can securely manage and remember it — losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.

Trezor staff or official support will never ask for your recovery seed. Any request for your seed is a scam.

Step 4 — Adding accounts and tokens

After initialization, add accounts for the blockchains you use. Trezor Suite supports major chains natively and provides guidance for tokens or third-party integrations where needed.

1. Open Accounts in Suite and choose Add account.
2. Select the coin (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, etc.). Suite will scan derivation paths and discover addresses tied to your seed.
3. For tokens or less common chains, Suite will offer partner integrations or external wallet recommendations; follow on-screen guidance to add them safely.

Account discovery uses public keys; private keys remain on the device. Suite only displays balances and constructs unsigned transactions for the device to sign.

Step 5 — Receiving and sending funds safely

Receiving

1. Select the account you want to receive to and click Receive.
2. Suite shows a receiving address and your Trezor device displays the same address — verify both match before sharing the address with the sender.
3. Prefer using a fresh address for each incoming payment to improve on-chain privacy.

Sending

1. Click Send in Suite and enter the destination address and amount.
2. Suite prepares the unsigned transaction and pushes it to your device for review.
3. The device will display the recipient address, amount, and fee — carefully verify these details on the device screen before approving.
4. Approve on-device to sign; Suite will then broadcast the signed transaction to the network.

For large transfers or unfamiliar addresses, perform a small test transfer first to confirm everything is correct.

Step 6 — Firmware updates & maintenance

Keep your device firmware and Suite up to date. Firmware updates deliver security improvements and new features; only apply updates using official Suite prompts. Never accept firmware from unofficial sources.

• Check Suite for update notifications regularly.
• Follow on-screen prompts and confirm firmware hashes if provided by official documentation.
• After updates, verify accounts and balances; firmware updates should not alter seeds or keys.

If a firmware update fails, reconnect the device, retry via Suite, and consult official support before attempting unconventional recovery steps.

Security best practices (ongoing)

• Always download Suite from the official start page and verify URLs.
• Store recovery seeds offline and use steel backups for long-term durability.
• Use a strong PIN and change it if you suspect compromise.
• Consider passphrase-protected hidden wallets only if you can manage the passphrase safely.
• Keep the host computer updated, use anti-malware tools, and avoid performing sensitive actions on public or shared machines.
• Use small test transfers when interacting with new services or complex smart contracts.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable, ensure the cable supports data, avoid USB hubs, unlock the device, and restart Suite and your computer.

Firmware update problems

Reconnect and retry via Suite. Do not use unofficial firmware files. Contact official support if problems persist and provide logs if requested (never share seeds).

Forgot PIN or lost device

Reset the device (wipes it) and restore from your recovery seed on a new device. Without the seed, funds cannot be recovered.

Lost recovery seed

If you cannot find your seed, search all secure locations. If irrecoverable, understand your funds may be permanently inaccessible — plan backups accordingly.

FAQ & resources

Official resources and support: trezor.io/start — Trezor Help Center and official documentation for firmware release notes, device specifics, and troubleshooting guides.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general informational content and is not an official Trezor product manual. Always follow the official on-device prompts and the vendor's documentation for precise, up-to-date instructions. Never share your recovery seed with anyone or enter it into a website or app—seed entry should only happen on a trusted hardware device during a controlled restore process.