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

Quick Setup — First 10–15 minutes

This section walks through the fastest, most secure path to making your device usable. The aim is speed without sacrificing safety.

Step 1 — Inspect & prepare (H3)

When you unbox, check for any visible tampering: broken seals, unexpected packaging, or used-looking accessories. Trezor ships with a manual, recovery card, USB cable, and the device. If anything looks off, contact the vendor or Trezor support before powering up.

What to avoid (H4)

• Don’t accept used hardware from unknown sellers.
• Don’t plug the device into a public computer if you can avoid it.
• Don’t follow setup instructions received in email — use the official start page.

Step 2 — Go to the official start page (H3)

On your computer or phone, open your browser and manually type https://trezor.io/start. This page guides you to connect your device and to install & verify any required firmware or Bridge software if necessary. Manual typing avoids phishing.

Why manual entry matters (H5)

Phishing sites mimic official pages. Typing the address yourself and checking for the HTTPS padlock reduces the risk.

Step 3 — Install official software (H3)

Follow on-screen prompts. Modern Trezor models use web-based or desktop wallet apps; the official start page directs you correctly. Allow browser permissions only when requested by the official site.

Common prompts you will see (H4)

1. Connect your Trezor by USB.
2. Allow connection/Bridge in browser (if asked).
3. Update firmware if a newer, signed firmware is required.

Initialize: PIN, Seed, Passphrase

Initializing securely is the most important step. Do it in private, on a trusted machine, and write the recovery seed by hand.

Choose a PIN (H3)

A PIN prevents casual access if your Trezor is physically stolen. Choose a PIN that's easy for you to remember but not guessable; the Trezor UI often uses a randomized keypad to prevent shoulder-surfing.

Good PIN habits (H4)

• Don't reuse obvious numbers like birthdays.
• Use a length that balances memory and security (6+ digits recommended).
• Never store your PIN with your recovery seed.

Write down your recovery seed (H3)

The recovery seed (typically 12, 18 or 24 words) is the master key to your funds. It must be written by hand on the supplied card or steel backup solution and stored in a secure, offline place. Anyone with this seed can recover and spend your assets.

Seed safety (H5)

Never photograph or upload your seed. Prefer physical storage (fireproof safe, bank deposit box, or a geographically separated split backup). Consider a stainless steel backup for protection against fire and water.

Optional: Passphrase (H3)

Trezor supports a passphrase — an extra word or phrase added to your seed. It's powerful but risky: if you forget the passphrase, you permanently lose access to the hidden wallet. Use a passphrase only if you fully understand the tradeoffs.

Firmware & device verification

Firmware integrity is central to security. Always accept firmware updates only through the official UI and ensure updates are signed by SatoshiLabs (the maker of Trezor).

How firmware updates work (H3)

The official start page will indicate if a firmware update is required. The process is automated and will prompt you to confirm actions on the device screen. Follow screen prompts exactly and never install firmware from an unverified source.

Verify the device (H4)

After initialization, Trezor often presents a short device-check procedure (a random challenge on the device that verifies the UI is talking to the genuine hardware). Pay attention to anything the UI asks you to confirm on the device itself — confirmation on the physical unit is the core trust anchor.

Daily use: Wallet interface & transactions

Using your Trezor to send and receive assets becomes routine once setup is complete. Always practice safe habits when sending funds.

Receive funds safely (H3)

To receive funds, use the receive address displayed in the official wallet UI and confirm the address on your Trezor device screen. The device shows the same address so you can verify the wallet interface isn't showing a substituted address.

Send a test transaction (H3)

Before moving large amounts, send a small test transfer (a few euros/dollars equivalent). Confirm addresses and amounts on the device, and once the test succeeds, proceed with larger transfers.

Confirmations & fees (H4)

The wallet UI will let you set transaction fees (faster = higher fee). For test transactions, choose a moderate fee to see the whole flow in a reasonable time.

Advanced security & best practices

Here are higher-grade protections used by advanced users — consider them as you gain confidence.

Use a dedicated, secure machine (H3)

For maximum safety, especially with large balances, use a dedicated laptop that is regularly updated and only used for crypto. Keep it offline when not actively transacting if possible.

Split & geographically separate backups (H3)

Consider splitting your seed into parts stored in different secure locations (using Shamir Backup, if supported by your model, or manual secret-sharing schemes). This reduces risk from a single compromised location while introducing more complexity.

Multi-sig & custodial strategies (H4)

For business accounts or very large holdings, multi-signature wallets reduce single-device risk. Learn about multisig setups and evaluate whether third-party custody or multi-admin setups make sense for you.

Troubleshooting common issues

The most common problems are connection issues, firmware mismatches, or lost PIN/seed scenarios. Here's a concise troubleshooting guide.

Device not recognized (H3)

Try a different USB cable and port. Reboot your computer; ensure any Bridge or drivers recommended by the official start page are installed. Use the official site for diagnostics and support.

Forgot PIN (H3)

If you forget your PIN, the standard action is to reset the device, which wipes the wallet. You can then recover from your seed. This is why safe seed storage is critical.

Seed compromised or lost (H3)

If you suspect your seed was exposed, immediately transfer funds to a newly initialized wallet (new seed) created on a secure device. If the seed is lost and you have no backup, the funds are irretrievable.

FAQ — quick answers

What if I see a different address on my device vs the UI? (H4)

Always trust the address shown on your Trezor device screen. If they differ, do not proceed. This could indicate malware on the host computer.

Is it safe to use a phone? (H4)

Modern phones can be used, but ensure the browser and OS are up to date. For very large transfers, prefer a more controlled environment.

How often should I update firmware? (H5)

Update when the official site suggests a security update or when you need new features. Firmware updates are signed and vetted; treat them as important.

10 Official / helpful links

Below are 10 links pointing to official Trezor resources and helpful pages. Use them as your primary references.

Extra colorful design tips (for blog editors)

If you publish this on a company blog or personal site, keep the layout readable: wide margins, strong headings, and small callout boxes for warnings. Use colors to highlight actions (green for success, yellow for caution, red for danger), but avoid flashing or alternating animations that distract from security instructions.

Example code snippet for embedding a short setup checklist (H3)

<ul class="setup-check">
  <li>Verify package integrity</li>
  <li>Go to https://trezor.io/start</li>
  <li>Initialize device & write seed</li>
  <li>Test with a small transaction</li>
</ul>

Conclusion — Secure, confident, colorful

Starting up a Trezor device is a short process with lifelong consequences: one careful initialization and backup can protect your digital assets for years. Follow the official start flow, never expose your seed, and keep firmware current. With these practices you will be both practical and secure.