trezor.io/start — Quick, secure setup for your Trezor hardware wallet

This guide explains what you’ll do at trezor.io/start, why each step matters for security, and practical tips for initializing, restoring, and maintaining your Trezor device. It’s written to be direct and actionable — skip fluff, keep your keys safe.

What trezor.io/start is and why it matters

trezor.io/start is the official starting page for configuring a Trezor hardware wallet. It helps you update device firmware, install the companion app (Trezor Suite or web gateway as applicable), create or recover a seed phrase, and guide you through secure usage. The goal is to keep your private keys offline on the device while giving you a clear path to transact safely.

Before you begin — preparation and safety checklist

Prepare a clean workspace, a trusted computer or laptop (avoid public or unknown machines), your Trezor device and the original USB cable. Have multiple blank paper recovery cards or a metal seed backup if you plan to use one. Do not use voice assistants, photos, cloud notes, or screenshots for your recovery phrase. Disable any remote support or screen-sharing sessions while performing the setup.

Tip: If you received the device second-hand or its packaging looks tampered with, do not continue setup until you've verified authenticity with the vendor or Trezor support.

Step-by-step: setting up a new Trezor

  1. Open trezor.io/start in your browser. Follow the official prompts to download Trezor Suite or connect via the supported web flow.
  2. Connect your Trezor using the supplied cable. You should see matching device prompts and a unique device fingerprint shown on both the device screen and the web/app interface — always verify they match.
  3. Install/update firmware if requested. Official firmware ensures known security fixes; only accept firmware updates presented by the official site.
  4. Create a new wallet. The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12, 18 or 24 words) on the device screen. Write it down exactly, in order, on the supplied backup card or a secure metal backup tool.
  5. Confirm the seed when prompted. The device will ask you to confirm selected words — this proves you recorded the seed correctly and the seed is not exposed to the host computer.
  6. Set a PIN on-device. The PIN protects the device if someone gains physical access. Choose a PIN you can remember but isn’t trivially guessable.

After these steps you can return to Trezor Suite to name the device, add accounts, and view addresses. When sending funds, always verify addresses on the device screen before confirming.

Restoring an existing wallet (recovering a seed)

To restore, choose Recover wallet on the device or in Trezor Suite and enter your seed words using the device’s input method — never paste from your computer. If your seed uses passphrase protection (an additional secret), ensure you understand the passphrase concept: it augments the seed but if lost, the funds are unrecoverable.

Do not enter your seed into websites, apps, or cloud services — only into the protected on-device entry during recovery.

Common troubleshooting & best practices

If the device is not detected, try a different USB port or cable and ensure your OS recognizes USB HID devices. For firmware or communication issues, use the official Trezor help pages and only follow instructions from verified sources. Keep your firmware and Suite up to date, but verify update prompts match official channels.

Use a dedicated long-term backup storage for your seed (e.g., a metal plate in a safe). Consider splitting backups across geographically separate secure locations if holding significant value. Periodically practice a dry-run recovery on a test device or ephemeral wallet to ensure your backup process works.

Security reminders

Never disclose your recovery seed or passphrase. Any request for your seed by a support agent, website, or app is a scam. PINs, passphrases, and device screens are the final authority — always verify transaction details on the Trezor display before confirming. If someone offers remote help asking for the seed or a PIN, stop immediately.

Short FAQ

Q: Can I use Trezor with multiple computers?
A: Yes. Your device stores keys on the hardware; you can connect to any trusted computer running Trezor Suite or the official web interface.

Q: What if I lose my Trezor?
A: Funds are recoverable using your seed (and passphrase if used). Anyone with your seed can access funds — keep it safe.

Disclaimer

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. Follow official instructions at trezor.io/start and consult Trezor documentation or support for device-specific concerns. The author is not responsible for losses resulting from misuse, misunderstanding, or malicious interference. Always verify links, firmware, and software sources before proceeding.