Trézor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device ✨
Welcome! This guide walks you through safely setting up your Trézor device. From unboxing to first transaction, learn best practices for seed backup, firmware verification, passphrases, and everyday security so you can take full control of your crypto. ₿🔑🪙
We designed these steps for clarity and safety. Read each section carefully, follow on-device prompts, and avoid sharing sensitive recovery material with anyone. Ready? Let’s get your device started — securely and confidently.
Begin Setup — Secure Your Key 🔑Before you start — safety first
Unbox your Trézor only from trusted sellers. Inspect the packaging for tamper-evidence. Never initialize a device that looks physically altered or arrives with pre-filled recovery sheets. Always follow official instructions from Trézor documentation — phishing sites may attempt to trick you.
What you'll need
- Computer with a secure OS and up-to-date browser for the Suite or app.
- The included USB cable and your new Trézor device.
- Pen and durable paper or a dedicated steel backup plate for your recovery seed.
- Patience — record your recovery phrase carefully and store it offline.
Step-by-step: initial setup
- Connect & open: Plug your Trézor into your computer and visit Trézor.io/Start (or open the official Suite). Follow the official on-screen flow — do not follow instructions from unknown sites.
- Create a new wallet: Choose "Create a new wallet" on the device and the Suite. Your device will generate a deterministic recovery seed ✍️ — write it down in order, on paper or a steel backup. Treat it like the master key to your funds.
- Verify the seed: The Suite will ask you to confirm a small subset of seed words on the device. This checks that you recorded the phrase correctly. If anything differs, do not proceed — reinitialize and create a fresh seed.
- Set a PIN: Set a secure PIN on-device. This protects access if someone gets physical access to your device. Use a memorable but non-obvious PIN; avoid repeating or simple sequences.
- Optional passphrase: For advanced users, enable a passphrase for account segregation and extra privacy. A passphrase is an extension to your seed — losing it could mean permanent loss of funds. Treat it with the same care as the recovery seed.
- Update firmware: The device will prompt you if a firmware update is available. Verify firmware signatures and release notes from official channels before applying. Firmware updates patch security issues and add improvements; they are important.
- Test with small amount: Send a small test transaction to/from your new wallet to confirm everything works. This validates your setup without risking large amounts.
Tip: never store seed words in a screenshot, cloud note, or on a connected device. Physical and offline backups are the safest.
Seed backup & recovery — do it right
Your recovery seed (12, 18 or 24 words) is the only way to recover funds if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen. Use high-quality materials: write legibly on durable paper, use a fire- and water-resistant steel backup, and store copies in geographically separate secure locations (safe deposit box, trusted family member, encrypted vault).
Recovery checklist
- Record words in order, using only pen and paper or a certified metal plate.
- Never enter your seed into a website, app, or phone — seed = full access.
- Regularly verify backups and update plans as circumstances change.
Everyday protection & best practices
On-device confirmations
Always check the transaction details shown on your device screen before approving. The Suite shows a preview; your device displays the final human-readable details — approve only what you recognize.
Beware of phishing
Only use official domains and verified downloads. If a site requests your seed or private key — it's malicious. Report suspicious links to official support channels.
Software hygiene
Keep your computer and browser up to date, avoid public Wi-Fi when transacting, and consider using a dedicated machine for large transactions.
Troubleshooting & support
If you encounter issues during setup — device not recognized, firmware errors, or missing seed words — consult the official Trézor support center and community docs. Official support will never ask for your full recovery seed. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a newly initialized device and seed immediately.
Quick recovery tip: Keep one verified small test wallet for routine checks and a separate cold storage account for long-term holdings.
Advanced: passphrases & multi-sig
Use passphrases for account separation and plausible deniability. For organizational or high-value holdings, consider multi-signature setups that distribute signing authority across multiple devices or keyholders — reducing single-point-of-failure risk.