Trezor.io/Start® — Complete Setup & Security Guide

Overview

Trezor® hardware wallets are designed to protect private keys by isolating them on a secure device. Using the Trezor.io/Start® flow and the official Trezor Suite® app ensures you follow a verified onboarding process. The hardware-first approach reduces exposure to malware and phishing because sensitive operations—such as signing transactions and revealing recovery words—occur on the device itself, not on the host computer.

Before You Begin

Prepare these items to make setup safe and straightforward:

• Your Trezor® device in sealed packaging, purchased from an authorized seller.
• A computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection.
• The official USB cable that came with the device — avoid unknown or third-party cables during the initial setup.
• A clean, well-lit surface and a physical method to record the recovery seed (paper recovery card or metal backup).

Important: Never enter your recovery seed on a website or store it digitally. Trezor® will never ask for your recovery seed by email, chat, or phone.

Step-by-Step Setup (Trezor.io/Start®)

1. Unbox and inspect: Check the packaging and tamper-evident seal. If the packaging appears altered, stop and contact the vendor or Trezor® support.
2. Connect the device: Plug your Trezor® into a computer or mobile device using the supplied cable. Open your browser and navigate to trezor.io/start to begin the guided flow.
3. Install Trezor Suite®: When prompted, download Trezor Suite® from the official site and install the desktop or web app. Follow the on-screen instructions to continue the setup.
4. Verify device authenticity: Trezor Suite® will check the device signature and firmware signature. Only proceed if verification succeeds. If verification fails, disconnect and contact official support immediately.
5. Create a recovery seed: The device will generate a 12–24 word recovery seed. Write each word exactly as shown, in order, on the provided recovery card or a secure metal backup. Do not photograph or store the seed digitally.
6. Set a PIN: Choose a strong PIN directly on the device. The PIN is required each time the device is used and prevents unauthorized access.
7. Optional passphrase: Enable an optional hidden passphrase if you need an additional security layer. Treat this passphrase like a separate password — losing it means losing access to the assets protected by that passphrase.
8. Finish configuration: Add accounts, install coin-specific apps, and perform a small test transaction to confirm everything functions correctly.

Recovery Seed Best Practices

Your recovery seed is the ultimate backup for your wallet. Follow these rules carefully to reduce the risk of loss or theft:

• Write the seed on physical media. Use the supplied recovery card or a durable metal backup rated for fire and corrosion resistance.
• Create multiple copies stored in separate secure locations, such as a personal safe and a safe deposit box, if you need redundancy.
• Never store the seed digitally (no screenshots, cloud storage, notes apps, or unencrypted files).
• If you suspect the seed has been compromised, transfer funds to a new wallet immediately and create a fresh seed on a secure device.

Firmware, Software & Updates

Keeping firmware and software up to date is important for security and compatibility. Trezor Suite® will notify you when a firmware update is available. Always validate update prompts within the official Suite app and confirm cryptographic signatures when requested. Avoid installing unofficial firmware or modifying the device in unsupported ways.

Back up your recovery seed before performing major updates as a precaution. Updates often include security fixes and new coin support, so apply them when they are verified by Trezor®.

Daily Use & Transaction Safety

When using your Trezor® wallet regularly, follow these transaction safety tips:

• Always confirm the receiving address on the Trezor® device display before approving any outgoing transaction. Do not rely solely on the host computer's display for address verification.
• Perform small test transactions when interacting with new services or dApps to verify behavior.
• Keep software and extensions minimal and trusted. Revoke unnecessary third-party permissions and avoid untrusted browser extensions that can intercept data.
• Label accounts in Trezor Suite® and use separate accounts for different purposes (savings, trading, staking) to organize funds and reduce human error.

Troubleshooting & Recovery

Common issues and recommended responses:

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB port, cable, or computer. Ensure your browser supports WebUSB if using a web-based flow. Rebooting the host device sometimes resolves detection issues.
• Firmware verification failed: Do not proceed. Disconnect the device and contact official Trezor® support for assistance.
• Lost or damaged device: Restore your wallet using the recovery seed on a new Trezor® device or compatible wallet. If you do not have the seed, funds cannot be recovered.
• Accidentally exposed seed: If you believe the seed has been exposed, move funds immediately to a wallet with a new seed generated on a secure device.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use Trezor® on mobile devices?
A: Yes. Trezor Suite® and certain third-party mobile apps support Trezor® devices. Always verify the app's provenance and follow the same security checks as you would on desktop.

Q: Is a passphrase necessary?
A: A passphrase is optional but provides an additional layer of security. It effectively creates a hidden wallet; without the passphrase, funds are inaccessible. Use strong, memorable passphrases and store them securely.

Q: Where should I buy a Trezor® device?
A: Purchase only from the official Trezor® store or authorized resellers. Avoid second-hand marketplaces to minimize the risk of tampering.

Final Security Checklist

• Device authenticity verified through Trezor Suite®.
• Recovery seed written and stored offline in secure locations.
• Strong PIN set and optional passphrase considered.
• Firmware and software updates validated and applied.
• Test transactions performed before moving large amounts.