Get set up the right way — a friendly guide to trezor.io/start
New to hardware wallets? This unofficial page walks you through the exact flow you’ll see when you visit trezor.io/start, explains the why behind each step, and highlights the security habits that keep your crypto safe. Take ten minutes, follow along, and you’ll finish with a backed‑up wallet and a confident routine for everyday use.
What you’ll need
- 🧰 Your Trezor (Model T or Model One) and its USB cable
- 🖥 A computer with an up‑to‑date browser
- 📝 The included recovery seed cards and a pen (or a steel backup)
- 🌐 A direct connection to https://trezor.io (check the padlock)
How the setup works
1) Verify & connect
Confirm the URL is correct, connect the Trezor to your computer, and let your operating system detect the device. Genuine devices arrive with intact packaging and no pre‑written seed. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact support.
2) Install Trezor Suite
The official desktop app, Trezor Suite, handles firmware, coin support, and transactions locally on your machine. You’ll download it via the start page for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Using the desktop app avoids browser extensions and reduces phishing risk.
3) Create & back up your wallet
Your recovery seed is shown only on your device screen. Write it down neatly, verify the words, and store the backup offline. Anyone with this seed can control your funds, so treat it like physical cash or a passport.
Step‑by‑step: from box to first receive
Check the URL and device integrity
Open trezor.io/start in a new tab and confirm the connection is secure. Inspect the packaging for signs of tampering. The device should not arrive initialized and should never include a printed seed. If someone provided a seed, it’s a scam.
Download and install Trezor Suite
Choose your operating system and install the desktop application. When you launch Suite, it will look for a connected Trezor and guide you through firmware installation if needed. Keep Suite up to date to benefit from new features and security fixes.
Initialize the device
Suite will prompt you to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. For a new wallet, your Trezor will generate a recovery seed of 12, 18, or 24 words. The seed is displayed on the device screen; you confirm the words by tapping or using the device buttons.
Back up your recovery seed — offline only
Write the words in order onto the provided cards or a steel backup plate. Do not photograph, scan, print, or store the seed in cloud notes. Consider making two copies and storing them in separate secure places, like a safe and a safety‑deposit box.
Set a strong PIN (and optional passphrase)
Pick a unique PIN that you can remember. For additional security, enable a passphrase in Suite. A passphrase creates a hidden wallet; losing it makes recovery impossible, so document your strategy clearly if you use this feature.
Enable coin accounts and receive your first deposit
Add accounts for the coins you use. To receive, select an account, click Receive, and verify the address on your Trezor screen. Only deposit after the address on your computer matches the one on the device.
Send a small test transaction
Before moving a large amount, send a tiny transfer to confirm everything works. Review fees, destination address, and the amount on your Trezor screen and physically approve the transaction on the device.
Security practices that pay off
Assume the computer can be compromised. Always trust what your Trezor shows on its own screen over what you see on your monitor. If they don’t match, cancel and investigate.
Your recovery seed is only for the device. No support agent, website, or app should ask for it. If prompted to reveal it online, you’re dealing with a phishing attempt.
Run updates from inside Trezor Suite with your device connected. Avoid random download links shared on social media or forums.
Test your backup by doing a full recovery before you store meaningful value. Practice makes the real thing stress‑free.
Troubleshooting quick wins
- Device not recognized? Try a different USB cable/port and restart Trezor Suite. On Windows, install the recommended drivers from within Suite.
- Firmware loop? Keep the device connected and let Suite finish the process. If it fails repeatedly, check your cable and internet connection.
- Lost PIN? You can reset the device and recover using your seed. Without the seed, funds cannot be recovered.
- Address mismatch? Cancel the transaction and check for malware. Only proceed when the address shown on the device matches the one in Suite.
Frequently asked questions
Is this the official Trezor website?
No. This is an independent, educational page that summarizes what you’ll do at trezor.io/start. Always prefer official instructions inside Trezor Suite.
Where do I download Trezor Suite?
From the official start page. Verify the domain and the installer’s checksum if you want extra assurance.
Should I use a passphrase?
Advanced users who want plausible deniability or separate wallets may enable a passphrase. Be aware that losing a passphrase renders that hidden wallet unrecoverable even with your seed.
Can I view my seed again later?
No. You’ll see it only during the initial backup and (optionally) during a dry‑run recovery. If you didn’t write it down, reset and create a new wallet.
What coins are supported?
Coin support evolves over time. After installing Suite, add accounts to see the current list for your device and firmware.
Next steps: build your routine
- Keep your device and backups physically separate.
- Verify addresses on the device every single time.
- Use a small test transaction when moving large amounts.
- Update Suite and firmware periodically.
- Educate yourself on common phishing red flags.