Why start at trezor.io/start?
The safest, official path to initialize any Trezor hardware wallet is the Trezor Start portal: https://trezor.io/start. That portal guides you to download Trezor Suite (the official companion app), install firmware, and create a secure wallet backup—everything you need to get up and running.
Quick checklist before you begin
- Ensure the box is sealed and untampered with.
- Use a clean, malware-free computer or phone if possible.
- Have a pen and the included recovery backup material ready (or a secure backup tool of your choice).
- Plan for about 15 minutes of uninterrupted time for initial setup.
H1 — The official setup flow (high level)
The typical setup flow you will encounter at trezor.io/start is:
- Connect your Trezor device to your computer / mobile.
- Install the latest firmware (devices ship without firmware installed).
- Create a new wallet (or recover an existing wallet if you already have one).
- Write down and securely store your wallet backup words (the recovery backup).
- Set a PIN and optionally configure passphrase / advanced settings.
Each step is confirmed on the device screen itself — this device confirmation is central to the security model: your private keys are never exposed to the host computer.
H2 — Step-by-step setup (detailed)
H3 — Step 1: Visit the official start page
Open your browser and go to https://trezor.io/start. From there, download Trezor Suite for your operating system or follow the in-browser setup prompts. Always confirm you are on the official domain before downloading software.
H3 — Step 2: Connect the device & install firmware
Connect your Trezor device with the supplied cable. Modern Trezor devices often ship without firmware, so Suite will prompt you to install the latest firmware. Install it only when the installation is offered through the official app — firmware installs are signed and verified by Trezor's software.
H3 — Step 3: Create or recover a wallet
Choose Create new wallet if you are starting fresh. If you already have a recovery backup from another Trezor, you may use Recover wallet. For most users, creating a fresh wallet is recommended to avoid inheriting unknown states.
H4 — Writing down the wallet backup
The wallet backup (commonly called "recovery seed" historically) is the physical paper or card you will use to recover funds if your device is lost or damaged. Write this down carefully and store it offline in at least one secure location (two copies in separate places is safer).
H4 — Setting a PIN and passphrase (optional)
Set a PIN on the device to protect it from local access. A passphrase is optional and acts as an extra word for the backup — it creates a hidden wallet when used. Understand both features before enabling passphrases: they increase security but also increase the need for careful backup management.
H5 — A note about device authenticity checks
During setup the Trezor Suite will ask you to confirm a challenge to prove the device is genuine. Do not skip or bypass this check: it prevents tampered devices from being used. If anything looks off—packaging damage, unexpected prompts—stop and contact official support.
H2 — After setup: move your coins safely
Once your wallet is created and the device is ready, move a small test amount first (a fraction of a coin) to confirm everything works as expected. When satisfied, transfer larger amounts. Treat your Trezor the way you treat a physical bank safe: secure backups, restricted access, and redundancy where appropriate.
H3 — Managing accounts in Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite lets you manage multiple accounts and supports many coins. Use the Suite to check balances, receive and send transactions, and install coin-specific apps where applicable. Always confirm addresses on your device screen before sending funds — the host computer can be compromised, but the device screen is the source of truth.
H4 — Regular maintenance
- Keep firmware up to date (but only via official channels).
- Keep the host app (Trezor Suite) updated.
- Never share your recovery backup with anyone.
H2 — Troubleshooting & common questions
H3 — My device asks to install firmware — is that normal?
Yes. New devices are often shipped without firmware. Installing firmware from Trezor Suite is expected and secure when done via the official app.
H3 — I lost my device. How do I recover funds?
With your written wallet backup you can recover your wallet on another Trezor device (or supported compatible wallet) via the Recover wallet flow at trezor.io/start. Without the backup, funds cannot be recovered.
H3 — Is it safe to use my Trezor on a laptop infected with malware?
The Trezor device isolates private keys and displays transaction details on its screen, which greatly reduces risk — but a compromised host can still perform dangerous operations. For critical transfers, use a known-clean device and network.
H2 — Best practices (security checklist)
- Always download software from https://trezor.io/start (avoid third-party mirrors).
- Confirm device authenticity via on-device prompts during setup.
- Write your recovery backup physically; avoid storing it in digital files or photos.
- Use a strong PIN and consider passphrase only if you fully understand the recovery implications.
- Test with small transactions before moving large amounts.
H2 — Advanced topics
H3 — Passphrases and hidden wallets
Adding a passphrase creates an additional layer — and an additional wallet that exists only when that passphrase is entered. Never forget the passphrase; losing it permanently locks access to that hidden wallet. Treat the passphrase like a critical secret.
H3 — Multi-device & multi-backup strategies
Power users sometimes split backups across multiple secure locations or use multi-signature setups for extra redundancy. These are advanced strategies—research and test carefully before entrusting significant funds to any setup.
H2 — Final words & official links
Starting securely at the official portal is the best first step: https://trezor.io/start (that’s the same link again — and once more for good measure).