Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device | Trezor

Welcome — quick orientation

If you just unboxed a Trezor hardware wallet, congratulations: you’ve chosen a market-proven way to keep private keys offline and safe. This guide walks you from the first plug into your computer through the Trezor Suite setup, firmware installation, PIN selection, and wallet backup/recovery — all illustrated with practical security tips and direct links to official Trezor resources.

What you’ll need before you start

• Your Trezor device (Model One, Model T, or a Safe model).
• A computer or mobile device with an up-to-date browser, or the Trezor Suite desktop app.
• A secure, private place to write and store the wallet backup (never online).

Official start point

Begin by visiting the official Trezor start page at trezor.io/start — that page launches Trezor Suite and guides the entire setup flow. The Suite app is the recommended interface for both desktop and mobile setups.

Step 1 — Open Trezor Suite and connect

When you open Trezor Suite from trezor.io/start, plug your Trezor into the USB port when prompted. Follow the on-screen instructions. If the device asks to install firmware, accept the official firmware from Trezor only — this is a normal and crucial step.

Why firmware matters (and how it’s delivered)

Trezor devices ship without firmware, and the Suite will install the official firmware for you during setup. Installing firmware ensures your device runs the authentic, auditable software signed by Trezor. If you see any warnings about unofficial firmware or tampering, stop and contact official support.

Device pages (handy references)

Step 2 — Set a PIN and label your device

After firmware is installed, create a PIN on the device. Choose a PIN that is not guessable and avoid obvious birthdays or simple sequences. The PIN protects the device if someone obtains the physical unit — it’s a critical second factor.

Choosing a secure PIN (practical tips)

• Make it long enough for your comfort — 6+ digits is better than 4.
• Do not store the PIN with the recovery words.
• Enter your PIN only on the Trezor device when prompted (not on your computer).

Step 3 — Create (or recover) your wallet backup

Trezor will prompt you to either create a new wallet (generate a wallet backup) or recover an existing one using your wallet backup words. Trezor uses a wallet backup (recovery) standard — the device will guide you through writing down the words or using a backup product.

Wallet backups — what to know

The backup is the single most important piece of information for restoring access to your funds if your device is lost or damaged. Trezor now refers to the recovery phrase as a “wallet backup.” Treat this backup with the same care as cash: never photograph it, never store the words in cloud services or on an internet-connected device.

Backup methods

• Write the words on paper and store in a safe place (single-share).
• Use a metal backup device (e.g., Trezor Keep or other stainless steel plates) for robust physical durability.
• Consider multi-share (advanced) approaches if you need multi-party redundancy — see official guides for advanced setups.

Step 4 — Move funds safely

Once your wallet is created and verified, move a small test amount first. Confirm the incoming transaction in Trezor Suite and on the device screen before sending larger sums. Always verify receiving addresses on the device screen.

Best practice — test with a small transfer

Send a tiny amount from an exchange or another wallet to your new Trezor address. Confirm it arrives and shows correctly in the Suite app. After successful confirmation, you can transfer larger balances.

Security checklist (short)

• Buy only from official channels and check packaging for tampering.
• Always start at trezor.io/start or the Trezor Suite app.
• Do not install unofficial firmware or click suspicious setup links.
• Keep your wallet backup offline and in a physically secure location.

More official reading

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different cable or USB port, and use the desktop Trezor Suite installer rather than in-browser bridge if you run into issues. Rebooting your computer sometimes helps. Only install drivers or companion apps recommended from trezor.io.

Forgot PIN or locked out

If you forget your PIN, you will need to wipe the device and restore from your wallet backup. That is why multiple secure backups (in physically separate locations) are recommended for high-value wallets.

When to contact support

If you suspect tampering, see official Trezor support. Do not enter your recovery words into websites or unknown software — Trezor will never ask for your full recovery phrase online. If in doubt, contact official Trezor support through links on trezor.io.

Advanced topics (quick primer)

Passphrase (optional)

A passphrase offers an additional layer — effectively creating a hidden wallet that requires both the recovery phrase and the passphrase. Use this only if you understand the risks: losing the passphrase means losing access to the funds in that hidden wallet.

Using multiple devices or multisig

Advanced users may split control across devices or use multisig schemes for business or high-safety personal wallets. Trezor's guides include pointers for advanced wallet setups and multisig workflows.

10 official links (handy at a glance)

Final thoughts — security as a practice

A hardware wallet like Trezor drastically reduces the attack surface for your crypto, but it does not eliminate all risk — human error and social engineering remain real threats. Treat security as ongoing: rotate custodial practices, verify all URLs before use, and keep your backups physically secure.

Want an accessibility or printable version?

You can copy/paste this HTML into any editor and print to PDF for an offline reference checklist. Keep one printed copy of your backup checklist in a safe place — but never include the actual recovery words on that copy.