Trézor.io/Start®

Starting Up Your Trézor® Device

A practical, security-first walkthrough for initializing and securing your Trézor hardware wallet using the official Trézor.io/Start guidance.

Start Setup

Introduction

Welcome — this guide takes you step-by-step through getting your Trézor® hardware wallet ready for use. Whether your device is brand new or you're recovering an existing wallet, these instructions explain the essential steps on Trézor.io/Start®, covering safety, initialization, backup (recovery seed), PIN & passphrase, firmware updates, and common troubleshooting tips.

Security is the highest priority. Trézor devices are designed so private keys never leave the device; your role is to follow secure setup practices so those keys remain safe. Read carefully and keep your recovery seed offline and private.

Before You Begin

  • Use a trusted computer: perform the initial setup on a machine you control and that is free from obvious malware.
  • Visit the official start page: open https://trezor.io/start (or the vendor-provided URL) — check the browser address bar and certificate to confirm authenticity.
  • Have a pen and fireproof/acid-resistant backup material ready for the recovery seed — do not take photos or store it digitally.
  • Charge the device if using a model with rechargeable battery, or have a reliable USB cable and power source available.

First Steps

  1. Unbox and inspect: Remove the device from its packaging. Inspect seals and packaging for signs of tampering. If anything looks suspicious, contact official support before proceeding.
  2. Connect to your computer: Plug the Trézor device into the USB port. If prompted, allow the browser to access the device for the Trézor web app. Avoid using public or shared computers for the initial setup.
  3. Open Trézor.io/Start®: The official web setup portal will detect your device and present the guided onboarding flow. Follow on-screen instructions carefully — the portal helps ensure firmware authenticity and safe initialization.

Initialize Your Device

During initialization you will either create a new recovery seed (recommended for brand-new devices) or recover an existing wallet from your seed words. The seed is your ultimate backup — treat it like cash.

Create a New Seed

  1. The device will generate a random recovery seed (12, 18 or 24 words depending on model and settings). Write the words exactly in order on the supplied recovery card or another secure medium.
  2. Check for spelling and order: double-check every word and their sequence — the recovery process depends entirely on it.
  3. Store copies separately: consider storing copies in two secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box and home safe). Use tamper-resistant materials where possible.

Recover From an Existing Seed

  1. Choose the recover option and confirm the word count.
  2. Enter the words directly on the device when prompted — never type your seed into your computer or a web form.
  3. After recovery, the device will re-derive your accounts and addresses; verify balances using the Suite or compatible wallet interface.

PIN & Optional Passphrase

Protecting your device with a PIN is essential. Additionally, Trézor supports an optional passphrase — an extra word or phrase combined with your seed that creates hidden wallets.

  • Set a strong PIN: The PIN prevents local access if the device is lost. Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable; avoid simple sequences and keep it private.
  • Understand passphrase risks: A passphrase increases security by creating a separate wallet on top of your seed. However, if you forget the passphrase, access to funds protected by it is lost. Consider using a passphrase only if you can reliably store it offline in a secure form.
  • Never store passphrase with seed: Treat the passphrase as a separate secret — storing both together defeats the purpose.

Firmware: Why Updates Matter

Firmware contains the device logic. Updates patch vulnerabilities and add features. Trézor devices verify update signatures; always update firmware only via the official Trézor.io/Start flow or the official desktop app.

Important: Do not install firmware from third-party pages or untrusted sources. Verify that the device prompts match the expected update fingerprint and that the update process completes without interruption.

Post-Setup — Test and Use

  1. Add an account: Using the official app (web or desktop), add an account for Bitcoin, Ethereum, or another supported cryptocurrency.
  2. Send a test transaction: Send a small amount to and from your device to confirm that addresses, signing and broadcasting work as expected.
  3. Record device fingerprint: Many users keep a record of device identifiers and last firmware version for future verification.

Security Essentials & Long-Term Maintenance

  • Store seeds offline: Never photograph or store your recovery seed digitally. Use fireproof, water-resistant materials for long-term durability.
  • Redundancy without replication: Keep multiple backups but avoid creating easily accessible clusters of all backups in one place.
  • Rotate devices for high-value holdings: Consider using multiple devices and spreading risk across separate seeds or a multisignature scheme for large balances.
  • Keep software updated: Keep your host apps (browser and desktop Suite) updated to the latest official releases to ensure compatibility and security.

Troubleshooting

Device Not Detected

If your computer doesn't detect the device: try a different USB cable (data-capable), a different USB port, or reboot your computer. Ensure no other applications are blocking USB access. On Windows, check drivers or try the official desktop app.

Seed Entry Errors

If you make a mistake entering seed words during recovery, the device will usually notify you. Don't guess words — reinitialize and try again if necessary. If you suspect the seed is corrupted or incomplete, stop and check your backup before proceeding.

Firmware Update Failed

If an update fails, do not disconnect the device unless instructed. Reconnect and retry the official update flow. If the device is unresponsive after a failed update, consult official Trézor support for recovery steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Trézor be set up offline?

Initial seed generation and some recovery actions happen on-device, which limits exposure. However, the official firmware verification and some conveniences use an internet-connected host. Advanced users can employ strictly offline setups for air-gapped signing — consult advanced guides for safe offline workflows.

What do I do if I lose my recovery seed?

If you lose the recovery seed and still have the device with the original seed loaded, you should create a new wallet with a fresh seed and transfer funds. If both the device and seed are lost, funds cannot be recovered.

Is the passphrase required?

No. The passphrase is optional. It provides an extra layer of security and plausible deniability but must be managed carefully.