Trezor.io/Start — Starting Up Your Device

A clear, step-by-step setup guide for your Trezor hardware wallet: unboxing, initializing, setting a PIN, backing up your recovery seed, restoring, and first transactions.

Before you begin

Congratulations on your new Trezor device. This guide explains the official, recommended steps for starting up securely. It focuses on how to keep your private keys offline, how to back up your wallet, and how to verify the device and firmware. Follow each step carefully — skipping security steps increases risk.

  • Time needed: ~15–30 minutes for initial setup and backup.
  • What you'll need: computer or mobile device, a stable internet connection for setup, and a pen/pencil for writing your recovery seed.
  • Important: Do not use your phone camera or a cloud-synced note to store recovery words.

1. Unbox & verify packaging

When you receive your Trezor device, check the packaging for tamper evidence and confirm you purchased it from an authorized seller. If the seal appears broken, or the box looks tampered with, do not proceed — contact support or the retailer.

Tip: Buy only from official channels or authorized resellers. Second-hand devices are risky because they may have been modified.
  1. Open the box and verify the included items (device, cable, recovery card, quick start instructions).
  2. Compare the device appearance with the official product photos on trezor.io to check for obvious discrepancies.

2. Connect & initialize

Initialization links your device to a new wallet or restores an existing one. For most users starting fresh, create a new wallet. Use the official Trezor web app or the official desktop app — never use unknown third-party installers.

  1. Visit the official start page: Open the official Trezor start site (trezor.io/start) in your browser. Ensure the URL is correct and the page is served over HTTPS.
  2. Install recommended software: Follow prompts to use Trezor Suite (desktop or web). The app will guide you through firmware checks and device setup.
  3. Connect your device: Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable. Wait for the device to power on and the welcome screen to appear.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions: Choose "Create new wallet" unless you're restoring from an existing recovery seed.
  5. Verify firmware authenticity: If prompted, verify firmware checks performed by the app. If the device requests an unexpected action or the app warns about firmware, stop and follow official troubleshooting guidance.

3. Create a PIN

Your PIN prevents unauthorized use of the device if it is lost or stolen. The PIN is entered on the device using a randomized keypad displayed on the host — this thwarts malware from learning keys from your computer screen.

  1. Select a PIN of sufficient length (6 digits or more is common); avoid trivial choices like 000000 or 123456.
  2. Memorize the PIN — do not write it down with your recovery seed.
  3. If you forget the PIN, you'll need the recovery seed to restore your wallet on another device.

4. Record your recovery seed (backup)

The recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words depending on device/configuration) is the ultimate backup for your wallet. If your device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery seed is how you restore funds on a new compatible device.

  1. During setup the device will display each word of the seed on its screen. Write them down in order on the included recovery card or on a durable medium.
  2. Do not photograph or store the seed on any internet-connected device or cloud service.
  3. Consider using a metal backup plate for long-term durability and fire/water protection.
  4. Store copies in separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe) to protect against theft and disaster while maintaining confidentiality.
Tip: Keep no more copies than necessary. The fewer places the seed exists, the smaller the accidental exposure risk — balance that against physical loss risk.

5. Verify & test

Before moving significant funds, perform a small test transaction to ensure everything is working end-to-end and you understand the flow.

  1. Create a receiving address in your Trezor app and copy it exactly as displayed on the device (verify on-device address matches host display).
  2. Send a small amount from an exchange or another wallet.
  3. Confirm the transaction appears in the Trezor app and that you can spend it.

6. First transactions & ongoing safety

When sending funds, always check the following:

  • Confirm the destination address on the Trezor device screen, not just the computer window.
  • Double-check amounts and fee settings.
  • Keep device firmware and the Trezor app up to date; read release notes before major updates.

For long-term holdings consider a strategy separating cold storage (long-term funds) and hot wallets (small amounts for daily use).

Restoring on a new device

If you need to restore on a replacement device, the process is the reverse of initialization:

  1. Start with a new, factory-reset Trezor device.
  2. Choose "Recover wallet" in the setup flow.
  3. Enter your recovery seed words exactly and in order — use the device’s screen to enter words to avoid exposing them to the host.
  4. Set a new PIN after recovery.
  5. Verify accounts and addresses match your expectations before using your funds.
Remember: If your recovery phrase was generated by another wallet brand and you restore to Trezor, verify compatibility (BIP39/BIP44/BIP32 standards) and derivation paths if you expect the same addresses.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my recovery seed?
If you lose the recovery seed and also lose access to the device, there is no way to recover the funds. Always keep secure offline backups.
Can Trezor be used on a public computer?
Technically yes, but avoid public or untrusted machines. Use your own device and trusted host whenever possible. Device verification (on-screen) protects signing but host malware remains a risk for metadata and phishing attempts.
Should I use a passphrase?
A passphrase adds an extra secret on top of your seed and can create hidden wallets. It provides stronger protection but increases complexity — if you forget the passphrase you cannot recover the hidden wallet even with the seed.