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

Beginner Friendly

Overview

Trezor.io/Start is the official place where you begin the life of your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide walks you from unboxing to a fully functional, secure wallet — with clear safety tips, troubleshooting and best practices. It is written to be visual, colorful, and easy to follow while emphasizing security at every step.

Quick summary: connect the device, install Trezor Suite (or use the web interface), initialize or recover a wallet, record your recovery seed, and verify transactions on-device.

Getting Ready

Before you touch the device — do a quick safety and environment check.

Safety checklist:

Download firmware and apps only from trezor.io/start.
Use a trusted computer and a recent browser version.
Keep a pen and the recovery card (included) ready — never store your seed digitally.

Unboxing & device inspection

Inspect packaging and seal for tamper evidence. Trezor devices include tamper-evident packaging and a clear label of origin — if anything looks suspicious, contact support before proceeding.

Step-by-step Setup (Core)

Go to Trezor.io/Start

Open the official start page and follow the on-screen prompts to download Trezor Suite or use the web installer.

Connect your Trezor

Use the supplied USB cable. Trezor will power up and show its boot animation. If prompted, allow the browser to access the device.

Install / open Trezor Suite

Choose Desktop or Web Suite. The Suite will guide device initialization, firmware check, and app installation.

Create a new wallet OR restore

If new, set a PIN on-device and write the recovery seed. If restoring, carefully enter the recovery words exactly as recorded.

Warning: Your 12/24-word recovery seed is the only way to recover funds. Never share it, photograph it, or enter it into a computer or phone. Ledger staff and support will never request your seed.

On-device verification

Always confirm actions (addresses, transaction values) on your Trezor's screen — this is the single source of truth that prevents tampering from malware.

Installing cryptocurrency apps

Trezor supports many currencies via dedicated apps. In Trezor Suite you can install the required app to your device — install only what you need to save device memory.

Tip: After setup, perform a small test transaction — send a tiny amount to / from your wallet to confirm everything works and you are comfortable with the process.

Security & Best Practices

Security is layered: device, firmware, user habits.

Top practices

Keep firmware and Trezor Suite up to date.
Use a strong device PIN (not birthdays or simple patterns).
Store your recovery seed offline in at least two secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box and home safe).
Consider passphrase protection (advanced users) — it creates an additional hidden wallet but be mindful: losing the passphrase cannot be recovered.

Physical Security

Treat the device like cash: control physical access. If someone else can touch your device and see your PIN or seed, your funds are at risk.

Phishing and URLs

Always verify you're on trezor.io/start — attackers use look-alike domains and emails. Bookmark the official start page to avoid typosquatting.

Red flag: Emails or chat messages asking you to enter your recovery phrase into a website or to share your seed are scams — do not comply.

FAQs

Q: Can I initialize Trezor without internet?
A: Yes — firmware updates and some features require internet, but you can generate a recovery seed and create a wallet offline. Use Suite later to manage coins.

Q: What if I lose my device?
A: Recover funds with your recovery seed on a new Trezor or compatible wallet. The seed is the critical backup.

Q: Is Trezor compatible with mobile?
A: Trezor Link and third-party mobile apps may provide limited support, but desktop Suite is recommended for full features.

Q: Should I use a passphrase?
A: Passphrases add protection but increase responsibility. Use them if you understand the risks and can reliably remember/store the passphrase.

Need help? Visit trezor.io/support for official help articles and contact options.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Device not recognized by Suite

Try a different USB cable or port — use the original cable when possible.
Restart your browser and computer, then reconnect the device.
Check browser permissions — allow the Suite to access the device when prompted.

Firmware update fails

If a firmware update is interrupted, do not panic — the Suite includes recovery steps. Reconnect device, follow on-screen instructions, and avoid disconnecting during the update.

Accidentally revealed seed or lost seed

If your seed was exposed, move funds to a new wallet immediately using a new device and new seed. If seed is lost and you have funds, they cannot be retrieved without the seed.

Advanced Usage & Power-User Tips

For advanced security and flexibility:

Use multiple microSD or metal seed backups (metal plates are resilient to fire and water).
Set up multiple accounts inside Trezor Suite to separate funds (e.g., savings vs. everyday spending).
Consider a multisig setup for very large holdings — combine multiple devices for shared control.
Experiment with hidden wallets via passphrase to create plausible deniability in extreme scenarios.

Accessibility & Localization

Trezor Suite supports multiple languages and accessibility features — check the Suite settings to tailor the UI to your preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (Extended)

How long does setup take?

From unboxing to ready-to-use typically 10–20 minutes, depending on firmware downloads and how carefully you record the recovery seed.

Can I use Trezor with third-party wallets?

Yes — Trezor integrates with many third-party wallets and services. Always confirm compatibility on the official website and double-check addresses on-device.

What about coins not shown in Suite?

Some tokens and blockchains require third-party integrations. Use the official documentation to find supported integrations and instructions for advanced tokens (ERC-20, BEP-20, etc.).

Where should I store my recovery seed?

Offline is mandatory. Use paper and/or metal backup stored in secure, geographically separated locations. Avoid photos, cloud storage, or unencrypted digital notes.

Final words

Setting up your Trezor is the single most effective step you can take to control and secure your crypto assets. Follow safe practices, verify everything on-device, and treat your recovery seed as the ultimate private key.