Introduction
If you've just unboxed a Trezor hardware wallet, congratulations — you're taking a strong step toward controlling your digital assets. This guide walks you through the full process of starting up your device from unboxing to secure backups and first transactions. Wherever the official walkthrough is useful, we've linked to the official start page multiple times for direct reference: trezor.io/start.
Why starting securely matters
A hardware wallet like Trezor stores private keys offline, which makes it resilient to many online attacks. But the device is only as secure as the setup process and the user's habits. Bad luck, social engineering, or a rushed setup can leak backups or expose seed phrases. This article prioritizes safe, repeatable steps so you leave the start experience confident and protected.
Before you begin — what you'll need
Prepare these items before you start:
- The sealed Trezor box and contents: device, USB cable, and recovery card (if included).
- A desktop or laptop with a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Brave). Mobile setups are supported by some models but we cover the desktop flow here.
- A quiet, private space to write and store the recovery seed (no screenshots, no cloud storage).
- A reliable internet connection to download firmware and verify the official start page.
Tip: Always visit the official start page to verify firmware and follow the recommended flow: https://trezor.io/start.
Step-by-step setup
1. Inspect packaging and authenticity
Before powering up, inspect the seal and packaging for tamper evidence. Genuine Trezor packaging includes holographic stickers and tamper-evident seals. If anything looks suspicious, stop and contact support via the official page: trezor.io/start.
2. Connect and power the device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect the Trezor to your computer. Your computer should recognize the device and, if needed, prompt you to install drivers or permissions. Follow the on-screen instructions. Trezor devices require firmware verification — the device will guide you.
3. Visit the official start page
Open the official start page in your browser: trezor.io/start. The page will auto-detect your model and offer a step-by-step wizard. This ensures you aren't following outdated or malicious instructions found elsewhere.
4. Install official Bridge or connect through supported software
Some models require the Trezor Bridge or a companion app. Download only from official links provided on the start page. The start page will show the exact link and checksums required to validate the download.
5. Initialize the device
The wizard will prompt you to either create a new wallet or recover an existing one. Choose Create a new wallet unless you are restoring a previously saved seed. The device will generate a new seed; note it physically using the recovery card. Never store the seed on a computer or cloud storage.
Writing your recovery seed
As the device displays each word of the recovery seed, write it in order, twice for verification. Keep the recovery phrase in a secure, fire- and water-resistant location. For higher resilience, use a metal backup plate designed for seed storage.
PIN setup
Set a PIN directly on the device. This PIN protects the device if it is physically stolen. Use a PIN you can remember but that isn't easily guessed. Unlike the recovery seed, do not write the PIN on the recovery card.
6. Confirm the setup
After writing your seed and setting a PIN, the device and the start page will verify that the seed was recorded correctly. This may involve confirming a few random words. Only proceed when verification is successful.
Security best practices
Security is layered. Follow these practices to keep your assets safe:
- Always use official links. Bookmark trezor.io/start — the page the device references for firmware and software verification.
- Air-gap and cold storage. For long-term holdings, consider keeping your device powered off when not in use, and limit connections to trusted computers.
- Seed backups. Use multiple geographically separated backups for the seed in safe deposit boxes or with trusted custodians. Never digitize your seed.
- Phishing vigilance. Always inspect links and avoid email or chat links claiming to be support. Put official links in your bookmarks and type the domain manually if unsure.
- Firmware updates. Update firmware only via the official start wizard. Firmware updates can include important security fixes.
Troubleshooting common issues
Problems during startup are almost always solvable. Below are common issues and fixes.
Device not recognized
Try a different USB cable or port. Avoid USB hubs for initial setup. If the computer prompts for drivers, follow the official instructions on trezor.io/start.
Firmware verification failed
Do not proceed. Reconnect the device, close other browser tabs, and retry the official wizard. If the issue persists, contact official support from the start page.
I lost my recovery seed
If you lose the seed but still have the device and access, create a new wallet and move funds to the new address, then safely store the new seed. If you lose both device and seed, funds may be irretrievable — which is why seed backup is critical.
FAQ
Is it safe to buy used?
Buying used hardware wallets is risky. Only purchase from trusted resellers or directly from the official store. If you do use a second-hand device, perform a factory reset and initialize it as a new device while following the official start flow at trezor.io/start.
Can I recover my wallet on a different model?
Yes. The recovery phrase is standard across BIP39-compatible devices (and some use BIP39 derivations). Confirm compatibility and follow the recovery process on the receiving device. Official guidance and compatibility notes are on the start page: trezor.io/start.
Should I write the seed digitally?
No — digital storage (photos, notes, cloud services) is vulnerable to hacks and accidental leaks. Prefer a physical, fireproof backup. For ultra-critical holdings, consider multisig setups and distributed backups.
Advanced tips
Once you are comfortable with the basics, consider these advanced options:
- Passphrase (25th word): Trezor supports an optional passphrase that adds an extra secret to your seed. Use it only if you fully understand the implications — losing the passphrase means losing access to funds.
- Multisig wallets: Spread risk by using multisignature wallets where multiple devices or keys must sign transactions.
- Test transactions: Send a small test transaction before moving large amounts to validate your addresses and flows.
Resources & official links
For official instructions, firmware checks, and support, use the official start page. We include the link here many times so you can access it from anywhere in the article:
Conclusion
Starting up a Trezor is a mix of simple physical steps and important security decisions. Follow the official flow at trezor.io/start, keep your recovery seed offline, and adopt layered security practices. With care, your hardware wallet becomes a sturdy, long-term fortress for your crypto holdings.