Overview
Trezor hardware wallets keep your private keys offline and require physical confirmation for all transactions. The official start page — trezor.io/start
— guides you to the correct downloads and step-by-step setup for Model One and Model T. This guide expands on that flow with tips, security reminders, and common troubleshooting steps to make your first experience smooth and safe.
Before you begin
- Choose a quiet, private place to set up the device.
- Have a pen and the seed card (or paper) ready — you will write your recovery phrase by hand.
- Use a trusted computer (or official desktop app) and avoid public/shared machines for initial setup.
- Keep the box and tamper-evident seals for inspection before use.
Security note: Never take photos or copy your recovery phrase into a digital file. Digital copies are easily stolen.
Unboxing & inspection
When you receive your Trezor, inspect the package carefully. Look for factory seals and any signs of tampering. If anything appears altered, stop and contact Trezor support through official channels. Only proceed if the package looks intact.
Visit Trezor.io/start
Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start
. This official page detects your device model and links you to the correct Trezor Suite or web app, firmware verification tools, and official documentation. Bookmark the page or type the URL directly — avoid clicking links from emails or unknown pages.
Install Trezor Suite (recommended)
For strongest security, download the Trezor Suite desktop app from the official start page. The Suite provides a guided setup, firmware checks, account management, and transaction history. Follow the on-screen installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux.
- Download the installer from
trezor.io/start
and verify the site URL. - Run the installer and launch Trezor Suite.
- Choose to connect a new device when prompted.
Initialize your Trezor — create a new wallet
The device will walk you through generating a recovery seed and choosing a PIN. This process must be completed using the Trezor hardware — not the computer keyboard — to keep the seed secure.
- Connect the device: Plug into your computer; allow any driver prompts.
- Create new wallet: Select Create new in Suite or on the web app.
- Write your recovery seed: Trezor will display words one by one. Write each word in order, exactly as shown. Use the supplied seed card or high-quality paper.
- Confirm the seed: The device will ask you to confirm random words to verify the copy is correct.
- Set a PIN: Choose a PIN that you will remember. The device displays a randomized keypad; enter the PIN using the device screen when prompted.
Never share your recovery seed or PIN. Trezor staff or legitimate support will never request them.
Restore an existing wallet
If you already have a BIP39-compatible recovery phrase from another hardware wallet, choose the Restore wallet option and enter your seed words directly on the Trezor device. After restoration, Trezor Suite will rescan the blockchain and show your accounts and balances.
Verify firmware & device authenticity
During setup Suite may prompt to install firmware. Always accept firmware only from official sources and verify the device messages shown on the Trezor screen. The device will communicate a fingerprint/hash that Suite verifies — this prevents malicious firmware.
Adding accounts & receiving funds
After setup, add accounts for the coins you want to use. Generate receive addresses inside Trezor Suite and verify every generated address on the device screen before sharing it. For frequently used addresses, consider reusing only when you understand privacy tradeoffs — best practice is to generate new addresses per payment when possible.
Sending crypto — verify on the device
Prepare transactions in Suite or a compatible wallet. When the Trezor device asks for approval, read the recipient address, the amount, and the fee displayed on the device screen. Only confirm if all details match what you intended.
Backup & long-term storage
Your recovery seed is the single point of recovery. Store it in at least one secure, geographically separated location. Consider using durable metal seed backup plates to protect against fire, water, and aging. Avoid digital backups — they are targets for theft.
Security best practices
- Never reveal your seed or PIN. No legitimate service will ask for them.
- Verify every transaction on the Trezor screen.
- Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase only if you fully understand the implications.
- Keep firmware and Trezor Suite up to date.
- Use separate accounts for different purposes (savings, spending, business) to simplify bookkeeping and reduce risk.
Troubleshooting
If Suite does not detect the device, try a different USB cable or port and restart Suite. If you forget your PIN, the device will wipe after repeated incorrect entries and you will need your recovery seed to restore. If you suspect your seed has been exposed, restore a new clean seed on a fresh device and move funds immediately.
FAQ — quick answers
- Can I set up Trezor without internet?
- The device generates keys offline, but initial setup via Suite or the web app typically requires internet to download firmware and to broadcast transactions. Use the official desktop client for stronger isolation.
- What if my device is lost or stolen?
- Use your recovery seed to restore on a new device. If you suspect seed exposure, move funds immediately to a new wallet created from a fresh seed.
- Can I use multiple computers?
- Yes — Trezor Suite and the web app can be used on multiple trusted devices; the Trezor hardware and recovery seed are authoritative.
Conclusion
Setting up a Trezor via trezor.io/start
is straightforward when you follow security-first practices: inspect the device, use official downloads, write your recovery seed by hand, verify firmware prompts, and always confirm transactions on the device screen. With these steps in place you’ll be well positioned to manage and protect your crypto assets securely.