Trezor.io/Start – Quick Start Guide for Your Trezor Hardware Wallet

Welcome! This quick start guide walks you through everything you need to safely unbox, initialize, and begin using your new Trezor hardware wallet. Follow the steps precisely to secure your crypto assets and avoid common setup pitfalls.

What's in the box

Before you begin, verify the package contents and that the packaging is intact. Typical items included:

Trezor device (Model T or Model One)
USB cable
Recovery seed cards or booklet
Quick start leaflet and warranty information

Important: If any seals are broken or items are missing, do not use the device. Contact the vendor or Trezor support and request a replacement.

Security first — best practices

Hardware wallets protect your private keys by keeping them offline. Before setup, keep these security practices in mind:

Always initialize the device yourself — never use a pre-initialized device.
Do not enter recovery words into a computer or phone. Write them down physically on the supplied recovery card and store it securely.
Use only official firmware updates from Trezor and the official web interface at trezor.io/start.
Consider a dedicated, malware-free computer for initial setup if possible.

What you need before starting

Computer (Windows/macOS/Linux) or supported mobile device and a USB cable or adapter.
Access to the internet to visit trezor.io/start and download Trezor Suite or Bridge if required.
Pen and the recovery seed card supplied with your device (or your own secure notebook).
Time and a quiet place — this process should not be rushed.

Quick start — step-by-step

Unbox and inspect

Remove the device from the packaging and inspect it. The device should be factory sealed and show no signs of tampering.

Connect the device

Connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied USB cable. Newer models may require a USB-C cable; use the correct cable for your computer.

Open `trezor.io/start`

Open your browser and navigate to trezor.io/start. This official page will guide you to download Trezor Suite (the desktop app) or direct you to the web interface. Follow the on-screen prompts.

Install required software

Depending on your OS and model, you may be prompted to:

Install Trezor Suite (recommended) — a desktop app for managing accounts, firmware, and transactions.
Install Trezor Bridge (legacy) for browser communication.

Only download software from the official site. Verify downloads if prompted.

Initialize the device

Follow the on-screen instructions inside Trezor Suite or the web interface to initialize. Typical choices during initialization:

Create a new wallet (generate new recovery seed).
Recover wallet from an existing seed (if you already have one).
Set a device PIN to prevent unauthorized use if the device is connected to a computer.

Write down your recovery seed

The device will generate a recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words depending on model/configuration). Write each word exactly in order on the recovery card provided. This is the single most important step — your seed is the backup to recover funds if the device is lost or damaged.

Never: take photos of the seed, store it digitally, email it, or enter it into any online form. Keep it physically secure and consider multiple secure locations (e.g., a safe).

Optional: Enable passphrase

A passphrase is an additional secret added to your recovery seed. It strengthens security but adds complexity: if you forget the passphrase, you cannot recover funds. Use a well-thought-out passphrase policy if you enable it.

Update firmware (if prompted)

During setup you may be asked to install the latest firmware. Always accept official firmware updates from the Trezor Suite or the official start page. Firmware updates ensure security fixes and new features.

Create accounts & receive your first transaction

After initialization, add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Trezor Suite. To receive funds, share your wallet's receiving address shown in the Suite. Always verify the address on the device screen before sending.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Device not recognized

If your computer doesn't detect the Trezor:

Try a different USB cable or USB port (avoid USB hubs).
Restart your browser and computer.
Install or reinstall Trezor Bridge or use Trezor Suite.

Firmware update failed

If a firmware update fails, do not disconnect the device immediately. Follow on-screen instructions; if the device becomes unresponsive, contact Trezor support for recovery steps.

Forgot PIN

If you forget your device PIN, perform a device reset and recover your wallet using your recovery seed. Do not attempt PIN workarounds; resetting and restoring is the supported approach.

FAQ

Q: Can I initialize my Trezor on a public computer?

A: It's not recommended. Use a computer you trust and that is free of malware. If you must use a public machine, take extra precautions and consider doing the seed backup offline immediately.

Q: What do I do if my recovery seed is lost?

A: If you lose the recovery seed and still have access to the initialized device, create a new wallet and transfer funds to the new wallet with a new seed. If you lose both the seed and the device, the funds are irrecoverable.

Q: Is the Trezor compatible with my mobile device?

A: Many modern mobile devices support Trezor via USB-C or OTG adapters and through the Trezor Suite mobile app where supported. Check device compatibility before attempting setup on mobile.

Final tips & next steps

Once setup is complete:

Verify small test transactions before sending large amounts.
Store recovery seeds in secure, geographically separate locations if possible.
Keep firmware and software up to date.
Consider additional protections like multi-signature wallets for large holdings.