Trezor.io/Start - Official Setup Guide

Concise, secure, and visual step-by-step setup for your Trezor hardware wallet. Follow these instructions carefully to initialize, secure, and test your device.

Overview

This official setup guide walks you through everything from unboxing to moving a small test transaction. The process is compatible with Trezor Suite (desktop or web) and covers firmware installation, device authentication, wallet creation, backup of the recovery seed, and safety best practices.

Why follow the official steps?

Hardware wallets protect your private keys offline. Taking the official path minimizes risk: always use the official Trezor resources at trezor.io/start and verify the device UI prompts during setup.

Before you begin (Checklist)

What you'll need

Important safety notes

Do not use a Trezor device if its packaging shows signs of tampering. Always go to trezor.io/start to download official software—do not trust third‑party downloads.

Step-by-step setup

1. Download Trezor Suite

Visit the official start page and choose either Desktop or Continue in browser. The desktop app gives the best UX; the web app is fine for quick setup. Keep your OS up to date before installing any wallet software.

2. Connect and authenticate your device

Plug the Trezor into your computer. The Suite will prompt you to install firmware if required; Trezor devices ship without firmware pre-installed for security reasons. Follow on‑screen instructions and confirm prompts on the device itself to authenticate the device.

Why firmware matters

Installing official firmware ensures the device runs the latest security fixes. Never install firmware from unverified sources.

3. Create a new wallet & set a PIN

Choose to create a new wallet. The Trezor will generate a recovery seed (a list of words). Set a PIN on the device to protect access—this PIN is required each time you connect the Trezor to confirm transactions.

PIN best practices

Pick a PIN that is memorable to you but hard for others to guess. Never store the PIN digitally in plain text.

4. Backup your recovery seed

Write the recovery seed exactly as displayed on your Trezor on the provided recovery card (or an equally resilient method). This seed is the ultimate backup—anyone with it can access your funds. Treat it like the keys to a safe deposit box.

Backup tips

5. Test with a small transaction

Before moving large amounts, send a small amount (a test transaction) from an exchange or hot wallet to your Trezor-managed address. Confirm the transaction on both Trezor Suite and your device screen.

Security checklist after setup

Verify device authenticity

Use the suite’s device authentication step (you will be prompted during setup) to confirm your Trezor is genuine. If anything looks off, stop and contact Trezor support via official channels.

Keep software up to date

Regularly update Trezor Suite and the firmware. Security updates are released periodically—install them when available.

Never share your recovery seed

No official support representative will ever ask you for your seed. Treat anyone requesting it as fraudulent.

Troubleshooting quick tips

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port. Ensure the cable supports data (not only charging). Reboot your computer and try again.

Firmware installation failed

Follow the on‑screen instructions; if failure persists, contact official support and do not attempt unknown workarounds that may compromise your device.

Further learning and resources

Explore official guides for specific models (Model One, Model T, Safe lines) and advanced topics such as passphrase use, coin activation, and third‑party integrations.

Quick reference

If you need to re-run the setup, revisit https://trezor.io/start and follow the guided steps specific to your model.