Trezor.io/Start | Starting® Up® Your® Device®
Quick links & official resources
Ten official resources you may need as you set up and secure your device.
H1 — Welcome: what this guide covers
This guide walks you through every step you need to confidently take a brand new Trezor device out of the box and put it to work securing your crypto. We’ll cover unboxing, firmware, seed creation, PIN & passphrase choices, safe storage, and how to verify official sources. Follow the headings (H1–H5) to jump between sections — each heading maps to a logical checkpoint in the setup flow.
H2 — Before you begin: safety checklist
Take a minute to prepare:
- Buy from an authorized seller — do not accept used/unknown devices.
- Have a clean, private workspace — avoid public Wi‑Fi and cameras.
- Keep pen & paper ready for your recovery seed backup.
H2 — Unboxing & device inspection
When you open your Trezor box, check for tamper evidence and confirm the packaging matches official photos. Your new device should come with a USB cable, instructions, and a recovery seed card (or area to write your seed). Verify serial/model numbers and don't plug the device into any untrusted computer yet.
H3 — Physical integrity
Look for scratches, mismatched glue, or broken seals. If anything seems off, contact official support via the links above before proceeding.
H3 — Official source verification
Open the official start page at trezor.io/start to confirm step‑by‑step instructions and the latest firmware. Only follow instructions from official pages.
H2 — First connection: firmware & software
Always make sure your device firmware is the latest official release. Connect the device to an offline or clean computer and open the web wallet or Trezor Suite as instructed on the official start page.
H3 — Firmware update best practices
If the device prompts for firmware update, follow the on‑screen steps precisely. Do not install firmware provided by third parties; use only the official firmware page: trezor.io/firmware.
H3 — Trezor Suite vs web wallet
Trezor Suite is the official desktop app; wallet.trezor.io is the official web wallet. Both are legitimate — prefer Suite for regular management and use the web wallet for quick access if you know what you’re doing. Links: wallet.trezor.io and trezor.io/start.
H2 — Creating your seed: the heart of security
The recovery seed is the single most important element. It’s the deterministic phrase (12, 18, or 24 words depending on your device and choice) that can restore access to your funds if the device is lost.
H3 — Seed generation rules
- Generate the seed only on the device itself — never on a connected computer or phone.
- Write the words in order on a recovery card — never photograph or store the seed digitally.
- Consider 24 words for maximum safety; 12 words is common but less entropy.
H3>H4 — Seed storage options
Paper in a safe, a bank safe deposit box, or stamped metal backups (for fire & water resistance) are recommended. Use multiple geographically separated copies if you’re protecting a large amount of funds. Avoid storing your seed in cloud storage, email, or encrypted notes that could be compromised.
H3 — Passphrase (optional, powerful)
A passphrase is an additional secret added to your seed. Think of it as adding a 25th word that you choose. If used properly, it dramatically increases security but also increases the risk of permanent loss if forgotten. Use a passphrase only if you understand the tradeoffs.
H2 — Choosing a PIN
Your device PIN protects against physical access. Choose a PIN that is not trivially guessable. The device uses an on‑screen randomized number pad to prevent shoulder‑surfing and key‑logger attacks — enter the PIN carefully.
H3 — PIN recovery & failures
Too many failed PIN attempts will wipe the device; ensure your seed backup is correct before testing aggressive PIN changes. If you forget your PIN, recovery requires your seed and a fresh device.
H2 — Verifying addresses and transactions
Whenever you send or receive funds, verify the address on the device screen. The device displays the address independently of the host computer — this is the primary trust anchor for transactions.
H3 — Why device verification matters
Malicious computers can alter displayed addresses. Only trust the address confirmed on the Trezor screen. For incoming transactions, you can share addresses but verify them on‑device before using.
H2 — Using the device daily: practical tips
For day‑to‑day spending, consider split strategies: keep small amounts on a hot wallet for frequent spending and keep the bulk secured on your Trezor. Use multiple accounts or multiple Trezor devices for business or multi‑user setups.
H3 — Integrations and coin support
Trezor supports many coins natively and via integrations (third‑party wallets, exchanges). Check compatibility on the official site and verify instructions before moving any funds. Use official integration docs when possible.
H2 — Advanced: passphrase strategy & multi‑sig
Advanced users may implement multi‑signature wallets or hardware‑backed passphrases for layered defense. Multi‑sig requires coordination across multiple devices/keys but greatly reduces single‑point failure risk.
H3 — Multi‑sig overview
With multi‑sig, multiple signatures are required to spend funds. Trezor works with major multi‑sig wallet tools; consult the Trezor Academy and support pages to learn how to set this up safely.
H2 — Troubleshooting common issues
Lost device, failed firmware update, or missing seed? First, consult the Trezor Support hub. Common fixes include reinstalling Suite, checking cables, or restoring from seed onto a replacement device. For firmware-level problems, follow official instructions instead of community patches.
H3 — When to contact support
If you suspect your seed was exposed, the safest step is to create a new seed on a new device and move funds immediately. Contact support links are in the resources above.
H2 — Security checklist recap (H4–H5 quick steps)
H4 — Final setup checklist
- Buy from official channel.
- Verify packaging & serial.
- Update firmware from trezor.io/firmware.
- Generate seed only on device; write it down offline.
- Choose a strong PIN; consider a passphrase if you know what you’re doing.
- Verify addresses on‑device before transacting.
H5 — Helpful quick links (colorful)
Use these official resources as your first stop.
H2 — Example HTML snippet: embed this guide as a quick start widget
Drop this snippet into any static site to create a colorful 'Quick Start' widget that links users to official Trezor resources.
H2 — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
H4 — Can I set up my Trezor on a public computer?
No — always use a machine you trust and avoid public Wi‑Fi for setup. The seed must be created offline on the device.
H4 — Is a 12‑word seed enough?
12 words are commonly used, but 24 words provide more entropy and protection. For large holdings, prefer 24 words and multiple backups.
H4 — What if I lose my seed?
If you lose the seed and PIN, funds are likely unrecoverable. That’s why safe backup storage is critical.
H2 — Closing thoughts (secure, pragmatic, calm)
Setting up a Trezor device is an empowering step toward self‑custody. With careful attention to the seed, firmware, and verification steps outlined above, you can attain a very high level of security for your crypto assets. The process rewards patience and discipline: write the seed carefully, confirm addresses on‑device, and keep backups separated geographically.
If you want, I can also export this page as a downloadable HTML file or tailor the copy for a specific audience (beginners, enterprise, developers). Tell me which and I’ll prepare it.