Welcome to your quick, friendly, and secure introduction to Trezor. This guide will walk you through everything you need to go from unboxing to sending your first transaction. If you landed here from trezor.io start or searched for Trezor.io Start or Trezor/Start, you're in the right place.
What you'll need
Your Trezor hardware device (Model T or One).
A computer with a USB port (or a compatible mobile device and cable).
An up-to-date browser.
A private, quiet space to write down your recovery seed.
Unboxing and physical checks
Before you plug anything in, inspect the packaging and device. Trezor ships with tamper-evident seals — make sure they look intact. Confirm the device model on the box and that the included items match the packing list. If anything looks tampered with, contact vendor support immediately and do not use the device.
Step-by-step setup (trezor.io start)
This is a concise, safe flow to initialize your device:
Go to the official start page: Open your browser and navigate to the official getting started page (search or type trezor.io start carefully). Always ensure the URL is correct in the address bar before proceeding.
Connect your Trezor: Use the provided cable to connect the device. Follow the on-screen prompts on both your computer and the Trezor screen.
Install Trezor Suite or Bridge: The setup may ask you to install Trezor Suite (desktop/web app) or Trezor Bridge. Use the official links from the start page — never download from random third-party sites.
Create a new wallet: When asked, choose to create a new wallet. The device will generate your recovery seed (24 words for most models) and display words on the device screen — write them down in order on paper, not on a connected device.
Set a PIN: Choose a PIN when prompted. PIN protects the device if stolen — do not reuse easy PINs or store it digitally without encryption.
Verify and finish: Trezor will ask you to confirm words from your recovery seed. This verifies the seed is correctly recorded. After verification, complete any final steps in Trezor Suite.
Security tip: Never share your recovery seed with anyone. Trezor employees will never ask for it. Write the seed on paper (or a metal backup) and store it in a secure place.
Using your Trezor safely
Once set up, use the Trezor device to confirm transactions. The private keys never leave the device — they sign transactions inside the hardware. Always confirm the amount and the receiving address on the Trezor screen before approving.
Recommended practices:
Keep firmware updated via official channels only.
Keep only small amounts on hot software wallets; large holdings should remain on hardware wallets like Trezor.
Consider an additional passphrase (hidden wallet) only if you understand the trade-offs and can reliably back up passphrase + seed.
Recovering a wallet
If your Trezor is lost or damaged, you can recover your wallet using the 24-word seed on a new Trezor device or compatible recovery tool. When recovering, ensure you are in a secure environment and use only trusted recovery tools recommended on the start page. Practice with a test wallet if you are new to recovery operations.
Common troubleshooting
Device not recognized: Try a different USB port/cable, restart the computer, and ensure Bridge or Suite is installed.
Browser warnings: Only accept browser prompts from known sources; update your browser to the latest version.
Firmware mismatch: If prompts indicate firmware issues, follow the official process in Suite to update or reinstall firmware.
Advanced tips
For power users: use multiple devices for redundancy, configure passphrase-protected hidden wallets for deniability, and use coin control features in Trezor Suite for privacy. If you interact with multiple blockchains, ensure you understand specific network fees and confirmation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is trezor.io start the only official place to set up my device?
Yes — the official getting started resources are linked from the Trezor domain. Always verify you are on the correct site (look for the correct domain and HTTPS). Avoid unofficial guides that ask you to reveal your seed.
2. What if I lose my recovery seed?
If you lose the recovery seed and your device is gone/damaged, you will likely lose access to your funds. Always make at least one secure backup and consider a metal backup for increased durability.
3. Can I use Trezor with mobile devices?
Many Trezor models work with mobiles via supported apps and compatible cables. Check the start guide for device-specific compatibility and recommended apps.
4. How do I verify firmware authenticity?
Trezor Suite will handle firmware verification and installation. Ensure you only install firmware that your device requests through official Suite prompts.
5. Is it safe to store large amounts on a Trezor?
Hardware wallets like Trezor are among the safest options for long-term storage of cryptocurrency. Combine them with best practices: secure seed backups, PIN protection, and a secure storage location.