Why start with Trezor.io/Start?
Whether you’re brand new to hardware wallets or you’ve used them before, Trezor.io/Start is your official first step to safely initializing a Trezor device. This page walks you through the essential steps — unboxing, verifying firmware, creating a seed, and connecting to the web app — while highlighting the security mindset that makes hardware wallets powerful.
Unbox and inspect your device (H3 below walks through the details)
What to look for on arrival
Always inspect your package for tampering. A genuine device arrives in secure packaging with intact tamper-evidence. Check the seal, make sure there's no unusual adhesive, and compare the product you received to official photos on Trezor's site.
Make a checklist
- Box seal intact
- Accessories included (cable, recovery card)
- Device model matches your order
Power up & connect
Connecting to your computer or mobile
Plug in the USB cable to your device and your computer. Trezor devices typically show a boot logo and then a prompt. For mobile, use supported OTG adapters and follow the mobile app prompts. Always use the official Trezor web app at trezor.io/start unless you know exactly what you're doing.
Verify firmware — security first
Why firmware verification matters
Firmware is the software that runs on your hardware wallet. Verifying that the firmware is authentic prevents attackers from installing malicious code.
How to verify
The Trezor web app will guide you to verify the device bootloader and firmware. Follow the on-screen instructions precisely. If verification fails, do not proceed — contact official support and do not enter recovery words anywhere until you've confirmed device integrity.
Create your recovery seed
What a recovery seed is
The recovery seed (24 words for most Trezor models) is the single most important asset. It’s the backup that lets you recover your keys if the device is lost or damaged. Treat it like cash — offline, private, and stored securely.
Best practices for your seed
- Write the words only on the provided recovery card or high-quality steel backup.
- Never take photos or digital copies of the seed.
- Store the seed in a secure location (safes, deposit box) split across locations if needed.
Set a PIN and passphrase
PIN: first line of defense
Choose a PIN you can remember but is not easily guessable. The device limits brute-force attempts, but the PIN helps protect against casual theft.
Passphrase: optional advanced protection
A passphrase acts as a 25th (or more) word that augments your recovery seed. It’s optional but extremely powerful. If you use a passphrase, do not forget it — losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access.
Link accounts & manage coins
Adding accounts in the Trezor Suite or web app
After setup, you’ll add cryptocurrency accounts in the Trezor Suite or supported third-party wallets. Trezor supports many chains; use only trusted integrations and read details about how each chain handles addresses and signatures.
Quick safety checklist
- Always start at
trezor.io/start. - Never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase.
- Verify firmware before creating a seed.
- Use steel backups for long-term storage.
Common troubleshooting tips
Device not recognized
Try a different cable or USB port. Make sure your OS supports the device and that no third-party software is interfering. Avoid unknown USB hubs — connect directly if possible.
Firmware update errors
If updates fail, follow the official recovery/update flow at the start page. Do not enter your recovery seed into any website or application unless explicitly instructed by the official device recovery process.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1 — Is Trezor.io/Start the only safe way to set up my device?
Answer
It's the official recommended starting point. Third-party tools exist but increase risk. Using the official start page and Trezor Suite ensures you follow the vendor-verified flow with built-in firmware checks.
Q2 — What if my box looks tampered with?
Answer
Do not use the device. Contact your seller and Trezor support immediately. Genuine vendors will assist with returns and verification.
Q3 — Can I back up my seed digitally?
Answer
No. Digital backups (photos, cloud notes) expose the seed to attackers. Use physical or steel backups. If you must split the seed across locations, do so thoughtfully and with redundancy.
Q4 — What is a passphrase and should I use one?
Answer
A passphrase is extra, user-chosen data that extends your seed. It provides plausible deniability and stronger protection when used correctly. However, it increases complexity — losing the passphrase means losing access.
Q5 — How often should I update firmware?
Answer
Update when the official channels indicate an update is available. Firmware updates often include bug fixes and security enhancements. Always verify the update via the official flow.
Q6 — I lost my device — what now?
Answer
If you have your recovery seed, you can restore your funds to a new Trezor or compatible wallet. If you used a passphrase and forgot it, recovery is not possible.
Q7 — Can Trezor be used with mobile wallets?
Answer
Yes. Trezor supports mobile via OTG or third-party integrations. Always consult official compatibility lists before attempting a mobile connection.
Q8 — Are there alternatives to the cardboard recovery card?
Answer
Yes — stainless steel plates for disaster resistance are recommended for long-term storage. They survive fire, water, and corrosion much better than paper.
Q9 — How can I verify official support channels?
Answer
Use only official sites (trezor.io) and official social channels. Beware of phishing sites that mimic official names. Bookmark official pages and enable browser protections.
Q10 — What simple habit improves crypto security the most?
Answer
Adopt the habit of verifying URLs before entering any sensitive info and never store seeds digitally. Combine that with cold storage and you drastically reduce risk.
Wrapping up
Starting up your device at Trezor.io/Start is simple when you follow a security-first mindset: verify firmware, protect your recovery seed, choose a robust PIN and optionally a passphrase, and use official software. With those steps in place, your hardware wallet becomes one of the most secure ways to control your crypto.