Trezor.io/Start — Securely Set Up Your Trezor Wallet

Why a hardware wallet (and why Trezor)?

If you store cryptocurrency or other private keys, a hardware wallet like Trezor keeps the keys offline so they can never be trivially copied by malware on your computer. This guide walks you through the official setup flow at Trezor.io/Start, explains security decisions, and gives practical tips so you leave the process with confidence.

Who this guide is for

New owners setting up a Trezor device for the first time, people who want a refresher on best practices, and anyone who prefers step-by-step instructions with security rationale.

How this article is organized (quick roadmap)

• Preparation and safety checklist (what to have ready)
• Hands-on setup at Trezor.io/Start — step-by-step
• Recovery seed: create, secure, and test
• Firmware and software best practices
• Advanced tips (passphrase, multiple accounts, backups)
• Common pitfalls and troubleshooting
• FAQ and closing notes

Preparation: the safety-first checklist (before you touch the device)

Step-by-step setup: using trezor.io/start

Step 1 — Unbox and verify the package

Inspect the packaging: the tamper-evident sticker and holographic seals should be intact. If anything looks suspicious — opened glue, damaged box, or loose screws — contact Trezor support immediately before proceeding. Always order hardware wallets from official channels.

Step 2 — Connect your Trezor and go to trezor.io/start

Use the official cable included in the package. Visit trezor.io/start and follow the official prompts. The site will redirect you to the appropriate wallet web app (for example wallet.trezor.io) or instruct you to download the Trezor Suite.

On-screen checks

The device will display a welcome screen and a fingerprint or device ID. Verify the device model on-screen matches what you purchased (Model One vs Model T). Do not install third-party firmware or follow instructions from unknown sources.

Step 3 — Install firmware (only from the official prompt)

If the device requires firmware, the official site will prompt you to install it. Firmware is signed by SatoshiLabs (Trezor maker) and will not install if signatures do not match. Approve updates only on the device itself.

/* Example: firmware safety checklist */
1. Only allow firmware updates initiated from trezor.io or official Trezor Suite.
2. Do not run firmware from unknown files or attachments.
3. Verify the device is showing the Trezor logo and a short confirmation phrase before approving.

Step 4 — Create a new wallet

Choose "Create new wallet" when prompted. The Trezor device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12, 18 or 24 words) right on the device — not on your computer. This is intentional: the private seed should be generated and displayed in the secure element of the hardware.

Write down the recovery seed

You will be shown each word on the device screen and asked to transcribe them in order. Write clearly and double-check spelling. Use the supplied recovery card or permanent backup like a steel plate if you prefer physical resilience to fire or water.

Important tip

Do not photograph the seed. Do not type it into a computer. Do not store it in a password manager or cloud. Resist the urge to make a digital copy.

Step 5 — Confirm the seed

Trezor will ask you to confirm some words from your seed to ensure you copied them correctly. This is a safety step. If you cannot confirm correctly, start over.

Step 6 — Set an optional PIN and passphrase

Choose a device PIN to stop people who briefly access your unlocked device. The passphrase is an advanced, optional feature that acts like a 25th seed word — a powerful privacy/segregation tool but dangerous if you're not disciplined.

PIN best practices

• Pick a PIN that's easy for you to remember but not guessable (avoid birthdates and repeating patterns).
• Beware of shoulder surfing when entering the PIN — someone watching could learn it.

Passphrase (advanced)

Passphrases create hidden wallets accessible only when the passphrase is entered. If you lose the passphrase, the funds in that hidden wallet are irrecoverable. Use passphrases only if you fully understand the trade-offs.

Securely storing and backing up your recovery seed

Your recovery seed is the single most important artifact. Treat it like the keys to a safe deposit box — physically secure and limited access.

Paper vs steel

Paper is cheap and simple but vulnerable to fire, water, fading, or accidental disposal. Steel backup plates are more durable — they resist fire, water, and rust. Popular options include offline-engraving or stamped steel backup kits.

Redundancy strategies

• Keep one active copy and one disaster copy in separate secure locations (e.g., home safe + bank safe deposit box).
• Consider splitting the seed across trusted parties using Shamir Backup or multi-signature if you need organizational resilience (advanced).

Testing your backup

After creating and storing backups, practice a recovery on a spare device (one you can reset afterward). This confirms your procedure works and that your words were recorded correctly.

Firmware, software, and ongoing device hygiene

Keep your device's firmware up to date, and run official wallet apps or Trezor Suite from verified sources.

Where to download official software

Always start at the official domain: trezor.io, and follow links to the official wallet or Trezor Suite. Avoid third-party replicas.

Recognizing tampering & phishing

• If pages request your recovery seed, they're malicious. Trezor never asks for your seed.
• Verify domain names, TLS locks, and that links in emails match the official site.
• When in doubt, navigate to trezor.io manually — don't click random links.

Advanced usage: passphrases, multi-account, and integrations

Once you're comfortable with the basics, the Trezor ecosystem supports advanced