Trezor.io/Start - Official Setup Guide

Clear, step-by-step instructions to get your Trezor hardware wallet up and running securely.

This guide walks you through the official setup for your Trezor device using the web start page. Following these steps carefully will help protect your crypto assets and get you confidently transacting in minutes. Use the official setup page: https://trezor.io/start.

Why use Trezor and why start at the official page?

Trezor is a hardware wallet — a physical device that stores your private keys offline. That keeps them safe from hackers, malware, and phishing attacks that target software wallets or exchange accounts. The official start page provides the latest firmware, authentic installation flow, and verified instructions so you don’t end up on a malicious imitation site.

Quick checklist before you begin

Important: Never share your recovery seed with anyone, and never enter it on a website or digital device. The seed is the key to your funds.

H1 — Unboxing and initial inspection

Unboxing checklist (H2)

When you open the box you should find:

Inspect packaging and device (H3)

Verify tamper-evident seals and examine the device for unusual damage. If anything looks off, contact the seller or official Trezor support before proceeding.

H1 — Start the official setup at Trezor.io/Start

Open your browser and go to the official onboarding page: https://trezor.io/start. The start page will guide you to install any required apps and the Trezor Bridge or native WebUSB connection layer used to communicate with your device.

Supported browsers and connection

Trezor supports modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Firefox with WebUSB). Follow the on-screen prompts to install the bridge if required. On some browsers you can use the native WebUSB flow; the page will indicate what you need.

H1 — Firmware and device initialization

Why firmware matters (H2)

Firmware is the software running on the device; it's crucial to verify and update it to the latest official version. The official start page will check your firmware integrity and provide instructions to install updates signed by Trezor.

Step-by-step firmware update (H3)

  1. Connect your Trezor to your computer using the included cable.
  2. Open https://trezor.io/start and click the Start or Connect button.
  3. Allow your browser to connect to the device when prompted.
  4. If an update is required, the page will present a firmware download signed by Trezor. Confirm and follow the prompts.
  5. Wait patiently while the firmware installs — do not unplug the device during this process.
After firmware update (H4)

When the firmware update completes, the device will reboot and present a confirmation screen. The web page will then prompt you to create a new wallet or restore an existing recovery seed.

H1 — Creating a new wallet vs restoring (H2)

Choose create a new wallet if this is your first device. Choose restore wallet only if you already have a recovery seed from a previous Trezor (or a compatible BIP39 seed).

Create a new wallet (H3)

The device will generate a new recovery seed — usually 12, 18, or 24 words — using the device’s true random number generator. Write these words down in order on the provided recovery cards. Keep them offline.

Best practices for storing your recovery seed (H4)

Restore wallet (H3)

When restoring, enter the words exactly in the order they were originally given. The device will verify the seed and reconstruct your wallet addresses and keys. Double-check spelling — BIP39 uses a fixed wordlist and one misplaced word will cause failure.

H1 — Set a PIN and passphrase (H2)

After seed creation/restoration you will be prompted to set a device PIN. This protects the device itself from local tampering. For advanced users, Trezor supports an optional passphrase — an additional secret you can add to create hidden wallets.

PIN best practices (H3)

About passphrases (H4)

Passphrases act like a 25th word and can create multiple hidden wallets from the same seed. They are powerful but come with responsibility: if you forget your passphrase, those hidden wallets are irrecoverable even with the seed.

H1 — Using the Trezor web wallet and desktop apps

Trezor provides official interfaces to manage coins and connect with third-party wallets. The starting point is always the official start page, which links to recommended apps and integrations.

Receiving and sending crypto (H3)

To receive funds, open your Trezor wallet app, select the account and copy the receiving address from the device screen to ensure it matches the web view. For sending, you will create a transaction in the web interface and then confirm the details directly on your Trezor device — the device signs the transaction without exposing your private key.

Confirm every transaction on the device (H4)

Always verify the recipient address and amounts on the device’s display before confirming — malware or compromised browsers can try to alter the information if you only trust the screen copy.

H1 — Security checks and anti-phishing tips

Security is the core purpose of a hardware wallet. Here are practical checks to keep you safe.

Verify the URL and certificate (H3)

Always start at: https://trezor.io/start. Verify the HTTPS padlock in the address bar and, if unsure, manually type the URL instead of following links from emails or social media.

Beware phishing attempts (H4)

H1 — Maintenance: firmware, backups, and updates

Keep your firmware updated through official channels and periodically verify your backups. Treat your recovery seed as the ultimate authority — if your device is lost, the seed is how to recover funds.

Updating firmware safely (H3)

Only update firmware from the official start page and follow the prompts shown on the device. If anything unexpected appears (unsigned firmware, mismatched prompts), stop and contact official support.

Test a restore periodically (H4)

If you have the ability, test restoring your seed to a spare device to confirm the backup works — but avoid exposing the seed more than necessary.

H1 — Troubleshooting common problems

If your device isn’t recognized, try a different USB cable, port, or browser. Ensure the Trezor Bridge or browser permissions are installed. If issues persist, consult the official help center starting at Trezor.io/Start for step-by-step troubleshooting.

Lost seed or forgotten PIN (H3)

If you lose your seed and forget your PIN, the funds are effectively inaccessible. That’s why following the secure backup best practices above is essential.

H1 — Advanced topics

Passphrase-managed hidden wallets (H3)

Advanced users can maintain multiple distinct wallets using different passphrases. This allows plausible deniability and compartmentalization of funds, but increases recovery complexity.

Integration with other wallets and services (H4)

Trezor can be used with many third-party wallets that implement hardware wallet support. Always confirm compatibility through the official start page first.

H1 — Final checklist before first use