Trezor.io/Start® — Start Up Your Device®

Clear, step-by-step setup for your Trezor® hardware wallet — secure your crypto the right way.
Welcome

Quick orientation

Congratulations on your new Trezor® device. This guide walks you through everything needed to get started: unboxing, installing software, initializing the device, creating a secure backup, updating firmware, and basic troubleshooting. Follow these steps carefully — your security depends on them.

Step-by-step

Set up your Trezor® — recommended flow

1
Unbox & inspect

Open the package and check for tamper-evident seals. If the device or packaging looks tampered with, contact support — do not use it.

2
Download official software

Go to trezor.io/start and follow the official link to download Trezor Suite (desktop) or use the recommended web app. Always verify the domain and certificate before downloading.

3
Connect your device

Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable. Some models support USB-C or USB-A adapters; use the cable included with the product where possible.

4
Initialize & create a seed

Follow on-screen instructions to create a new wallet. Choose whether to create a new backup (recommended) or recover from an existing seed phrase.

5
Write down your recovery phrase

Write the displayed recovery words on the supplied recovery card or another physical medium. Store this backup securely and separately from your device.

6
Set a PIN

Choose a PIN you can remember but is hard to guess. The PIN adds protection even if your device is stolen. Trezor will never ask for your PIN over the internet.

7
Update firmware

If prompted, update the device firmware through the official app. Firmware updates include security improvements — verify updates come from the official source before installing.

8
Test with a small amount

Before moving large funds, send a small test transaction to and from your new wallet to confirm everything works as expected.

Initialization

Create a new wallet vs recover an existing one

When you initialize, you have two options:

  • Create a new wallet: Trezor generates a new recovery phrase (usually 12, 18, or 24 words depending on model). Write it down immediately and store it safely.
  • Recover wallet: If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the recovery option and enter your words carefully to restore access to your accounts.

If using passphrase (optional advanced feature), be aware it acts like a 25th word — losing it means losing access to that derived wallet. Use passphrase only if you understand implications.

Firmware & updates

Keeping your device up to date

Firmware updates are signed and distributed through official channels. The app will prompt you when an update is available. Always verify:

  • Update prompts appear in the official Trezor Suite or at trezor.io.
  • Do not install firmware from unknown sources or links sent by untrusted parties.

In rare cases, firmware updates may require reinstalling or reinitializing the device — follow on-screen instructions and keep your recovery phrase handy (do not share it).

Troubleshooting

Common issues & fixes

  • Device not recognized: try a different USB cable/port, or a different computer. Avoid USB hubs for initial setup.
  • App won't load: clear browser cache, restart the app, or use the desktop Suite.
  • Forgot PIN: unlocking attempts are limited — if you forget your PIN, the only safe recovery is to wipe and restore using your recovery phrase.
  • Lost recovery: without your recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered. Treat the recovery phrase as your last-resort backup.

If issues persist, consult the official support center or community forums for additional help.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can someone steal my crypto if they get my Trezor?
A: Not if you use a PIN and keep your recovery phrase private. The PIN prevents immediate access; the recovery phrase is needed to move funds elsewhere.

Q: Is Trezor compatible with my coins?
A: Trezor supports many major coins natively and additional coins via community or third-party integrations. Check the official coin support list for specifics.

Q: Should I keep my firmware updated?
A: Yes — updates patch vulnerabilities and add features. Always use official update channels.

Advanced & developer

For power users & developers

Developers can integrate with Trezor using official libraries and SDKs. Advanced users may use the command-line tools for scripting or hardware-backed signing in automation — but never expose your recovery phrase to scripts.

// Example: connect to a Trezor device using a community SDK (pseudocode)
const device = await Trezor.connect();
const accounts = await device.getAccounts({ coin: 'btc' });

Always run developer tools on trusted machines and never embed recovery data into code or CI pipelines.