Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device - Trezor®

🚀Welcome — what's this page for?

This page explains how to start up your Trezor® device safely and confidently. It covers unboxing, connecting, initializing, choosing a PIN, writing down your recovery seed, checking firmware, and making your first transaction. The goal: a clear, secure routine so your crypto stays in your control. Use this as a companion while you follow the official on-device instructions.

📦Unboxing & inspection

When you receive your Trezor device, check the packaging and tamper-evident seals. Genuine devices should arrive sealed and intact. If anything looks suspicious (broken seals, missing parts, damage), stop and contact official support before continuing.

• Included: device, USB cable, recovery card, quick start guide.
• Keep the recovery card and accessories secure — they are critical for backup.

🔌Connect to your computer or phone

Connect your Trezor to your computer or compatible mobile device using the supplied cable. For first-time setup, open the browser and visit trezor.io/start (or use the official Trezor Suite app). The site will guide you to the correct application for your platform.

🧭Initialize your device (create or recover)

You will be offered two main choices: create a new wallet (generate a new recovery seed) or recover an existing wallet (enter a previously created recovery seed). Choose carefully:

• Create new: Trezor generates a random recovery seed (usually 12, 18 or 24 words). This is your master backup — write it down exactly in the order shown, on the recovery card provided. Never store it digitally.
• Recover: Enter the exact words shown from your backup seed. Be patient and type carefully.

Follow on-screen prompts on the device itself — the most sensitive confirmation always happens on the device display, not on your computer.

🔢Set up a PIN

Choose a secure PIN to protect the device if lost or stolen. The PIN is unique to the device and is required for access. Use a PIN that's memorable for you but hard for others to guess. Some tips:

• Longer is better — aim for 6+ digits if allowed.
• Avoid obvious patterns like 1234 or repeated digits.
• The device will show randomized keypad positions to prevent camera-based attacks.

📝Write down your recovery seed — the single most important step

When your device shows your recovery seed, write each word, in order, on the recovery sheet. Do not photograph, screenshot, or store electronically. Consider secure physical storage options: a safe, a safety deposit box, or specialized metal backup plates for fire/water protection.

⚙️Firmware & software updates

After initialization, check for firmware updates. Firmware updates fix bugs and improve security — install them from official sources only. The Trezor device will display update prompts and verify signatures. Always verify firmware installation on the device screen.

💸First transaction — receive & send safely

To receive funds, generate a receive address on the device and verify the full address on the Trezor screen before copying or sharing it. For sending, prepare the transaction in the Trezor Suite or compatible wallet, then confirm details (amount, destination address, fee) on the device itself.

• Always verify addresses on the device screen.
• Start with a small test transaction if you want extra assurance.

🔁Backup strategy & recovery options

The recovery seed is your primary backup. Consider splitting backups across multiple secure locations (e.g., home safe + bank safe deposit box). Avoid sharing the seed with anyone. Some users employ passphrases (an optional extra word) for additional security — understand the trade-offs thoroughly before using one.

🛡️Security best practices

• Only use official software and the official website.
• Keep your recovery seed offline and physically secure.
• Do not share screenshots or photos of your seed or PIN.
• Beware of phishing — type the URL manually or use bookmarks.
• Consider a metal backup for long-term resilience against fire/water.

❓If something goes wrong

If you suspect tampering, loss of seed, or unexpected device behavior, stop using the device and consult official support channels. Do not enter your seed into unknown web prompts, kiosks, or devices. Recovery is possible with your seed on a new device; without it, funds are unrecoverable.

✅Wrap-up & checklist

Quick checklist before you finish:

• Device inspected & connected ✅
• New wallet created or existing seed recovered ✅
• PIN set and remembered ✅
• Recovery seed written down & stored securely ✅
• Firmware up to date ✅
• Test transaction completed (optional) ✅