Get started with your Trezor (trezor.io/start)

This page gives a concise, security-focused walk-through to set up a Trezor hardware wallet using the official start flow (trezor.io/start). Follow each step carefully — hardware wallets protect your crypto, but only if you protect the recovery seed and follow safe practices.

Before you begin — what you need

  1. Your Trezor device (Model One or Model Model T).
  2. A desktop or laptop computer with a USB port (or a phone + USB-C/OTG adapter if supported).
  3. A clean, private workspace with no cameras or untrusted observers.
  4. Pen and the recovery card that came with your Trezor (or a secure metal backup if you have one).
Important: Only use the official URL trezor.io/start to begin. Type it manually — do not follow random links, and avoid unknown QR codes. Always verify the site's TLS lock and certificate when prompted by your browser.

Step 1 — Connect your Trezor

Plug your Trezor into the USB port. For Trezor Model T, you’ll see a touchscreen prompt. For Model One, use the device buttons to confirm actions. The official web flow will detect the device and guide you through any firmware checks.

Step 2 — Firmware and safety checks

  1. Follow on-screen instructions — if the device requests a firmware update, allow it. Never install firmware from unofficial sources.
  2. The Trezor will display a device fingerprint and other safety prompts — confirm these on the physical device, not only in the browser.

Step 3 — Initialize (create) a new wallet or recover an existing one

The start flow asks whether you want to create a new wallet or recover an existing seed. Choose carefully:

  1. Create new: The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words down in order on the supplied recovery card. Never store the full seed on a phone, cloud storage, email, or photo.
  2. Recover wallet: Carefully enter the exact words from your backup, in order. Trezor will validate the seed during recovery — do this only in private.
Never share your recovery words. Anyone with the seed can control your funds. Trezor employees or official support will never ask for your full seed. If someone asks for it, consider it a scam.

Step 4 — Create a PIN and optional passphrase

Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not guessable. The PIN protects the device from local attackers. For an extra layer of security, set up a passphrase — this creates a hidden wallet accessible only when that passphrase is entered. Treat the passphrase like a high-entropy password: store it securely.

Step 5 — Use your wallet

  1. Install the recommended wallet app (Trezor Suite or another compatible wallet) following the official guidance on trezor.io/start.
  2. Connect the device when you need to sign transactions. Confirm transaction details on the device screen before approving.
  3. Test with a small amount first to confirm everything works as expected.

Security best practices (short, actionable)

  1. Keep at least one offline backup of your recovery seed (physical or metal backup).
  2. Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or phone except on the device during the official recovery flow.
  3. Use a passphrase for plausible deniability and added security, but understand that losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet.
  4. When receiving or sending funds, verify addresses on the device screen, not only in the app.
  5. Keep firmware and wallet software up to date using official channels.

Troubleshooting and support pointers

If your device is not recognized, try a different USB cable or port. Check that your browser is supported and that you’re using the official start page. If you suspect tampering or a counterfeit device, stop and contact official Trezor support via trezor.io.

Quick checklist (printable)

  1. Type trezor.io/start into your browser.
  2. Connect device & update firmware if requested.
  3. Create new wallet or recover existing seed.
  4. Write seed words, store offline & secure.
  5. Set PIN and optional passphrase.
  6. Confirm addresses on device when transacting.