Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device

A concise 1,200‑word guide to unboxing, securing, and using your Trezor hardware wallet with Trezor Suite and web3 apps.

Before you begin — quick checklist

  • Genuine Trezor device (Model One or Model T)
  • Official USB cable
  • Computer with a modern browser or the Trezor Suite desktop app
  • Pen and the supplied recovery card or archival paper
  • Private workspace — avoid public computers for initial setup

Unboxing & physical inspection

Inspect packaging and included items before powering on. Look for tamper-evident seals and verify contents match the model you ordered. If packaging appears opened or altered, stop and contact the seller or Trezor support — do not proceed with setup.

Install Trezor Suite or open the web app

For the full experience, download Trezor Suite from the official site and install the desktop app. Alternatively, use the web-based Suite at suite.trezor.io. Always confirm you’re on the official domain to avoid phishing.

Initial device setup — step-by-step

  1. Connect device: Plug your Trezor into the computer using the official cable. The device powers on and displays a welcome screen.
  2. Open Trezor Suite: The app will detect your device and guide you through setup.
  3. Firmware: If prompted, install the official firmware update via Trezor Suite. Firmware is signed — follow on-screen checks and do not interrupt the process.
  4. Create or recover wallet: Choose to create a new wallet (recommended for new users) or restore from an existing recovery seed.
  5. Set a PIN: Choose a PIN when prompted. The device displays a randomized keypad to protect against keyloggers. Don’t use trivial PINs.
  6. Write down your recovery seed: Trezor generates the mnemonic on-device — write the words in order on the supplied card and keep them offline.

Recovery seed — backup & safety

The recovery seed is the master key to your wallet. Protect it like cash.

  • Write words legibly and in order; double-check spellings.
  • Store at least two copies in separate secure locations (home safe, bank safe deposit box).
  • Consider durable metal backups to resist fire and water damage.
  • Never take photos, type, or store the seed digitally.
  • Do not share the seed with anyone — Trezor support will never ask for it.
If you suspect your seed was exposed, create a new seed on a new device and transfer funds immediately.

Using Trezor Suite — basics

Trezor Suite is your dashboard for accounts, transaction history, firmware, and settings.

  • Add supported cryptocurrencies to view balances and receive addresses.
  • Use the Receive flow to generate an address and always confirm it on the device screen before sharing.
  • To send funds, build the transaction in Suite and confirm the details on-device before approving.

Third‑party integrations

Trezor works with many third‑party wallets and dApps (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum). When using these tools, the security principle remains the same: verify transaction details on your device. Bridge or WebUSB may be used to connect the browser to the device — only allow connections to trusted sites.

Firmware & maintenance

Keep firmware up to date via Trezor Suite. Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and add features. Only install firmware from official sources and verify any provided fingerprints if shown. If an update fails, reconnect the device and follow recovery instructions. Avoid using the device on untrusted or public machines for critical operations.

Security practices

  • Buy devices from authorized channels to reduce supply‑chain risk.
  • Never enter your recovery seed into a website, app, or message.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider an optional passphrase for a hidden wallet if you understand the trade-offs.
  • For large holdings, consider multisig and custody diversification.
  • Regularly verify device firmware authenticity and follow official communications for security advisories.

Troubleshooting — quick tips

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, avoid hubs, restart Suite and your computer.
  • Firmware update issues: Reconnect and follow Suite’s recovery prompts; contact official support if needed.
  • Lost seed: If you still have device access, create a new wallet on a new device and transfer funds. If both seed and device are lost, funds cannot be recovered.

Quick checklist

  • Verify packaging and serial number before setup
  • Download Trezor Suite from the official site
  • Create PIN and write recovery seed offline
  • Store backups securely and consider metal backups
  • Confirm every transaction on-device