Quick summary
This official guide summarizes the interactive setup at trezor.io/start. It covers unboxing checks, connection via Trezor Bridge, device initialization vs recovery, firmware verification, PIN & seed best practices, daily usage tips, and troubleshooting. Ten essential official links are woven throughout the guide so you can quickly open the pages you need during setup.
Unboxing and authenticity
Upon receiving your device, inspect the packaging carefully. Buy only from the official Trezor shop or authorized resellers. If packaging is damaged or tampered with, contact Support (trezor.io/support) before proceeding. The official site provides a checklist for identifying authentic devices and avoiding counterfeits: security guidance.
Preparing your computer
Ensure your computer OS is up to date and run a modern browser. If your browser cannot access USB devices directly, install Trezor Bridge to enable a secure local connection between the host and the device. Bridge installers and troubleshooting instructions are available on the official download page.
Start page: initialize or recover
Open trezor.io/start and follow the interactive prompts. You will have two main choices: create a new wallet (initialize) or recover from an existing seed. Initializing generates a new seed on-device — write it down exactly in the order shown. During recovery, use the device’s secure input to enter your existing words. Never type your seed into a website or store it digitally.
Firmware verification
The Start flow may prompt to install signed firmware. Only install firmware provided through the official flow at trezor.io/firmware. Firmware is cryptographically signed so the device can verify integrity before applying updates. Avoid installing firmware from third-party or unofficial sources.
PINs, passphrases, and backups
Set a PIN to protect against physical theft; the device will request this PIN when unlocking. Consider using an optional passphrase (BIP39 passphrase) for an additional hidden wallet layer — but only if you understand how passphrases alter backup and recovery. Your recovery seed remains the ultimate backup; store it offline, physically, and consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability.
Testing and verification
After setup, test basic operations: check addresses, receive a small test amount, and create a signed transaction. Always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before confirming. Suite or the Start web flow will show guiding visuals — follow them carefully. If you prefer a desktop experience, use Trezor Suite at suite.trezor.io.
Ten essential official links
- Start — trezor.io/start
- Trezor Bridge — trezor.io/bridge
- Firmware
- Security guidance
- Official shop
- Support
- Compatibility
- Trezor Suite
- Learning center
- Official GitHub
Troubleshooting detection issues
If your browser doesn't detect the device, check that Bridge is running and that the device is unlocked. Try another USB port or cable, and confirm there are no OS driver prompts waiting for approval. On Windows, a driver may be required for older systems. Reinstall Bridge from the official page if the issue persists. Consult the Support center at trezor.io/support for step-by-step diagnostics.
Security best practices
After setup — ongoing maintenance
Periodically check for firmware and Suite updates. Review the Learning Center (trezor.io/learn) for features like Shamir Backup, passphrase management, and advanced multi-account workflows. Consider running your own backend or node if you prioritize privacy when viewing balances and broadcasting transactions.
When to contact support
Contact trezor.io/support if you detect tampering, lose access to your device, or face firmware failures. Do not share your seed with support. For code-level issues, the public GitHub repositories provide transparency and a place to report bugs: github.com/trezor.
This guide condenses the interactive Start flow into a handy reference — always use the live Start page and official links for downloads and step-by-step setup.