Why Trezor.io/start matters
Hardware wallets are the most reliable way to hold your crypto keys offline. Trezor's official start page — Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users — is the jumping-off point created by SatoshiLabs to make setup safe, straightforward, and up-to-date. Below you'll find a guided walkthrough that mirrors best practices recommended on that page and explains why each step matters in plain language.
Who should read this
Whether you're brand-new to hardware wallets or returning after a long break, this guide is for you. Expect clear steps for initial setup, tips on device hygiene, recovery seed care, and how to verify the authenticity of your device and software.
Quick links
Preparing for setup
Before you plug in the device, prepare a clean workspace. This is both practical and security-oriented: you want to avoid distractions and reduce the risk of losing physical seed words or leaving the device connected to an unknown computer for longer than necessary.
Checklist
- New or factory-reset Trezor hardware (Trezor Model One / Trezor Model T).
- Official USB cable that came with the device.
- A personal computer you trust (avoid public computers).
- Pen and recovery seed card (paper or metal backup if you prefer long-term durability).
- Internet connection for initial firmware checks and software downloads.
Important safety note
Always start at the official URL: Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users. Phishing pages can imitate wallet UIs — the official start page ensures you download authentic software and follow up-to-date instructions.
Step-by-step setup
The sequence below is a condensed, accessible version of what you will find on the official page. If anything in this guide disagrees with the official page, follow the official page — it may have newer security patches or device-specific notes. Still, this walkthrough will get you comfortable with the core concepts.
1. Visit the official start page
Open Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users. You'll see instructions tailored to your model and links to Trezor Suite (the desktop/web companion app) or the firmware update page if a new firmware is required.
2. Inspect the device
Physically check that the device packaging and seal (if present) look intact. Verify that there are no unusual stickers or tampering signs. Trezor devices ship with clear shipping practices — the official start page also lists additional authenticity checks.
3. Install or open Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the official companion software. The official start page will direct you to the right installer for your OS, or give you an in-browser option. Install the app from the official download link only.
Tip
Prefer downloads from the official site and always confirm checksums if available. This reduces the risk of installing tampered software.
4. Connect and follow on-screen prompts
Connect the device with the supplied USB cable. Follow the interactive prompts — you'll be asked to create a new wallet, set a PIN, and write down your recovery seed. On-screen prompts are mirrored on the device's display — this is a crucial security check: if the device display and the computer disagree, do not proceed.
Understanding the recovery seed
The recovery seed is the single most important artifact you’ll generate. It is a human-readable representation of the private key that controls your funds. Treat it like cash or a key to a safety deposit box.
Best practices for seeds
- Write the seed on paper or record it on a metal backup plate (protected from fire, water, and physical damage).
- Never store the seed electronically (photographs, text files, cloud storage) unless you use strong encryption and understand the risks.
- Never share your seed with anyone. No legitimate support channel will ever ask for it.
Advanced: passphrase protection
For users seeking extra privacy, Trezor supports an optional passphrase — effectively creating a hidden wallet that requires both the seed and the passphrase. Use this only if you understand how it works, because losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access to that hidden wallet forever.
Security hygiene after setup
Keeping a healthy security posture is ongoing. The steps below help minimize risks from common threats: phishing, malware, physical theft, and social engineering.
Firmware updates
Check for firmware updates from the official start page and Trezor Suite periodically. Firmware updates are critical because they patch vulnerabilities and strengthen device protections.
Phishing awareness
When interacting with exchanges, wallets, or dApps, ensure you are visiting legitimate sites. Bookmark important pages and use the official start link — Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users — to stay on the correct path to official downloads and resources.
Physical security
Keep your Trezor in a safe location when not in use. Consider a small fireproof safe or a locked drawer. If you travel with it, use a stealthy cable and avoid public computers when possible.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with careful setup, you might run into minor problems. Here are straightforward fixes for common snags.
Device not recognized
Try a different USB port or a known-good cable. Confirm the computer recognizes USB devices and that you have installed Trezor Suite. If the device still doesn't appear, the official start page offers dedicated troubleshooting steps and links to support resources.
Firmware update failed
Disconnect, reboot your computer, and retry from the official start page. Only attempt firmware updates from official sources; an interrupted or tampered update can brick the device, but following official guidance minimizes risk.
Seed recovery problems
If you mistyped or misplaced some words from a seed, don't panic. Take calm, methodical steps: check any written backups, and only use the official recovery procedure on a trusted computer. If you suspect the seed has been exposed, move funds to a new wallet (create a new device and seed) as soon as possible.
Useful workflows
Once set up, you'll probably perform common workflows such as receiving funds, sending funds, and connecting to dApps. Each workflow requires the device to confirm operations on its screen — which is the moment where the hardware wallet does its security work.
Receiving funds
Generate a receive address with Trezor Suite and verify it on the device screen before sharing. Reuse of addresses is allowed but not recommended for advanced privacy — generate a fresh address per transaction when you can.
Sending funds
Initiate the transaction in the Suite or by using a connected wallet interface. Always confirm the recipient address and amount on the physical device display — malware on the computer can attempt to alter values, but the hardware display is your final arbiter.
Working with multiple accounts
Trezor supports multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies. Use descriptive account labels in the Suite so you don't mix up personal and business funds. If you manage multiple devices, keep a clear inventory and respective backup strategy for each.
Final thoughts and further reading
Hardware wallets are about trade-offs: an added step when transacting in exchange for far greater control over your private keys. The official start page — Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users — should always be your starting point for downloads, firmware updates, and model-specific guidance.
Where to go next
- Bookmark Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users for future reference.
- Read the official Trezor documentation for model-specific features and advanced recovery scenarios.
- Consider a metal backup for long-term seed durability.
Community and support
If you need assistance, start with the official support channels linked from the start page. Avoid sharing sensitive information in public forums — the community can help with general questions, but never ask for or reveal your seed or PIN.
Quick recap
Visit Trezor.io/start – Official Start Page for Trezor Users, verify your device, install Trezor Suite, create and protect your recovery seed, and practice good hygiene: firmware updates, phishing awareness, and safe storage. Those steps will keep the majority of threats at bay.