Introduction
Welcome to Trezor.io/start, your official starting point for securely using a Trezor hardware wallet. Whether you're brand new to self-custody or you're migrating from another wallet, this page walks you through the essentials: unboxing and setup, security mindset, backup & recovery, everyday use, and advanced features. The goal is to make the technical approachable — with a designer's touch and clear steps so you can manage digital assets confidently.
Getting Started: Unbox & Setup
1. Check the package (h3)
Before you power anything on, inspect the box and tamper-evidence. Trezor devices come with security seals and packing material that should be intact. If anything looks tampered with, contact support and don't proceed with setup on that device.
2. Connect and initialize
Power on your Trezor by connecting it to a computer or mobile device. For most models you will use the cable supplied in the box. Visit trezor.io/start and follow the on-screen instructions to install Trezor Suite or use the web-based setup flow.
Step A — Download
Get Trezor Suite for your OS: Windows, macOS, Linux, or mobile. Always download from the official domain trezor.io.
Step B — Initialize
Choose Create new wallet and set a device name. You will be presented with a recovery seed — do not take screenshots or store it digitally.
Step C — PIN
Set a PIN. This protects the device from unauthorized physical access. Choose a PIN you can remember but that is not easily guessable.
Step D — Confirm
Confirm your recovery phrase on the device as prompted. This guarantees the phrase shown is generated by the hardware and not intercepted by software.
Pro tip:
If you're migrating from another wallet, transfer a small test amount first to confirm the flow before moving larger funds.
Security Best Practices
Create a Secure Environment
Physical security matters. Set up your device in a private space — avoid public Wi‑Fi and shared computers when initializing. Trezor's cryptographic operations happen on the device, not on your computer; still, an isolated environment reduces social engineering risk.
Seed Handling & Storage
Your recovery seed is the ultimate key to your funds. Treat it as you would a bank vault key:
- Write the seed on multiple physical backups (metal backups are recommended for fire & water resistance).
- Store backups in geographically separated locations where possible.
- Do not store the seed digitally or photograph it.
Use a Passphrase (Optional Advanced)
A passphrase is an optional extra word added to your seed that creates a hidden wallet. It offers powerful protection but also increases risk: if you forget the passphrase, the funds are irrecoverable. Use a passphrase only if you understand the tradeoffs and have reliable, secured backup of the passphrase itself.
Security checklist
- Official firmware installed
- PIN set and known only to you
- No screenshots or cloud backups of your seed
- Two geographically separated backups
Backup & Recovery
Understanding Recovery Seeds
Trezor uses industry-standard BIP39 seeds. During setup, you're given 12, 18, or 24 words — write them down exactly and keep them safe. This seed can reconstruct your wallet on a new Trezor device or compatible software.
Recovering on a New Device
If your device is lost or damaged, you can recover your wallet by choosing Recover wallet during device initialization and entering your seed. Always verify you are on an official Trezor interface and not a phishing site.
Using a Metal Backup
Metal backups are highly recommended for long-term storage because they are durable under extreme conditions. Popular options are stainless steel plates designed for BIP39 words. Keep them in a secure, fireproof place.
Daily Use & Sending/Receiving
Receiving Funds
Always generate a receiving address from your Trezor interface and verify it on your device screen (not just the computer). Addresses may be reused, but many users prefer new addresses per transaction for privacy.
Sending Funds
When sending, confirm the destination address on the Trezor device display and check the transaction details in Trezor Suite. Trezor signs transactions offline and only exposes signed data to the host machine.
UX tip:
The combination of on-device confirmation and Suite's visual cues is designed to prevent tampering; take the habit of never approving transactions without reviewing both device and Suite data.
Advanced Features & Customization
Multiple Accounts & Coin Support
Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies and allows multiple accounts per coin. Use account naming and labels inside Suite to keep things organized, especially if you manage multiple portfolios.
Integrations & Third-Party Apps
You can connect Trezor to supported third-party wallets and dapps. Always confirm the receiving address and transaction details on the device itself — never trust a dapp UI alone.
Developer & Power User
Developers can use Trezor with various libraries and tools (e.g., Trezor Connect). If you are building integrations, follow the official docs and sign communication with robust validation. Remember, the device is just one part of a secure stack—server-side security and user education matter too.
Troubleshooting
Firmware & Updates
Keep firmware updated via Trezor Suite. Updates add new features and security patches. Only install firmware updates from official channels — the Suite will notify you when a new version is available.
Lost PIN or Seed
If you forget your PIN, your seed is required to recover access. If both are lost, there is no way to recover funds. That's why backups are critical.
Resources & Links
Below are quick links to official pages, guides and designer resources to make your start fast and visually delightful.