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Getting Started with Trezor (trezor.io/start)

This guide walks you through the essential steps at trezor.io/start to set up a Trezor hardware wallet securely and confidently. Follow these clear steps whether you’re unboxing your first hardware wallet or refreshing your security habits. The goal: a clean, tamper-proof setup, a safe recovery strategy, and practical daily-use tips so your crypto remains under your control.

Unbox and Inspect

Start by verifying the packaging and device tamper-evidence. A genuine Trezor arrives sealed with anti-tamper stickers and clean packaging. Inspect for broken seals, loose components, or anything that looks tampered with. If something seems off, stop and contact support before connecting the device. Physical integrity is your first line of defense.

Visit trezor.io/start

Use a secure computer and a private network. Open a modern browser and go to trezor.io/start. The official start page will guide you to download the official wallet app or to use the recommended web interface. Avoid third-party downloads and never trust a search result that doesn’t explicitly point to the official domain.

Connect and Initialize

  1. Connect the Trezor device to your computer using the provided cable.
  2. Confirm the device model and firmware prompt on the device screen before proceeding.
  3. Allow the web interface to detect the device, then create a new wallet.
  4. Set a strong PIN directly on the device — this prevents easy access if your device is stolen.

Write Down Your Recovery Seed

During initialization, Trezor will display a recovery seed: a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words. This seed is the single most important item. Write it down on the supplied recovery card or another durable medium immediately. Do not type it into any computer, photograph it, or store it digitally. Keep the written copy in a secure, private location — preferably split across geographically separated safe places for redundancy.

IMPORTANT: The recovery seed is the master key to your funds. Anyone with it can restore your wallet and spend your assets. Treat it like cash or the key to a safe deposit box.

Verify & Update Firmware

After setup, verify that the device firmware is genuine and up to date. The official interface will prompt firmware updates; install them only if offered through the official Trezor website. Firmware updates often include important security fixes and features, so apply them promptly but only through the official flow.

Best Practices for Everyday Use

  1. Transact from the hardware device whenever possible — confirm addresses on the device screen before sending funds.
  2. Keep your PIN short enough to be usable but long enough to be secure; use the device’s protection features like passphrase support only if you understand how they work.
  3. Never enter your recovery seed into software or a website. Seed entry belongs on the device only during an official recovery process.
  4. Use a separate, dedicated computer for high-value transactions if you want extra safety from malware.

Advanced Options: Passphrase and Shamir Backup

Trezor supports advanced options such as an optional passphrase — an extra word or phrase added to your seed to create an independent wallet — and Shamir Backup (if supported by your model) to split recovery into multiple shares. These features increase security but also complexity. Learn the tradeoffs and practice recovery before relying on advanced options for large balances.

Recovery Drill — Practice Safely

A safe habit: perform a recovery drill using a test device or a small test amount. Practice restoring from your written seed to ensure the words were recorded accurately and that you can complete a recovery if needed. Doing this once and verifying a successful restore builds confidence that your recovery process works.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

If you lose your device, the funds are still safe if you have your recovery seed. Buy a new Trezor from an authorized source and restore using your seed. If the device was physically compromised or you suspect seed exposure, move your funds to a new wallet created from a new seed as soon as possible.

Final Checklist

  1. Verify original sealed packaging on arrival.
  2. Connect only at trezor.io/start and use the official app/interface.
  3. Create and memorize a PIN; write down the recovery seed and store it offline.
  4. Confirm addresses on the device before every transaction.
  5. Keep firmware up to date and verify authenticity through the official flow.

This guide gives practical, direct steps to get started with Trezor while minimizing common security mistakes. For model-specific details, advanced options, or support, refer to official Trezor documentation and support channels. Safe cryptography starts with careful setup and disciplined habits.