Introduction
Welcome — this short presentation explains how to securely start up your Trézor device, get it connected, and protect your recovery seed and accounts. Follow the steps exactly and treat your hardware wallet as the root of trust for your crypto: keep it physically safe, keep backups secure, and never share your recovery phrase or PIN with anyone. The instructions below are designed for clarity and safety whether you are a new user or refreshing best practices.
Before you begin
Ensure you have: a computer or mobile device with a supported browser, the original USB cable provided with your Trézor, a safe clean desk, and two secure locations to keep your recovery backup. Do not accept packages that look tampered with, and never connect your Trézor to software you cannot verify.
Step-by-step startup
- Unbox and inspect. Verify the device seal and check for physical tampering. Only proceed with the official packaging.
- Visit the official start page. Open your browser and navigate to the official start URL (type it manually):
trezor.io/start. Do not follow random search results. - Install official bridge/manager. If prompted, download the official Trezor Bridge or use the recommended web manager on the official site. Confirm file signatures if available and keep your OS up to date.
- Connect device. Plug the USB cable into the device and your computer. Follow the on-screen instructions on both the device display and the web manager.
- Create a new wallet or recover. Choose “Create new” if you are starting fresh. The device will generate a random recovery seed (most commonly 12, 18, or 24 words) — write this down word-for-word on the included card or a durable metal backup, never on a screenshot or cloud note.
- Set a PIN. Choose a strong numeric PIN using the on-device interface. The PIN prevents direct use of the device if stolen.
- Verify the recovery seed. Your device will ask you to confirm a few randomly chosen words. This verifies you recorded them correctly. Never type your recovery words into a computer.
- Firmware updates. If a firmware update is offered, verify it is from the official source and follow the device prompts. Firmware updates fix security issues but always confirm they are authentic.
- Install apps & accounts. Use the official manager to add coin apps or accounts. Only use reputable wallets that support hardware wallets for transaction signing.
- Final checks. Confirm account addresses on the device display before sending funds. Test with a small transaction first to ensure everything is correct.
Security best practices
Never share your seed phrase or PIN. Keep at least two backups in separate physical locations, and consider a metal backup plate for disaster resistance. Consider passphrase protection (advanced) only if you fully understand how it alters recovery. Always verify addresses on the device screen before confirming transactions and use a clean, malware-free computer.
Troubleshooting & support
If something feels wrong — strange prompts, unexpected updates, or a damaged device — stop and contact official support from the device’s support page. Avoid third-party recovery services and do not input your seed anywhere online. Official help resources can guide you through recovery steps safely.