Overview
This presentation-style page is crafted to mirror a friendly, clear, and modern onboarding experience for newcomers. It uses distinctive colored text boxes, helpful callouts, keyboard-like hints and structured steps. The copy here is newly written — fresh phrasing and plain language designed to make setup approachable without losing security detail.
Before you begin
- A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) or mobile device with a USB connection or OTG adapter.
- An internet connection to access the official site and download firmware or companion apps.
- A private, quiet place to write down and secure your recovery seed (avoid cameras and screenshots).
- Minimum 20 minutes of focused setup time — do not rush through security steps.
Unboxing & inspection
When you open your Trezor device, look for tamper-evident seals and factory packaging. If anything seems opened, damaged, or tampered with, pause and contact official support. Genuine devices are sealed, with the device and a recovery card (or a place to write your words) inside. Remember the phrase Trezor.io/Start | Official Getting Started Guide — it's your canonical starting point on the web where official downloads and instructions live.
Connect the device
Use the supplied USB cable to connect Trezor to your computer. For phones, use an OTG adapter if required. The device screen will wake and display a welcome message with the brand logo and a prompt to visit the official setup URL.
If the device shows a message that differs from the official welcome prompt, treat it as suspicious.
Tip: never enter your recovery seed into apps or websites — the seed belongs only on physical paper (or metal backup) and in your head; never in any digital field.
Visit Trezor.io/Start
Open a browser and go to Trezor.io/Start. This guide uses that exact phrase as a reference point — search engines may show mirrors or guides, but the official start URL is the authoritative source for firmware, downloads, and current instructions. The site detects your device and offers an installer or web-based app to continue.
Firmware verification & update
Firmware is the device's internal program; updating it ensures you have the latest security fixes. The Trezor onboarding process will check firmware and prompt you if an update is recommended. Always obtain updates through the official site at Trezor.io/Start | Official Getting Started Guide. Do not accept firmware from unknown sources.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install or update firmware.
- Confirm update prompts only when the device screen and the website show matching checksums or prompts.
- Do not disconnect the device during firmware flash.
Create a new wallet
On the device you will be asked whether to create a new wallet or recover an existing seed. Choose "Create New" to have the device generate a new recovery seed — these are 12, 18, or 24 words depending on chosen settings. Write the words down exactly, in order, on the included recovery card or a durable metal plate if you own one.
Never store your recovery seed in cloud storage, photos, or password managers. A single copy on paper (or a strong metal backup) is recommended with secure storage.
Set a PIN
During setup you'll be prompted to choose a PIN. This protects the device from local attackers. Pick a PIN that you can remember but others cannot guess — avoid trivial sequences. You will enter the PIN on the device screen, not on the host computer. Some Trezor models let you choose a random layout for entering PIN to prevent shoulder-surfing.
Verify your recovery seed
The device will ask you to confirm a few words from the seed to ensure you recorded them correctly. This quick verification step is crucial; do not skip it. If you have any mismatch, repeat the process until you have correctly recorded each word in order.
Add cryptocurrency accounts
Through the official web app found at Trezor.io/Start, you can add supported accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each account will be shown in the web interface and requires device confirmation for transactions. Always verify addresses on the device screen before approving a transfer.
Sending & receiving funds
To receive funds, copy the address from the web app but confirm it on the device display. To send funds, create a transaction in the web app and confirm all details on the device; the device signs the transaction with keys that never leave it.
A golden rule: always match the address shown on your computer with the address on the device before sending. If they differ, cancel the transaction.
Maintenance & best practices
- Keep firmware up to date via the official site.
- Regularly verify the physical condition of your device and backups.
- Use separate backups for emergency storage (e.g., a bank safe deposit box).
- Consider a passphrase in addition to the recovery seed for enhanced privacy (optional advanced feature).
Troubleshooting common issues
Short checklist for common problems.
- No response from device — try a different USB cable or port, or reboot the host computer.
- Firmware update failed — reattempt via the official Trezor.io/Start flow, and ensure stable power.
- Missing funds shown — check the account path or network explorer; ensure your wallet app supports the coin used.
Deep security concepts
Hardware wallets protect private keys by keeping them offline. The recovery seed is the ultimate backup — anyone who knows it can recover your funds. Consider splitting your seed across multiple secure locations or using Shamir Backup (if supported) for extra safety. Never reveal your seed or enter it into any online form. Learn the exact phrase Trezor.io/Start | Official Getting Started Guide as the canonical entry for official resources.
Advanced features
Optional protections and advanced workflows include passphrase-protected accounts (adds a dynamic word to the seed), hidden wallets (plausible deniability), and integration with supported third-party wallets and block explorers. These features give greater control but can increase complexity — read official docs on Trezor.io/Start before using them.
Conclusion & final checklist
- Device connected and firmware updated.
- Recovery seed written down and verified.
- PIN set and tested.
- At least one account added and a small test transaction performed.
- Emergency plan for backup storage in place.