Trezor.io/Start — Starting® Up® Your® Device®

Why start at trezor.io/start?

The official start page is intentionally minimal and secure: it guides you to use official firmware, follow recommended initialization steps, and ensures device attestation checks are performed. Starting here avoids phishing traps and reduces the risk of misconfiguration during the critical first use of a hardware wallet.

Before you begin — quick checklist

• New, sealed device from an authorized seller.
• A clean, up-to-date computer (avoid public or shared machines).
• Paper and permanent pen for writing your recovery seed (or a metal backup plate).
• Time set aside — rushing increases mistakes.

Step-by-step: Starting® Up® your device

1. Unbox and inspect. Check packaging and the device for tamper-evidence. If anything seems off, return the device and contact the seller.
2. Open trezor.io/start. Use a browser you trust. The page will detect your device and guide you to install Trezor Suite or use the web-based flow.
3. Install official tools. If required, download Trezor Suite or Bridge from the official website. Verify the URL and the installer signature if provided.
4. Initialize device. Choose to create a new wallet on the device (do not restore from a seed someone gave you). The device will generate a new recovery phrase—write it down precisely in the order shown. Do not photograph it or store it in any digital form.
5. Set a PIN. Choose a PIN of reasonable length. The device will ask to confirm it by re-entering. Memorize it and avoid using easy sequences.
6. Optional: set passphrase. Decide whether to enable a passphrase (acts as a 25th secret word). Understand that a passphrase multiplies your wallet set: losing it means losing access to those hidden wallets.
7. Confirm device attestation. Follow on-screen prompts to validate the device’s firmware and manufacturer attestation. This step reduces supply-chain risk by ensuring the firmware is authentic.
8. Install apps. Use Trezor Suite or the recommended manager to install coin-specific apps you need (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Each coin app provides the derivation paths and account discovery features.

Writing and protecting your recovery seed

The recovery seed is the single most critical artifact.

• Write words neatly and in order on the provided card or a metal backup plate for long-term durability.
• Store multiple copies in geographically separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe).
• Consider using simple redundancy methods (two copies) but avoid giving any copy to someone else unless part of an explicit, trusted inheritance plan.

Passphrase explained — power and peril

A passphrase is an additional secret that combines with your recovery seed to produce distinct wallets. It's powerful but dangerous: it provides plausible deniability and stealth wallets, but if forgotten, the funds are irretrievable. Use passphrases only if you have a robust secret-management plan, and treat them like a second seed.

Firmware updates and device safety

Firmware updates may be released to patch vulnerabilities, add coin support, or improve functionality. Install updates only via official channels and confirm update fingerprints on the device itself. Never accept firmware or software from unofficial pages or random links.

First transaction checklist

• Always confirm receiving addresses on the device screen before sharing them.
• When sending, verify recipient and amount on the device display (the host app can be compromised, the device is authoritative).
• Send a small test amount before transferring a large balance.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, avoid USB hubs, and ensure Bridge or Suite is installed if required.

Stuck during initialization: Restart the device and the host, clear browser cache, or try the official desktop Suite instead of the web flow.

Seed legibility issues: If words are smudged or unclear, perform an immediate controlled recovery to a spare device and reissue a clean backup; do not proceed with funds until backups are validated.

Recovery rehearsal — urgent but simple

A recovery rehearsal is the act of restoring your seed onto a spare device to ensure you can recover when needed. This confirms your seed is correct and that you (or your designated heir) can restore access under pressure. Perform this annually or whenever you update how the seed is stored.

Practical operational tips

• Use a dedicated machine or browser profile for crypto operations for added isolation.
• Keep firmware updated but schedule updates when you have time to verify the device after reboot.
• Consider multisig for high-value holdings to mitigate single-point-of-failure risk.
• Document the location of backups and the recovery process in an encrypted, trusted document for inheritance planning.

Legal & inheritance considerations

If you hold significant assets, create a legal plan for access and succession. This might include an encrypted will, third-party trustees, or a legally binding instruction set to help executors access funds while preserving security. Never share seeds or passphrases in plain text with lawyers or executors without secure handling policies.

Conclusion

Starting at trezor.io/start and following a disciplined setup routine greatly reduces risk. Security is not a single action but a set of practices: purchasing genuine hardware, protecting the recovery seed, verifying device attestation, and operating cautiously. With these steps, your Trezor device becomes a robust cornerstone of personal crypto security.