Trezor.io/Start – Official Hardware Wallet Setup Guide

The Trezor.io Start procedure is the foundation for securing your cryptocurrency with a Trezor hardware wallet. It ensures every new device begins in a verified state, guiding you through firmware installation, PIN setup, and the recording of your recovery seed. This document outlines the process in an official-style format—clear, consistent, and optimized for long-term reference.

1. Introduction to the Trezor.io Start Process

Setting up a Trezor hardware wallet at Trezor.io Start is a one-time security procedure. It verifies the authenticity of your device, installs the correct firmware, and creates your unique recovery seed inside the wallet’s secure environment. No personal data or private keys ever leave the device, maintaining complete offline control.

2. Inspect Your Device

Before connecting, check that your Trezor device arrives sealed and untampered. Authentic packaging is tightly sealed, with no evidence of prior setup. If any signs of interference are visible, pause setup and secure the device until you verify its authenticity.

3. Connecting the Hardware Wallet

Use the original USB cable to connect your Trezor to your computer. The device screen will activate and display the startup prompt. Follow on-screen guidance only as shown on the hardware display—your Trezor’s screen always reflects the true security state of your wallet.

4. Firmware Installation and Verification

The device will request the installation of verified firmware. Firmware is digitally signed and authenticated to prevent tampering. This signature validation ensures that your hardware wallet runs only genuine software. Do not install any unsigned or modified firmware files.

5. Creating a New Wallet

Once firmware is confirmed, select the option to create a new wallet. Your Trezor generates a cryptographic master seed internally. This seed defines all wallet addresses and is never transmitted outside the hardware wallet. You maintain exclusive control of your private keys.

6. Recording the Recovery Seed

The recovery seed is the single most important part of your setup. It appears word-by-word on your Trezor’s display and should be written on paper in the exact order shown. Store this recovery seed offline, away from digital devices, and never upload, type, or share it. Your recovery seed allows you to restore your wallet if your device is lost or damaged.

7. Setting Your PIN Code

Next, you’ll create a secure PIN directly on your hardware wallet. The PIN protects against unauthorized physical access. Multiple incorrect entries result in increasing delays, discouraging repeated attempts. The PIN exists only on your device and is never saved elsewhere.

8. Optional Security: Adding a Passphrase

Experienced users may enable an optional passphrase feature. The passphrase acts as an extra word that unlocks a secondary, hidden wallet derived from your recovery seed. This function provides additional privacy but must be remembered exactly—losing it means losing access to that wallet.

9. Confirming Device Authenticity

Each time your Trezor powers on, it verifies the firmware’s digital signature to confirm authenticity. If a mismatch is detected, the wallet displays a warning. Only proceed when the verification confirms a trusted, authentic state.

10. How Trezor Secures Private Keys

The hardware wallet isolates private keys from external exposure. When transactions are signed, data is processed within the device, never leaving the secure chip. This structure ensures your keys remain offline at all times, even when connected to a computer.

11. Approving Transactions

All outgoing transactions must be confirmed on your device’s screen. Verify the destination address and the amount before approving. Because the final confirmation happens on your hardware wallet, malware or phishing attempts on your computer cannot alter the approved details.

12. Firmware Maintenance and Updates

From time to time, firmware updates improve functionality or security. Updates are installed safely through the device’s official procedure. During this process, your private keys remain securely inside the hardware wallet at all times.

13. Backup and Long-Term Protection

Store your recovery seed in multiple secure physical locations. Consider using metal or fireproof storage plates for long-term durability. Regularly confirm that your written seed remains legible and complete. Never keep digital photos or typed versions of your recovery phrase.

14. Key Security Practices

Use your hardware wallet only on trusted computers.
Never reveal your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase to anyone.
Physically confirm every transaction on the Trezor screen.
Do not store recovery data digitally or online.
Check your firmware version regularly for authenticity.

15. Troubleshooting Common Setup Issues

If your computer fails to recognize the device, use a direct USB connection and avoid hubs or extensions. Restart both your computer and the hardware wallet if necessary. If you see unexpected prompts, stop immediately and restart—never input your seed phrase into a digital device.

Note: Your recovery seed and PIN are permanent access keys to your wallet. Keep them private, offline, and protected from environmental or digital risks.