trezor.io/start — A clear, practical guide to set up your Trezor

This page walks you through unboxing and initializing a Trezor hardware wallet, explaining the essential steps you’ll do at trezor.io/start: connect, initialize, back up your seed, set a PIN, and send your first transaction safely.

What trezor.io/start does: it launches the official onboarding flow that pairs your physical device with Trezor’s secure setup software. The website verifies the device, helps you create a seed, and teaches safe backup practices. Follow these steps deliberately — the security of your crypto depends on them.

1. Unbox and prepare

Open the box and check the tamper-evidence seal. Confirm the device matches the model you purchased. Use a clean, private workspace away from cameras and unknown USB hubs. You’ll need a USB cable or supported USB-C adapter and a computer with an up-to-date browser. Never accept a used device without factory-verification through the official site.

2. Connect at trezor.io/start

Go to trezor.io/start and follow on-screen prompts. The page will ask to open the onboarding app. Always confirm the URL and TLS lock icon in your browser to avoid phishing. The official site loads the web app which will communicate with your Trezor when you connect the cable and press the device’s physical button(s).

3. Initialize and generate your seed

The device creates a new recovery seed (the master backup) entirely on the hardware — it never leaves the device. Choose to create a new wallet when prompted. Record the seed words on the supplied recovery card; do this by hand and double-check each word. Do not store the seed on a photo, cloud, or any connected device.

4. Set a PIN and optional passphrase

Set a PIN for physical access protection. Choose a PIN length and pattern you can remember but that others can’t guess. For advanced protection, use a passphrase (a string added to your recovery seed) — treat it as an additional secret: losing it means losing funds. The passphrase feature is powerful but also riskier for casual users; read the guidance on the official site before enabling it.

5. Verify your backup

Once seed words are written, verify them on the device via the verification step. This ensures the recorded seed matches the hardware’s internal state. Store the physical seed in a fireproof, waterproof location. Consider splitting the backup using secret-sharing techniques only if you understand the tradeoffs and have secure custody plans.

6. Install apps, add accounts, and receive

Use the Trezor Suite or recommended web tools to install cryptocurrency apps and add accounts. When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the Trezor screen — never trust addresses shown only on the computer. Send a small test amount first to confirm everything is correct.

7. Keep software and firmware up to date

Only update firmware using the official site or Trezor Suite. Firmware updates can improve security; read the changelog and follow the official instructions. Avoid third-party firmware or tools that claim to enhance functionality unless they’re explicitly endorsed by Trezor.

Safety checklist

• Always verify the official URL and SSL lock before connecting.
• Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone.
• Prefer hardware wallets for substantial holdings; keep only small hot wallet amounts on mobile or exchange accounts.
• Consider multi-factor custody (multisig) for very large holdings.

Getting started with a Trezor is primarily about following a careful routine: unbox, connect at trezor.io/start, create and verify your recovery seed, set a PIN, and practice receiving small test transactions. This routine establishes a strong foundation for long-term security.