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

Purpose of this guide

This document walks you through the end‑to‑end process of starting up a Trezor device: inspecting hardware, downloading verified software, initializing the device, writing and protecting your recovery seed, using optional security features, managing day‑to‑day transactions, and troubleshooting common issues. It emphasizes concrete, actionable steps and safety practices that reduce the risk of loss or theft. Read this before you plug in your device and keep it available during setup.

Download & install

Open Trezor.io/Start in your browser and choose the appropriate Trezor Suite download for your operating system. Prefer the desktop Suite when possible for better device integration and firmware handling. Verify checksums if provided by the portal; some organizations require checksum verification as a policy. After downloading, run the installer and follow the platform prompts. On macOS, you may need to allow permissions in Security & Privacy; on Linux, you may need to add udev rules for non‑root USB access.

Note: On first run, Suite will typically prompt you to connect your Trezor and begin onboarding. Keep the device and the Suite window visible so you can confirm instructions on both the screen and the device.

Initialize your device

With Suite open and the device connected, the onboarding wizard will ask whether you want to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. If creating a new wallet, the device will prompt you to select a PIN on the hardware (never type the PIN into your computer). Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but not guessable. After setting the PIN, the device will generate the recovery seed words on its screen—write them down in order on the official recovery card provided with your device.

Follow the device prompts to confirm random words to ensure you recorded them correctly. This confirmation step prevents common mistakes and ensures you have a reliable backup. Remember: the seed is all that’s needed to restore your funds; losing it while losing the device equals permanent loss.

Protecting your recovery seed

Backing up the recovery seed correctly is the most important action you will take. The seed must be written legibly and stored offline. Consider these best practices:

• Write two copies on official recovery cards and store them in separate, secure locations (e.g., home safe and bank safe deposit box).
• Use a metal backup plate for fire and flood resilience if you prefer a durable solution.
• Do not use digital storage (photos, notes, cloud sync) under any circumstances.
• Label the backup with an innocuous descriptor if you want plausible deniability, but do not include recoverable hints about the seed itself.

If you choose to use a passphrase (an optional additional secret that creates a hidden wallet), understand that the passphrase itself must be protected with the same care as the seed. Losing the passphrase means losing access to funds in the hidden wallet—there is no recovery without it.

Firmware & device authenticity

During onboarding, Suite will check the device firmware. If a verified update is available, Suite will prompt you to install it. Only apply updates through the official Suite—never accept firmware from unverified sources. Firmware updates correct security issues and add features; applying them keeps your device current. The Suite will also display authenticity information; read it and confirm that the device is genuine.

If authenticity checks fail or Suite shows unexpected warnings, stop and contact official support or your procurement/security officer before proceeding.

Adding accounts & basic operations

After initialization and firmware verification, you can add accounts for supported blockchains inside Suite. For some blockchains you may need to install small on‑device apps via Suite's manager. Adding an account causes Suite to discover addresses derived from your seed; you can label accounts for personal or business use.

To receive funds, generate a receive address within Suite and always verify that the same address appears on your Trezor device screen. For sending, create a transaction in Suite, then carefully verify the destination address, amount, and fee directly on the device before approving.

Advanced options

Passphrase (optional, advanced)

Enabling a passphrase with your seed creates an additional, hidden wallet. This can be useful for separating funds or creating plausible deniability. Remember: the passphrase is not stored anywhere; if you lose it, funds in the hidden wallet are irretrievable. Use passphrases only if you understand the operational risk and can manage the secret reliably.

Multisignature & custody setups

For organizational use or high‑value holdings, multisig solutions distribute signing authority across multiple devices and people. Implement multisig only after designing and documenting an operational policy: who holds which keys, how backups are stored, and how recovery is conducted. Test the scheme on non‑production assets first.

Practice & test transactions

Before transferring meaningful amounts, perform a small test transaction. This verifies that addresses, fees, and confirmations work as expected. Use this step to become familiar with the on‑device verification process and to confirm your intended flow.

Practice restores: If you manage multiple devices for a team, rehearse a restore on a test device to ensure your backup procedures are valid and that staff know the steps.

Troubleshooting

Device not detected

Try a different USB cable or port, avoid USB hubs, and restart Suite. On Linux, ensure udev rules are installed; on macOS, check security prompts and allow USB access. If the device still fails to connect, consult logs and official support channels.

Forgotten PIN

If you forget your PIN, you must reset the device to factory and restore from your seed. Do not reset unless you have a secure copy of your seed; otherwise, you will permanently lose access.

Phishing & scams

Any request asking for your seed or passphrase outside the device restore flow is a scam. Close the site, disconnect the device, and contact official support. Phishing attacks may mimic support or official sites—rely on verified portals only.

Operational tips for ongoing security

• Keep software (Suite and OS) updated and apply firmware updates only via Suite.
• Use a dedicated, offline environment for high-value operations when possible.
• Maintain an incident response plan for lost devices, suspected compromise, or discovery of a leaked seed.
• Rotate backups if physical media shows wear; test backups periodically.

FAQ

Can I restore my wallet on another device?

Yes. Use the recovery seed to restore on a compatible device. The seed is standard across many wallets that implement the same derivation scheme, but using the official Suite and device ensures fidelity and safety.

Do I need to enable a passphrase?

No. Basic use does not require a passphrase. Consider it only if you need extra separation or plausible deniability and can manage the additional secret securely.

How many copies of the seed should I keep?

At least two physical copies stored in separate secure locations is a common recommendation. For long‑term resilience, consider durable metal backups and geographical separation.

Final checklist (before moving significant funds)

1. Downloaded Suite from Trezor.io/Start and verified installer where policy requires it.
2. Inspected device for tampering and confirmed authenticity via Suite.
3. Initialized device, set a secure PIN, and written the seed on official cards.
4. Stored backup copies in secure, separate locations; considered durable metal backups.
5. Applied verified firmware updates via Suite and added accounts.
6. Conducted a small test transaction and confirmed on‑device verification behavior.
7. Documented custody and recovery procedures if used in an organizational context.