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

Introduction

Welcome to your Trezor journey. Whether you unboxed a new Trezor Model T or a Trezor One, this guide walks you through the important first steps: powering on, connecting to the official start page (Trezor.io/start), creating a secure PIN, recording your recovery seed, and verifying the device. I wrote this guide to be colorful, clear, and actionable — with headings for every stage and accessible examples.

Quick start — Out of the box (h3)

Unboxing & inspection

Before you connect anything, inspect the packaging and the device. Trezor devices ship in tamper-evident boxes. Look for irregularities: torn seals, loose components, or nonstandard stickers. If anything looks wrong, do not proceed and contact Trezor support.

Connect and power

Creating your PIN and seed

After firmware, the device will ask you to create a PIN and then display your recovery seed. A PIN protects the device locally, while the recovery seed is the ultimate backup that restores your funds if you lose the device.

Choosing a strong PIN

Choose a PIN that's easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. Avoid repeating patterns like 1111 or 1234 — longer is better. The PIN will be required whenever you interact with the device for sensitive operations.

Write down your recovery seed

When the device shows the recovery words, write them down exactly in the order shown on the paper card provided. Do not take photos, store them on cloud services, or keep them in a text file. The seed is the single most important secret protecting your funds.

Seed storage suggestions

• Use the card provided or a metal backup plate for durability.
• Store the seed in two geographically separated secure locations.
• Consider using a steel backup if you live in an area prone to fire or flood.

Security fundamentals (h2)

Verify the device — Always

Trezor shows a verification screen and fingerprint for firmware. Confirm every prompt shown on the device itself — do not blindly trust the computer screen. The device’s physical screen is the root of trust.

Best practices

• Never share your recovery seed or PIN with anyone.
• Use a password manager for account logins, but never for storing the recovery seed.
• Keep device firmware up to date — updates patch security issues and occasionally add features.
• Consider setting a passphrase (advanced) for an extra encryption layer. Remember: a passphrase is like a 25th seed word and if lost, the wallet funds are unrecoverable.

Understanding passphrases

A passphrase is optional but powerful. When enabled, your 24-word seed + passphrase together create a separate wallet. This lets you create hidden wallets, but losing the passphrase is irreversible. Treat it like another password and store it securely.

Using your Trezor (h2)

Receiving funds

To receive funds, open the Trezor Suite or the recommended web interface, choose the receiving address from the device, and copy it. Always verify the exact address on the Trezor screen before sharing it — malware can tamper with clipboard contents.

Sending funds

When sending, the transaction summary shows on the device. Verify amount, recipient address, and fees before approving — the final approval should be done on the device itself by physically confirming the transaction.

Multiple accounts & coins

Trezor supports many cryptocurrencies. Use separate accounts for organization, and ensure you pick the correct network (for example, be careful with tokens on different chains).

Backup & Recovery

Recovering with your seed

If your Trezor is lost or damaged, you can recover your wallet on a new Trezor or compatible device by entering your recovery words in the correct order. Always recover on an offline or trusted computer — never on a public or shared machine.

Test recovery (recommended)

Consider doing a dry-run recovery on a spare device or temporary setup to ensure your seed was recorded correctly. This test avoids bad surprises if you ever need to fully restore access under pressure.

Troubleshooting & tips

Common problems

• Device not recognized: Try a different cable, port, or computer. Ensure you used the official cable that supports data (not all USB cables do).
• Firmware failed: Retry the update and make sure your internet connection is stable. If the device shows unusual text during boot, contact support.
• Forgotten PIN: If you forget your PIN you must recover using your seed on a reset device; the PIN cannot be recovered.

Advanced tips

For users who want extra security: use a dedicated offline computer for recovery operations, combine a passphrase with your seed, and consider multisig setups (multiple devices that jointly sign transactions) for very large holdings.

Frequently asked questions

Is Trezor open-source?

Trezor firmware and many components are open source. This transparency helps with auditing and trust.

Can I use Trezor with mobile?

Yes. Trezor supports mobile via OTG adapters and compatible apps. For the initial setup, a desktop experience is simpler.

When should I contact support?

If you notice tampering, missing firmware, suspicious behavior, or if you suspect your seed has been exposed, contact official Trezor support immediately and follow their recommended steps.

Conclusion

Setting up a hardware wallet like Trezor is one of the most effective steps you can take to secure your crypto holdings. Follow best practices: keep firmware updated, protect your PIN, and store your recovery seed offline and secure. Use this colorful guide as a companion while you set up; return to any section whenever you need a quick refresher.