Trezor.io/start — Get Started with Your Trezor Device

Welcome — why your device matters

A hardware wallet like Trezor stores your private keys offline inside a secure element, making it one of the safest ways to hold cryptocurrency. Trezor.io/start is designed to take you from unboxing to confident use. Read the steps carefully and follow security best practices — this guide emphasizes actions you should perform on the device's physical screen and what you must keep offline.

Unboxing & initial checks

1. Purchase only from Trezor's official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
2. Inspect the packaging for seals and tamper-evident indicators. If anything looks altered, contact the vendor immediately.
3. Inside you should find the Trezor device (Model T or Trezor One), USB cable, recovery seed card, and quick start materials.
4. Do not connect the device to the internet until you have read these instructions and are ready to initialize it using Trezor Suite.

Download Trezor Suite & verify

To manage your Trezor device you’ll need Trezor Suite (desktop recommended for first setup):

1. Visit https://trezor.io/start and follow the link to download Trezor Suite for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
2. Verify the download whenever possible by checking the SHA256 checksum or signature provided on the official site. This prevents tampered installers.
3. Install Trezor Suite and open the application. Grant permissions as required by your OS, and keep your system up to date.

If you prefer, you can use the web flow for certain operations, but the desktop Suite offers the most stable experience for initial device setup and firmware updates.

Initialize your Trezor device

Follow the in‑app instructions in Trezor Suite; the device will prompt you through physical button presses or touchscreen taps depending on the model.

1. Connect the Trezor to your computer via the provided USB cable.
2. In Trezor Suite, choose Create new device or Initialize and follow prompts.
3. Set a device PIN directly on the Trezor. Choose a PIN that isn’t easily guessable but that you can remember. The PIN protects local access to the device.
4. The device will generate a recovery seed — write every word on the supplied recovery card in order. Do not store the seed digitally or photograph it.
5. After writing the seed, the device will ask you to confirm some words to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Understanding seed & passphrase

The recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words) is the only backup that can fully recover your wallets. Treat it like cash: anyone who sees it can access your funds. Trezor also supports an optional passphrase — an extra word that creates hidden wallets. Passphrases strengthen security but add complexity: if you forget the passphrase, the funds in that hidden wallet are lost forever. Use passphrases only if you understand the risks and have a secure way to store them.

Firmware updates — do this first

After initializing, Trezor Suite may prompt you to install firmware updates. These are important security maintenance steps:

1. Do not skip firmware updates. Follow Suite prompts to install official firmware.
2. When updating firmware, confirm on the device screen any fingerprints or checksums shown by Suite.
3. If firmware update fails, disconnect and retry. For persistent failures, consult Trezor support.

Updating firmware is normal — Ledger regularly patches vulnerabilities and improves compatibility. After updates, confirm your seed still restores your accounts (you don’t need to test by wiping device; just be confident you have the seed recorded).

Adding accounts

Once firmware is current, install apps or enable coins within Trezor Suite and add accounts:

1. Open the Accounts tab in Suite and choose Add account.
2. Select the cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) and follow prompts to sync the account. Suite will scan addresses derived from your seed and show balances.
3. Label accounts for organization (e.g., "Savings", "Trading", "Cold Storage"). You can create multiple accounts per coin if needed.

If a coin isn’t supported directly in Suite, you can often use third‑party wallets that are Trezor‑compatible (e.g., Electrum for Bitcoin, MyEtherWallet for Ethereum). Always follow recommended instructions for third‑party integrations.

Receive cryptocurrency securely

1. Select the account and click Receive in Suite.
2. Suite will show a receiving address; the Trezor device will display the same address. Verify the full address on the device display before sharing it.
3. Share the address or QR code with the sender. For extra security, use a fresh address for each incoming transfer when possible.

Address verification on the device prevents malware from swapping addresses on your computer — always confirm on Trezor’s screen.

Send crypto — a careful flow

1. Open the account and click Send.
2. Enter the recipient address or scan a QR code. Double‑check the address.
3. Choose amount and fee level. Suite will show estimated confirmations and fees.
4. Continue to device confirmation. Carefully read the recipient address, amount, and fee on the Trezor display and approve to sign.

Never approve transactions where the device display differs from what you expect. If anything looks unusual, cancel and investigate.

Using swaps and integrated services

Trezor Suite may offer swaps or partner integrations for buying/selling crypto. When using these services:

• Read rate quotes, slippage, and partner fees carefully before confirming a swap.
• Some swaps require multiple on‑chain steps and explanations; follow the Suite prompts and confirm each device signature.
• Know that third‑party services may require KYC and different fee structures depending on region.

Backup & secure storage options

Consider creating indestructible backups of your recovery seed (e.g., metal backup plates) and storing copies in separate secure locations. Use physical security measures (safe, safety deposit box) over digital backups. If you use a passphrase, store it separately and securely; losing the passphrase is equivalent to losing access to that hidden wallet.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port, restart Trezor Suite, ensure the device is unlocked, and check that Bridge or WebUSB support is active depending on your OS. On Linux, udev rules may be necessary.

Missing balances

Ensure you added the proper account type and let Suite finish synchronizing. If using third‑party wallets, verify derivation paths. If a balance still doesn’t appear but you control the seed, funds are recoverable — consult support documentation.

Seed lost

If you have the device and can still access accounts, immediately create a new wallet with a new seed and transfer funds. If both seed and device are lost, recovery is impossible — this is why secure seed backup is vital.

Advanced topics: Passphrases, hidden wallets & developer use

Passphrases create hidden wallets that are only accessible with the correct passphrase and seed combination. Developers can use Trezor in custom workflows; follow official SDK guidance to avoid exposing keys. Advanced features increase flexibility but also the chance of misconfiguration — document your choices and backups carefully.

Security checklist

• Buy from official sellers
• Record recovery seed on the supplied card and store offline
• Keep device firmware and Trezor Suite updated
• Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen
• Consider metal backups for high-value storage
• Use passphrases only when you have a robust backup strategy

Where to get official help

For step‑by‑step support and troubleshooting, use Trezor’s official documentation and support center at https://trezor.io/support. Avoid following unverified guides from unknown sources; when in doubt, consult official channels.