Your step-by-step journey to securely initializing your Trezor hardware wallet and protecting your cryptocurrency assets
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for setting up your Trezor hardware wallet through Trezor.io/start. This official initialization portal is your gateway to unparalleled cryptocurrency security. Whether you're a first-time hardware wallet user or migrating from another solution, this guide ensures a flawless setup experience.
Critical Security Notice: Only access Trezor.io/start through official channels. Bookmark the official URL and never follow links from emails or social media. Counterfeit sites can compromise your device security during setup.
Ensure your Trezor was purchased from official sources with intact security seals
Use a malware-free computer with updated operating system and browser
Original Trezor USB cable or high-quality data-transfer cable
Recovery seed card and pen for permanent backup recording
Perfect for beginners with essential security features
Advanced features for experienced users
Navigate to Trezor.io/start in your browser and connect your Trezor device using the provided USB cable. The site will automatically detect your device model and load the appropriate setup wizard.
Pro Tip: If your device isn't recognized, try a different USB port or cable. Some USB ports don't provide adequate power for hardware wallets.
The setup wizard will prompt you to install Trezor Bridge—a communication tool that enables your browser to interact securely with the hardware device. This one-time installation takes less than a minute.
Your Trezor will automatically check for and install the latest firmware. This critical step ensures you have the most recent security patches and features. Never interrupt firmware updates as this can brick your device.
This is the most crucial security step. Your Trezor will generate a unique recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words in exact order on your recovery card. Store this card in multiple secure locations.
Security Critical: Never digitize your recovery seed—no photos, cloud storage, or text files. Anyone with your seed can access your cryptocurrency. Consider a cryptosteel or other metal backup for fire/water protection.
Create a strong PIN to protect physical access to your device. The matrix display randomizes number positions to prevent shoulder surfing. Choose a memorable PIN that others cannot easily guess.
Assign a unique name to your Trezor for easy identification if you own multiple devices. This name appears in Trezor Suite and helps distinguish between different wallets.
Setup Verification: After completing Trezor.io/start, your device is ready for use. However, we strongly recommend transferring a small amount first, then practicing recovery using your seed phrase to ensure everything works correctly before moving significant funds.
Download Trezor Suite—the official desktop and mobile application for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio. Suite provides enhanced security features, portfolio tracking, and built-in exchange functionality.
Explore advanced options like passphrase protection (creating hidden wallets), Shamir Backup™ (for seed splitting), and FIDO2 authentication for web services.
Try different USB cables/ports, ensure Trezor Bridge is installed, check browser permissions, or try the desktop Trezor Suite application instead of the web interface.
Ensure stable internet connection, disable VPN/proxy temporarily, try different browsers (Chrome/Firefox), or use the Trezor Suite application for firmware updates.
Trezor.io/start works best with Chrome, Firefox, or Brave. Safari and Edge may require additional configuration for USB device permissions.
If you lose your recovery seed, you must immediately transfer all funds to a temporary wallet, reset your Trezor device, and generate a new seed. Without the recovery seed, you cannot recover your funds if the device is lost, stolen, or damaged.
You can safely disconnect during most setup steps, but never during firmware installation. The process will resume from the last completed step when you reconnect. However, for optimal security, complete the entire setup in one session.
Internet is required to download Trezor Bridge and firmware updates. However, once setup is complete, you can generate receiving addresses and verify transactions offline. Broadcasting transactions requires internet connection.
Genuine Trezor devices have holographic security seals. During setup, the device firmware is cryptographically signed and verified. Purchase only from official Trezor.io store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices.
While basic setup is possible on Android with OTG cables, we recommend using a desktop computer for the initial setup process. The Trezor Suite mobile app provides optimal mobile experience after initial configuration.