Get Started with Trezor | Trezor.io/start

Welcome to Trezor.io/start, the official onboarding portal for your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide takes you step by step through setting up your device, installing the necessary software, protecting your recovery seed, and safely managing your crypto assets. Whether you’re new to hardware wallets or just need a refresher, this is your official start point.

What Is Trezor.io/start?

Trezor.io/start is the verified, curated gateway that ensures your wallet setup begins from a trusted, secure source. By beginning here, you can:

• Download the authentic **Trezor Suite** software for your OS (desktop/web) without risk of phishing or tampering.
• Get guided, official instructions for onboarding and device initialization.
• Apply firmware updates from a trusted origin.
• Learn security best practices, avoid common mistakes, and access support resources.

Always verify the URL: make sure you navigate to https://trezor.io/start (or a known mirror). Do not follow unverified links in emails, social media, or search results.

Why Use a Hardware Wallet?

Before diving into setup, here’s why hardware wallets like Trezor are considered among the most secure ways to manage cryptocurrency:

• Offline key storage: Private keys never leave the device, protecting them from malware or online attacks.
• Physical confirmation: Every transaction or sensitive action must be confirmed on the device’s screen.
• Seed recovery: You receive a recovery phrase to restore your wallet if your device is lost.
• Open‑source and auditable: Many components are public, enabling security review.

Required Items Before You Begin

• Your Trezor device (Model T, Model One, or a compatible model)
• USB cable (supplied with the device)
• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with USB port
• Pen and paper (or a secure physical medium) to record your recovery seed
• A calm, private area to perform setup

Step‑by‑Step Setup via Trezor.io/start

1. Visit Trezor.io/start: Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. Confirm HTTPS and correct domain.
2. Select your device model: Choose the model you own (Model T, Model One, etc.), so the guided instructions match your hardware.
3. Download and install Trezor Suite: Click the appropriate download link (Windows, macOS, Linux). Run the installer and launch the app. Trezor Suite is your control interface. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
4. Install Trezor Bridge (if required): Bridge is a small helper interface that allows the browser to communicate with the Trezor device in some setups. Follow prompts to install it. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
5. Connect your Trezor via USB: Use the provided cable to plug your device into your computer. Trezor Suite should detect it automatically. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
6. Install or update firmware: If your device has no firmware or is outdated, Trezor Suite will prompt an update. Confirm on the device when asked. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
7. Create or restore wallet: Choose either to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery seed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
8. Backup your recovery seed: Your device displays 12 or 24 words. Write them down exactly, in order, on the provided recovery card. Confirm selected words to verify. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
9. Set a PIN: Assign a PIN (usually 4–8 digits) to lock your device. You’ll enter this PIN each time you use it. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
10. Optionally enable passphrase / hidden wallet: For advanced users, you can add a passphrase (a “25th word”) to create a hidden wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
11. Finalize and access your wallet: Once setup is done, you’ll see your wallet dashboard in Trezor Suite. From there, add accounts, view balances, send/receive crypto. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Key Post‑Setup Actions

After initialization, here’s what you should do:

• Add cryptocurrency accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Trezor Suite.
• Make a small test transaction to verify everything works.
• Explore built‑in features like coin swaps or exchange services (when supported) within the app. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Enable privacy and security enhancements (e.g. Tor routing, coin control) if available.

Important Security Best Practices

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, restart Trezor Suite, or reinstall Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Firmware update fails: Do not unplug the device; retry via Trezor Suite. If issues persist, contact support. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Forgot PIN: You’ll need to reset the device and restore via your recovery seed.
• Recovery seed mismatch or entry errors: Double-check word order, spelling, and confirm again carefully.
• Fake or phishing sites: Always verify that you are on the official `trezor.io/start` and not a lookalike domain. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Advanced Features & Optional Enhancements

Beyond the basics, Trezor.io/start also introduces advanced options to improve security and privacy:

• Passphrase / Hidden Wallet: Add an extra word to your seed to create a hidden wallet that’s separate from your “standard” wallet. Losing the passphrase means losing that wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Shamir Backup (SLIP‑39): On certain models, you can split your seed into multiple shares (e.g. 3 of 5) so recovery can be distributed securely. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
• Connect to your full node: For privacy‑centric users, Trezor.io/start supports options to connect via your own full node rather than relying on third‑party servers. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Why This Process Matters

The reason Trezor funnels setup through `trezor.io/start` is to reduce risk. Malicious actors often deploy phishing sites mimicking hardware wallet setup flows. By channeling users through a controlled, verified path, Trezor ensures that firmware, software, and setup instructions are genuine. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Every action you take—initialization, backup, confirmation—happens under conditions designed to safeguard your keys and seed. This is self‑custody, not someone else holding your keys. Your security is only as strong as your practices.

Summary & Next Steps

To recap, here’s a condensed checklist:

1. Go to trezor.io/start and choose your device.
2. Download and install Trezor Suite (and Bridge if needed).
3. Connect the device, install firmware, and follow prompts.
4. Create or restore a wallet, backup the recovery seed offline.
5. Set a secure PIN, and optionally passphrase protection.
6. Access your wallet, add accounts, and make test transactions.
7. Follow security best practices and stay updated.

With your Trezor device now correctly initialized, you hold full control over your crypto assets. Every transaction, every change, requires your physical confirmation. No third party, no hidden servers, no digital exposure of seeds or private keys.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes and reflects best practices as of now. Trezor hardware, software, and recommended procedures evolve. Always consult the official Trezor documentation and site (trezor.io) for the latest instructions. You bear full responsibility for securing your recovery seed, device, and cryptocurrency assets.