Trezor.io/start — Complete Setup & Security Guide
This guide walks you through the essential steps at Trezor.io/start so you can confidently set up a hardware device, protect your seed phrase, and adopt secure daily habits. The instructions below reflect the recommended flow for a safe and resilient device setup and ongoing maintenance. Treat this as a companion checklist for anyone bringing a device into active use for holding digital assets.
1
Unpack and inspect — Start by checking the package for tamper evidence. If anything looks altered or seals appear disturbed, pause and contact support from the official site. Only proceed when the package and device look factory sealed and intact.
2
Connect to a trusted computer — Use the official desktop or web-based companion provided by the vendor. Avoid unknown third-party apps. When prompted by the device, follow on-screen prompts to establish a secure pairing.
3
Create a device PIN — Choose a PIN that you can remember but that is not easy to guess. The PIN protects use of the device itself. If your device supports local entry for a PIN, prefer that so the secret never leaves the device.
4
Write down your recovery phrase — During initialization you will be given a recovery phrase. Write it down by hand on durable medium and store it in a safe place. Do not photograph, store in plain text, or enter it into apps. Consider multiple geographically separated backups.
5
Verify the seed — Most devices perform a verification step. Complete the verification on the device itself. This validates that the backup matches the device’s internal data and reduces risk from transcription mistakes.
6
Update firmware carefully — Keep firmware current for security improvements. Follow official guidance and only update via the vendor's provided tool. Backup your recovery phrase before updating so you can restore if anything unexpected occurs.
7
Use passphrases for extra privacy (optional) — If supported, a passphrase adds another secret layer. Treat passphrases like high-value credentials: never share or store them digitally in unencrypted files.
8
Daily use tips — For routine operations, validate addresses on the device's screen before approving transactions. Keep the companion app up to date and enable only necessary browser extensions.
9
Recovery planning — Plan who will access funds if you are unavailable. Use clear estate instructions and secure backups for recovery phrases; consider multi-location storage such as a safety deposit box.
10
Phishing and social engineering — Always confirm web addresses and avoid responding to unsolicited requests for recovery details or device codes. Genuine support will not request seed material.
Common troubleshooting & maintenance
If the device appears unresponsive, try a different cable and port. Confirm you are using the official companion tool. For firmware errors, follow the official recovery guidance. Never disclose seed words, PINs, or passphrases to anyone offering to help. Routine checks of backups, firmware state, and physical seals help keep your setup robust.
Security-first habits
Creating resilient routines reduces risk. Keep a single canonical recovery record, store it offline, and rehearse recovery on a spare device if possible. Limit the number of systems that hold sensitive keys or recovery material. When moving large amounts, consider staged transfers and confirmations across devices.
Closing notes
This guide is intended to make the start experience clear, repeatable, and safe. Treat hardware devices as high-value instruments: that mindset will protect digital assets over the long term. For device-specific prompts and downloads, always reference the official start path on the vendor domain before taking action.