Trezor — Quick Start
Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device

Start up your Trezor device — quick, secure, reliable

This quick guide walks you through unboxing, initializing, backing up, and using your Trezor device safely. Follow each step and verify every action on your device's screen.

Quick steps
1
Unbox & connect
Use the official cable and connect to a trusted computer or phone.
2
Install Trezor Suite
Download from trezor.io/start and verify the domain before installing.
3
Initialize & backup
Set a PIN, write the recovery seed on paper or metal. Never store it digitally.
Security-first
Keys never leave your device — always verify on-device.
Open-source
Auditable code and transparent firmware updates.
Multi-chain
Supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other chains.

Complete setup walkthrough

Below is a step-by-step expansion of the quick steps — follow them carefully to maintain device and seed integrity.

Step 1 — Connect and verify

Plug your Trezor into a computer or mobile device using the included cable. A welcome message will appear on the device screen. If the device shows anything unexpected, do not proceed and contact support.

Step 2 — Download Trezor Suite

Visit trezor.io/start and download the official Suite. The Suite will guide you through firmware checks and installation. Always confirm the URL and site's TLS certificate to avoid phishing.

Step 3 — Initialize the device

Choose 'Create new' in the Suite if this is a new device. You'll select a PIN and the device will generate a recovery seed. Write the seed clearly on the recovery card. Keep it offline and stored in a safe place.

Step 4 — Verify your seed

Trezor will prompt for a short verification to ensure you recorded the seed correctly. Complete the verification on the device. If any words are missing or incorrect, restart the setup and generate a new seed.

Step 5 — Add accounts

In Trezor Suite, add accounts for the blockchains you want to use. The Suite indexes transaction history and shows balances. Always verify receiving addresses on your device before sharing them.

Step 6 — Test a small transfer

Before moving large funds, send a small test transaction to ensure the setup is correct end-to-end. Confirm the address and amount on the device screen before approving.

Security tips & best practices

  • Never photograph or store your recovery seed in cloud storage.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase for hidden wallets.
  • Keep firmware and Trezor Suite updated via official channels only.
  • Consider a metal backup for long-term seed durability.

Advanced: passphrase & Shamir Backup

A passphrase creates separate hidden wallets tied to the same seed (different access phrase = different wallet). Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039) allows splitting a seed into shares — useful for distributing recovery among trusted parties. Both add complexity: document your strategy carefully.

Frequently asked questions

What if I lose my device?

Recover funds using your recovery seed on a new device. If you lose the seed as well, funds cannot be recovered.

Can I buy a used Trezor?

Only if you perform a full factory reset and reinstall firmware. It's safest to buy new from an authorized reseller.

Is it safe to use a passphrase?

Yes, but a passphrase adds responsibility: if forgotten, the associated funds are inaccessible. Treat passphrases with the same care as seeds.

Checklist before large transfers

  • Firmware and Suite verified and updated.
  • Seed written and verified physically.
  • PIN set and tested.
  • Test transaction confirmed.