Trézor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device

Concise, practical 1,700-word guide to securely set up a Trezor® hardware wallet. Covers unboxing, installing companion software, initializing the device, firmware checks, PIN and recovery handling, passphrase usage, backups, everyday operational security, and common troubleshooting.

Why a hardware wallet + Trezor matters

Hardware wallets like Trezor keep your private keys offline in a tamper-resistant environment. They separate signing authority from your everyday computer or phone, which reduces attack surfaces for malware, phishing, and credential theft. Pairing your Trezor with trusted companion software gives you convenience without exposing keys to the internet.

Before you begin, consider your personal threat model: casual theft, malware, targeted coercion, or inheritance/legal needs. That choice determines whether you need extra measures such as passphrases, multisig, or geographically separated backups.

1. Unboxing and physical inspection

When you receive your Trezor device, inspect packaging carefully. Authentic units arrive sealed and with standard accessories (device, USB cable, recovery cards, quick-start guide). If packaging looks tampered with or unusual, do not use the device — contact the vendor.

2. Prepare your environment

Use a personal, updated computer (or a mobile device if supported). Avoid public or shared machines for initial setup. Have a pen and the supplied recovery card ready. Disable unnecessary applications and close browser tabs to reduce distractions and potential interference.

3. Install companion software safely

Trezor works with official companion apps (Trezor Suite or web-based alternatives). Only install software from the manufacturer's official channels. Where checksums or signatures are provided, verify the downloaded installer to reduce supply-chain risks.

Tip: If privacy is critical, use a clean OS image or dedicated machine for wallet setup.

4. Firmware checks and updates

When you first connect the device, the companion software will typically verify firmware and prompt to update if needed. Always install firmware updates only through official tools. The device requires physical confirmation for firmware operations — read every on-device prompt carefully. Never use unofficial firmware.

5. Initialize: create new wallet or recover

The software will offer to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. For a new wallet, the device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18 or 24 words depending on model/settings). Write each word in order on the supplied recovery card. Confirm the words when prompted.

  1. Power on the Trezor and follow on-device prompts.
  2. Select “Create new wallet” if this is your first device.
  3. Choose and confirm a PIN when prompted (PIN protects against local access).
  4. Write the recovery seed on paper or metal backup — do NOT store it digitally.
  5. Confirm the recovery words on the device when requested.
Warning: Never type or photograph your recovery seed. Anyone with the seed controls your funds.

6. PIN selection and device access

Choose a PIN that is not easy to guess and avoid reusing it across devices. The PIN thwarts casual access if someone finds your device, but it is not a substitute for secure seed storage. Memorize the PIN and do not store it together with your seed.

7. Passphrase — optional extra layer

Trezor supports an optional passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word) which derives hidden wallets. A passphrase increases privacy and deniability but adds complexity: if you lose the passphrase, funds in that hidden wallet are irretrievable. Use passphrases only if you have a secure process for storing them and have tested restores.

8. Installing apps and accounts

After initialization, create accounts in your companion software for each cryptocurrency you plan to use. Some ecosystems require separate applets or third-party integrations. Adding or removing accounts does not affect your seed — accounts are derived from the same recovery phrase.

9. Receiving funds — verify addresses on-device

When receiving funds, always request an address from the companion software and verify the address displayed on your Trezor screen. Malware on the host can substitute addresses, but the device’s screen is the single source of truth. Only share addresses you verified on-device.

10. Sending funds — signing workflow

The companion software constructs a transaction and sends it to your Trezor for signing. The device will display the destination address, amount, and fee. Confirm every line on the device — if anything looks wrong, cancel the operation. Because signing occurs on-device, host-side malware cannot forge legitimate signatures without access to your device and PIN.

11. Backup strategies

Protecting your recovery seed is the single most important task. Options (ordered by durability):

  1. Metal plate backups: Resist fire, water, and time.
  2. Multiple paper copies: Keep in geographically separated secure locations (home safe, deposit box).
  3. Secret sharing: Split the seed into shares (Shamir Secret Sharing) with threshold recovery — advanced users only.
Avoid digital backups (photos, text files, cloud). These are the most common cause of large-scale thefts.

12. Operational security (OPSEC) — daily habits

  • Always verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.
  • Keep host machines updated and run reputable anti-malware tools.
  • Use separate wallets for everyday spending and long-term cold storage.
  • Limit knowledge of your holdings and backup locations to trusted parties.
  • Rehearse recovery procedures every 6–12 months using a spare device and a test seed.

13. NFTs, smart contracts & DeFi — extra caution

Smart contract interactions can be complex and sometimes cannot be fully displayed on a small device screen. When interacting with DeFi, always verify contract addresses and expected actions via trusted sources. Use a small, disposable wallet for experiments and only move larger funds after you understand the contract's behavior and have tested a modest transaction.

14. Multisig and advanced custody

For high-value holdings, consider multisignature schemes that require multiple devices/people to sign a transaction. Trezor devices can be integrated into multisig workflows using compatible wallet software. Multisig reduces single points of failure and is highly recommended for institutional or family custody of significant sums.

15. Troubleshooting common issues

  • Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port, unlock the device, and reopen the companion software.
  • Firmware update failed: Reconnect and retry via official software; follow vendor recovery instructions if necessary.
  • Forgot PIN: A forgotten PIN requires device wipe and seed restore — ensure your seed is secure before wiping.
  • Restore problems: Verify spelling and order of words; include your passphrase if you used one.

16. If compromise is suspected

If you believe your seed or device has been exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated on a clean device. Do not enter the potentially compromised seed into any online form. Document the incident and review your backup and OPSEC processes to prevent recurrence.

17. Inheritance & legal planning

Plan how heirs will access funds if necessary. Options include sealed instructions with an attorney, clearly documented inheritance plans, multi-party custody, or legal trusts. Balance secrecy with recoverability — too secret can make legitimate recovery difficult, too public increases theft risk.

18. Final checklist before large transfers

  1. Device unboxed from an official source and inspected.
  2. Companion software installed and verified.
  3. Firmware updated using official tools.
  4. PIN set and recovery seed recorded securely (and copied to durable backup).
  5. Passphrase decision made and backed up if used.
  6. Small inbound/outbound test transactions completed successfully.
  7. Recovery rehearsal completed on a secondary device.
Following these steps minimizes the likelihood of accidental loss or theft.