This concise, step‑by‑step guide walks you through the official Trezor Start process. Use this when you are unboxing a Trezor device and want a safe, clear setup that protects your seed, PIN, and funds.
Only set up your Trezor from an unopened unit. Ensure the tamper‑evident seal is intact. Verify the model printed on the box matches the device inside. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact official support.
Open a modern browser and go to trezor.io/start. Do not follow third‑party links. Connect your Trezor to your computer using the provided cable and follow the on‑screen prompts.
When prompted, install the official firmware. The device will display a fingerprint or identifier you can verify against the official website. Never install unverified firmware from unknown sources.
Create a PIN on the device. Choose a PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess. The Trezor will obfuscate PIN entry by shuffling keypad positions — use that feature to prevent shoulder‑surfing.
The device will generate a 12–24 word recovery seed. Write each word in order on the supplied recovery card. Do not photograph, copy digitally, or store the seed in cloud services. Store it in a secure, private location (or split across multiple safe places).
The device will ask you to confirm several seed words. Confirm carefully. Consider enabling a passphrase (additional secret) only if you understand its implications: it increases security but also increases risk of loss if forgotten.
Follow the site prompts to install or open compatible wallets (Trezor Suite or recommended third‑party wallets). Confirm the wallet recognizes your device and addresses. Always update wallet software from official sources.
Send a small amount to the new address and confirm arrival. This proves everything is set up correctly. Keep your recovery seed stored securely and consider a metal backup product for long‑term protection against fire or water damage.
Never disclose your seed or PIN. Beware phishing emails and fake websites. Regularly check for official firmware updates and keep backups physically secure. If you suspect compromise, move funds using a new seed and device.