Get Started with Trezor.io/Start — Secure Hardware Wallet Setup

Introduction

Hardware wallets are the simplest, most reliable way to keep private keys safe from remote attackers and accidental exposure. This guide walks you through the full lifecycle of getting a Trezor device online and operational: how to verify authenticity, initialize the device, create a PIN and recovery seed, perform firmware updates, test with a small transaction, and follow advanced best practices such as passphrases, multi-signature setups, and safe recovery procedures. Read each step carefully and keep your recovery material offline at all times.

Before you begin

Make sure you are on a secure computer and network. Use your own trusted laptop when possible; avoid public or shared machines. Have the supplied USB cable ready and a quiet space to write down recovery words. Recommended items:

• Device box and accessories (check the tamper-evident seal)
• Two or three copies of the recovery seed card or backup medium
• A pen (preferably ink that won’t fade) — do not photograph or store the seed digitally
• Access to the official site: https://trezor.io/start (type the URL directly)

Step 1 — Inspect packaging and verify authenticity

Before opening, inspect the outer packaging for tamper-evident seals and manufacturer holograms where applicable. If packaging appears damaged or previously opened, contact official support. When you connect the device for the first time, the Trezor device and the official web app will perform an attestation check — follow the on-screen instructions and verify any displayed fingerprints or QR codes against what's shown in the official app. Never trust third-party sites or search results claiming to offer firmware or setup — always use the URL above.

Step 2 — Initial connection and genuine check

1. Connect the device to your computer using the provided cable.
2. Open your browser and navigate to https://trezor.io/start. The official page will instruct you on which app to use for your model.
3. Follow the on-screen steps for a genuine check. The device may display a fingerprint or QR code — confirm this in the web interface.

Tip: If an unexpected prompt appears or the device asks you to install unique, unverified software, stop and verify the URL and signatures with official documentation.

Step 3 — Create a PIN

During setup you'll be prompted to choose a PIN. The PIN prevents unauthorized local access to your device and should be long enough to avoid simple guessing but memorable enough so you don't write it down. Important: never record your PIN on the same medium as your recovery seed. The device's screen will randomize numeric positions — this prevents keyloggers from capturing your PIN entry easily.

Step 4 — Generate and secure your recovery seed

The device will generate a recovery seed (usually 12 or 24 words depending on the model and settings). This seed is the only way to restore your wallets if the device is lost or damaged; treat it like cash.

• Write the words in order on the supplied recovery cards — do not photograph or type them into a computer or phone.
• Store backups in separate, secure locations (bank safe deposit box, home safe, trusted family member). Consider geographic separation to mitigate local disasters.
• Do not store seeds in cloud services, password managers, email drafts, or photos. Physical, offline storage is essential.

Warning: Anyone with the seed can control your funds. Never reveal the seed to anyone — the recovery process should only be performed on a secure, trusted device.

Step 5 — Optional passphrase (advanced)

A passphrase (BIP-39 extension) acts as an additional word added to your seed and creates “hidden” wallets. This provides plausible deniability and a higher security posture but increases complexity: if you lose the passphrase, you lose access to the hidden wallet. Use passphrases only if you understand the trade-offs and have secure methods to store and recall them.

Step 6 — Firmware updates and verification

Periodically the manufacturer releases firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and add features. Only install firmware offered by the official site or verified app. During updates, verify the firmware signature when prompted by the device. Avoid installing unofficial builds or ones obtained via search results.

Step 7 — Test with a small transaction

Before transferring large amounts, perform a small test transaction to confirm the full flow: address generation, device verification of the address, transmission, and final confirmation. Always verify the destination address on the device's display; never rely solely on the computer screen. This prevents address substitution attacks where a compromised host changes the destination address.

Step 8 — Ongoing use & maintenance

Use your device for signing transactions and accessing wallet features. Periodically check for firmware updates and rotate practices if threats change. Maintain physical security: avoid leaving the device unattended and ensure PIN secrecy. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet with a freshly generated seed from a verified device.

Advanced topics

Multi-signature setups

For higher-value security, consider multi-signature (multi-sig) wallets where multiple devices or parties must approve transactions. Multi-sig reduces single-point-of-failure risk but requires coordination and careful backup procedures for each key holder.

Air-gapped usage

Advanced users may use the device in an air-gapped configuration where signing is performed without a direct USB connection. This involves exporting unsigned transactions from an online machine and importing signed transactions back via QR codes or SD cards. Air-gapped setups reduce exposure to network-based attacks.

Secure backups and splitting the seed

Some users employ secret-sharing schemes (e.g., Shamir's Secret Sharing) to split the seed into multiple parts. This increases resilience but adds complexity. If you use such schemes, document recovery steps clearly and test them in a safe environment.

Troubleshooting

• Device not recognized: try a different USB port/cable and make sure the browser has required permissions.
• Genuine check fails: disconnect and reconnect, type the URL directly, and if failures persist, contact official support.
• Forgot PIN: factory reset required; recovery seed needed to restore wallets.