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

Unboxing & authenticity

When your Trezor device arrives, check the packaging for tamper-evidence. Genuine Trezor devices include sealed packaging and identifiable markings; different models may have holograms or stickers depending on the production batch. If packaging appears tampered with, do not use the device and contact the seller or Trezor support.

Included in the box

• Trezor hardware device (Model T or Model One)
• USB cable and optional accessories
• Recovery card for writing down seed words
• Quick start guide and warranty information

Authenticity checks

When connecting to Trezor Suite, follow the on-screen steps to verify firmware authenticity. Trezor Suite performs verification steps at setup; do not skip prompts about firmware validation or device integrity.

Installing Trezor Suite and visiting trezor.io/start

Trezor Suite is the official application for desktop and mobile that helps you manage accounts, sign transactions, and update firmware. Download Suite only from trezor.io/start. There is also a web-based flow for users who prefer browser interactions; ensure you are on the official domain and that your connection is secure (HTTPS).

Supported platforms

• Windows, macOS, and Linux
• Mobile variants for iOS and Android where available

First-time steps in Suite

1. Launch Trezor Suite and connect your device using the supplied cable.
2. Follow the guided setup: choose to create a new wallet or restore an existing seed.
3. Confirm firmware updates through the Suite; only proceed when the Suite indicates authenticity.

Initializing your Trezor — PIN and recovery seed

Initialization is the most critical moment: you will choose a device PIN and be shown the recovery seed (a sequence of words representing your private keys). This seed is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost or damaged, so handle it with extreme care.

Choosing a PIN

• Pick a PIN of reasonable length; avoid obvious combinations like 1234 or repeated digits.
• Enter the PIN directly on the device; Trezor prevents remote capture of pin entry.

Recording the recovery seed

Trezor will display the recovery seed on its screen; write each word, in order, on the provided recovery card. Never photograph, screenshot, or store the seed digitally. For extra resilience consider a metal backup plate that resists fire and water damage. Keep at least one copy in a very secure physical location — vault, safe, or bank deposit box — depending on your risk profile.

Restoring from a seed

If you already have a recovery seed from another device, you can restore it on your Trezor by selecting the "Restore wallet" option during setup. Enter the words exactly as written. The device will reconstruct your private keys and allow you to reaccess the associated blockchain accounts.

Restoration reminders

• Use the official setup flow — do not use third-party prompts that request your seed.
• If the seed contains more or fewer words than expected, verify you are using the correct wordlist and phrase order.

Using Trezor Suite: accounts, sending, receiving

Trezor Suite presents a clear interface for managing multiple accounts and cryptocurrencies. You can add accounts, view balances, and manage transactions. When sending, always verify the transaction details on the device before approving; Trezor displays recipient addresses and amounts on its screen for independent verification.

Receiving funds

1. Open Suite and select Receive.
2. Choose the account and display the receiving address on your device.
3. Verify the address shown in Suite matches the device before sharing the address with a sender.

Sending funds

1. Create a transaction in Suite and enter the recipient address and amount.
2. Review fees and transaction data in the app.
3. Approve the transaction on your Trezor device only after verifying the details on the device screen.

Third-party wallets and dApps

Trezor can be used as a secure signer with many third-party wallets (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum) and decentralized applications. When connecting, the external wallet or dApp will request signatures that must be approved on-device. Cross-check addresses and permission prompts and be very careful with token approvals — these can grant spending rights to contracts.

Safety checklist for dApps

• Confirm the dApp URL is correct and that the connection is via HTTPS.
• Read permission requests carefully — token approvals can be broad.
• Use a separate account for experimental dApps to limit exposure.

Advanced features: passphrases, multisig, and more

Trezor supports optional passphrases (BIP39 passphrase extension) which create additional, hidden wallets derived from the same seed. Passphrases are powerful but unforgiving — losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet. Trezor also works in multisig configurations with other hardware wallets for higher security setups.

When to use a passphrase

• To create separate accounts that are not discoverable from the base seed alone.
• For plausible deniability or to segregate funds (e.g., savings vs. spending).

Troubleshooting common issues

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable, avoid USB hubs, ensure Suite is updated, and check for OS driver requirements.
• Firmware/during update: Only update firmware from Trezor Suite and follow prompts. If an update fails, follow Trezor's recovery instructions on trezor.io.
• Seed entry problems: Type each word carefully and watch for spelling variants between languages.
• Connectivity issues: Reboot your computer/phone and reconnect the device; ensure permissions are granted for browser connectors if using web flows.

Backup and recovery best practices

Your recovery seed is the single most important artifact. Keep it offline, preferably in a physical medium designed for durability. Avoid storing it with your device or in easily accessible locations. Consider a secure vault or deposited copies for long-term preservation if you hold significant value.

Restore on a new device

1. Obtain a new Trezor from official channels.
2. Select "Restore wallet" and enter your seed exactly as recorded.
3. Set a new PIN and verify accounts in Trezor Suite.

Daily security habits

• Keep firmware and software up to date.
• Use small test transactions when interacting with new services.
• Monitor transaction history and alerts for unexpected activity.
• Consider multisig for large holdings and shared custody scenarios.

FAQs