Unofficial Guide: trezor.io/start

Educational walkthrough for first‑time setup • Not affiliated with SatoshiLabs/Trezor
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Get ready to initialize your Trezor the right way

This page is an independent, plain‑English companion to the official onboarding you’ll find at trezor.io/start. It explains what to expect, how to prepare, and the security choices you’ll be asked to make. Read it alongside the official instructions shown by your device and Trezor Suite.

Disclaimer: This is not the official website. For downloads, device firmware, and critical security prompts, always use the official channels provided by Trezor.

When you connect a brand‑new Trezor, you’ll be guided through device verification, firmware installation (if required), wallet creation or recovery, and linking to the desktop app, Trezor Suite. Below you’ll find a step‑by‑step overview, best practices, and answers to common questions so you can start with confidence.

Open trezor.io/start

What is trezor.io/start?

The trezor.io/start page is Trezor’s official onboarding hub. It points you to the correct desktop app download, explains the initial device checks, and ensures you’re using authentic hardware. Think of it as your safe jumping‑off point: you begin there, then continue the process inside Trezor Suite while interacting with your physical device. Using the official link mitigates the risk of fake apps or look‑alike sites.

Before you begin: quick checklist

  • Buy devices from trusted sources. If the hologram seal is broken or looks tampered with, contact support before proceeding.
  • Prepare an offline‑friendly place to store your recovery seed (paper, metal backup). Never photograph it or store it in cloud notes.
  • Use a clean computer for the first setup and ensure your operating system is up to date.
  • Have uninterrupted time. Rushing increases the chance of careless mistakes like mis‑writing your seed.
Security reminder: No legitimate support agent will ever ask for your recovery seed or for remote control of your device during setup. If anyone asks, stop and seek help from official support.

Step‑by‑step overview

  1. Visit trezor.io/start. From there, download Trezor Suite for your operating system. Double‑check the domain spelling before clicking.
  2. Connect your device. Use the provided USB cable. Your screen should light up with brand and model information.
  3. Install or verify firmware. On first use, the device may require firmware installation. Approve actions on the device itself to confirm authenticity.
  4. Create a new wallet or recover an existing one. For a new wallet, you’ll generate a fresh recovery seed; for recovery, you’ll enter your existing seed securely using the device flow.
  5. Write down the seed. The device will show a sequence of words. Record them carefully, in order, and verify. Keep multiple, separated backups if appropriate.
  6. Set a strong PIN. Your PIN protects local access to the device. Choose a non‑obvious code and memorize it.
  7. Connect to Trezor Suite. The app will detect the device, let you label it, and enable features like coin account creation and address verification.
  8. Test a small receive/send. Before moving significant value, receive a small amount and send a portion out to verify everything works as expected.

Recovery seed fundamentals

Your recovery seed is the master key to your wallet. Anyone with the full set of words can access your funds from anywhere. Store it offline, protect it from water and fire if possible, and never type it on a phone or PC. During setup you may be offered advanced options such as a passphrase (sometimes called the 25th word). A passphrase creates additional wallets derived from the same seed—useful for plausible deniability and extra separation of funds, but be mindful: forgetting the passphrase means losing access to that passphrase‑protected wallet.

Firmware updates & authenticity

Keeping firmware current ensures you benefit from security patches and support for more coins. Only approve updates initiated by Trezor Suite, and confirm details on the device screen itself. If screens differ or you see unexpected prompts, cancel and investigate before proceeding.

Connecting accounts and verifying addresses

Inside Trezor Suite, you’ll add accounts for each coin you intend to use. When receiving, always verify the address on the device screen; the address you see in the app should match exactly. This protects you from clipboard‑swap malware or UI spoofing. For outgoing transactions, review fees and destination details on the device before confirming.

Best practices after setup

  • Backups Keep at least one additional seed backup stored separately. Consider a metal backup for durability.
  • Privacy Use new addresses when available and be cautious about linking on‑chain activity to your identity.
  • Testing Practice recovery on a spare or lab device if you have one, or simulate recovery to ensure your backups are accurate.
  • Threat modeling Decide who or what you’re protecting against (loss, theft, coercion) and choose passphrase/PIN strategies accordingly.

Passphrase (advanced)

A passphrase adds an extra secret on top of your seed. Each unique passphrase creates a distinct wallet—entering a different passphrase shows a different set of accounts, all derived from the same seed. This can improve privacy and add a hurdle against physical theft. However, passphrases are unforgiving: if you forget it or mis‑type the capitalization or spacing, you cannot access that wallet. Use only if you understand the trade‑offs.

Shamir backups (advanced)

Some models support Shamir backups, which split the recovery secret into multiple shares (e.g., 3 of 5 required). This helps mitigate single‑point failure and allows geographic distribution. With increased flexibility comes higher complexity—document your scheme clearly and test your recovery process before relying on it for significant funds.