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

Starting a hardware wallet for the first time is an important step toward taking full control of your digital assets. The Trezor setup experience is designed to be simple, secure, and transparent, even for users who are new to self-custody. This guide explains the entire startup journey in clear language, focusing on understanding each step rather than rushing through the process.

This content is meant to help you confidently initialize your Trezor device while understanding the security principles behind every action.

1. Understanding What Trezor Is and Why Setup Matters

A Trezor device is a hardware wallet that stores cryptographic private keys offline. Unlike software wallets or exchange accounts, a hardware wallet removes your sensitive data from internet-connected environments. This significantly lowers the risk of hacking, malware, and unauthorized access.

The setup process is more than a technical formality. It establishes:

Ownership of your private keys
The recovery method for your wallet
The security standards you will rely on long-term

Once setup is complete, your device becomes the central authority for approving transactions.

2. Preparing Before You Begin

Before connecting your device, ensure that your environment is safe and distraction-free. Setup should never be rushed or performed in public places.

What you need:

A genuine Trezor hardware device
A computer or compatible mobile device
A stable internet connection
Pen and paper for recovery information

Avoid using:

Public computers
Shared workspaces
Cameras or screen-recording software

Security begins with your surroundings.

3. Verifying Device Authenticity

Before powering on the device, inspect the packaging carefully. Authentic Trezor devices are shipped with tamper-evident seals. If anything looks damaged, opened, or suspicious, do not proceed.

The device itself should not be preconfigured. A legitimate Trezor will never arrive with a recovery phrase already generated.

This step ensures you are starting with a trusted device that has not been compromised.

4. Connecting the Device for the First Time

When you connect your Trezor to a computer or mobile device, it will remain inactive until setup begins. The device does not store keys at this stage.

During first connection:

The screen will guide you visually
No wallet data exists yet
No personal information is stored

This is a clean starting point, similar to a blank vault.

5. Installing the Official Software Interface

To manage your wallet, you will use the official Trezor software interface. This application acts as a dashboard that allows you to:

Initialize the device
Install firmware
View balances
Create transactions

The software itself does not store private keys. It only communicates with the device, which signs actions internally.

This separation is a key security feature.

6. Firmware Installation Explained

New devices often require firmware installation before use. Firmware is the internal operating system that allows the device to function securely.

Key points about firmware:

Installed only after user confirmation
Verified by cryptographic signatures
Cannot be altered silently

The device screen will always ask for approval before firmware installation begins. This ensures transparency and user consent.

7. Creating a New Wallet

After firmware installation, you are prompted to create a new wallet. This process generates your cryptographic keys inside the device.

Important characteristics:

Keys are created offline
Keys never leave the device
Each wallet is mathematically unique

At this moment, ownership of the wallet is established.

8. The Recovery Seed: Your Most Important Asset

The recovery seed is a sequence of words generated during setup. These words represent your wallet’s master key.

Why it matters:

It restores access if the device is lost or damaged
Anyone with the words controls the wallet
It cannot be changed later

You must write the words down by hand, in the correct order. Never store them digitally or photograph them.

9. Best Practices for Seed Storage

Proper storage of your recovery seed is essential for long-term security.

Recommended practices:

Use paper or metal backup tools
Store in a private, secure location
Keep away from fire, water, and theft

Never:

Save it in cloud storage
Email it to yourself
Share it with anyone

This single step determines the safety of your funds.

10. Confirming the Recovery Phrase

After writing down the recovery words, the device will ask you to confirm them. This ensures accuracy and prevents mistakes.

This step:

Verifies correct spelling and order
Confirms you physically recorded the words
Reduces the risk of irreversible loss

Take your time. Errors at this stage can cause problems later.

11. Setting a Device PIN

A PIN adds an additional layer of protection. It prevents unauthorized physical access to your wallet.

How the PIN works:

Entered directly on the device
Numbers appear in randomized positions
Attempts are limited

Choose a PIN that is memorable to you but difficult for others to guess.

12. Optional Security Enhancements

Trezor offers advanced features for users who want extra protection.

Examples include:

Passphrase protection
Hidden wallets
Multiple account separation

These options increase complexity but also raise security. Beginners may choose to enable them later once comfortable with basic usage.

13. Understanding Passphrases

A passphrase acts as an additional word added to your recovery seed. Each passphrase creates a separate wallet.

Key facts:

Not stored on the device
Must be remembered exactly
Cannot be recovered if forgotten

Passphrases are powerful but unforgiving. Use them only if you fully understand the implications.

14. Accessing the Wallet Interface

Once setup is complete, the wallet interface becomes available. From here, you can:

View account addresses
Check balances
Receive digital assets
Initiate transactions

All outgoing actions require confirmation on the device itself, ensuring nothing happens without your approval.

15. Receiving Digital Assets Safely

To receive funds, the wallet generates a public address. This address can be shared without risk.

Always:

Verify the address on the device screen
Use copy and paste carefully
Confirm before sharing

Address verification protects against clipboard-based attacks and malware.

16. Sending Transactions Securely

When sending assets, transaction details are displayed on both the software interface and the device screen.

You must confirm:

Destination address
Amount
Network fees

Only after confirmation will the device sign the transaction. This process ensures full user control.

17. Firmware Updates and Maintenance

From time to time, firmware updates are released to improve security or add features.

Best practices:

Update only through the official interface
Verify prompts on the device
Keep recovery seed accessible before updating

Updates do not affect stored funds when performed correctly.

18. Long-Term Ownership Responsibilities

Owning a hardware wallet means accepting full responsibility for asset security. There is no password reset or customer recovery service.

This includes:

Protecting recovery information
Maintaining physical security
Staying informed about best practices

Self-custody empowers users but requires discipline.

19. Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Many issues arise from preventable errors.

Avoid:

Skipping recovery phrase verification
Rushing through setup
Using unofficial software
Ignoring device warnings

Careful attention during setup prevents long-term problems.

20. Confidence Through Understanding

The Trezor startup process is designed to educate users through action. Each confirmation step reinforces awareness and control.

By completing setup carefully, you gain:

Full ownership of digital assets
Independence from third-party platforms
A strong foundation in self-custody security

Understanding the reasoning behind each step transforms a simple setup into a powerful security practice.