Welcome — Why Initialize Your Trezor Properly
Hardware wallets like Trezor put you in control of your crypto by keeping private keys offline. But a hardware wallet is only as secure as the way it's initialized and handled. This guide walks you, step-by-step, through initializing your Trezor device using the official start page and practical tips that help avoid common pitfalls.
What you’ll need before you start
- A clean, malware-free computer or smartphone.
- The Trezor device, its USB cable, and the included recovery card (if present).
- A private, quiet space for writing down the recovery seed (avoid cameras and cloud notes).
Step 1 — Visit the Official Start Page
Always open the official start page: https://trezor.io/start. This link directs you to the verified Trezor setup flow, downloads, and firmware checks. Bookmark it or type it manually — never follow unfamiliar links or emails promising shortcuts.
Quick checklist
- Verify domain: trezor.io.
- Check browser lock icon for HTTPS.
- Do not download firmware from third-party websites.
Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite or Use Web Setup
Trezor offers an official desktop app (Trezor Suite) and a guided web setup through the start page. Either is acceptable — choose what you're comfortable with. If you prefer minimal software, use the web flow directly from the official start page.
Why firmware matters
The device should run official firmware verified by signatures. During setup, the site will check your device firmware — never skip firmware updates or apply unverified patches.
Step 3 — Creating Your Wallet and Recovery Seed
When prompted, choose between generating a new seed (recommended for new devices) or recovering an existing seed. If generating a new seed, the device will display the seed words. Write them down in order on the recovery card — do not store them digitally.
Best practices for your recovery seed
- Write the seed down physically and store it in a secure, fireproof place.
- Consider splitting the seed between trusted vaults — but only if you understand the cryptographic risks.
- Never take photos of your seed, never type it into a computer, and never share it with anyone.
Step 4 — Set a Strong PIN and Passphrase (Optional)
Your Trezor will ask for a PIN during initialization. Choose a PIN that balances memorability with unpredictability. You can also enable an additional passphrase (a 25th word) for enhanced security — this effectively creates a hidden wallet accessible only with that passphrase.
PIN tips
Enable PIN attempts limits and be aware that a lost PIN can usually be recovered with the seed — but a lost seed means permanent loss of funds.
Security pitfalls to avoid
Scammers often mimic official pages. Always confirm you’re on https://trezor.io/start before plugging in your device. If a site, email, or social message tries to rush you into sharing seed words, ignore it — legitimate setup never asks for your seed.
Recovering from a lost or damaged device
If your device is lost or damaged, you can restore your funds on a new Trezor or compatible wallet using the recovery seed. Test restores on a new device only when you have the correct recovery seed recorded. For added safety, consider a hardware backup stored at a separate secure location.
When to contact support
If you suspect tampering or receive mismatched firmware warnings, contact official support via resources listed on the official start page. Avoid public forums for urgent security incidents — use verified channels.
Advanced options and features
Trezor devices support multiple accounts, coin types, and integrations. Explore advanced features like Shamir Backup, passphrase-protected hidden wallets, and multi-signature setups once you're comfortable with basic workflows.
Shamir Backup (if available)
This allows splitting your recovery seed into shares — a powerful option for institutional or high-value holdings. Only use it after researching trade-offs and storing shares securely.
Keep your knowledge updated
Firmware and best practices evolve. Periodically visit https://trezor.io/start for the latest official guidance and updates from Trezor.
Wrap-up: Quick start summary
- Go to the official start link: trezor.io/start — verify the domain.
- Install Trezor Suite or follow the web setup.
- Generate a new seed, write it down physically, and store it safely.
- Set a PIN and consider a passphrase for extra security.
- Keep firmware up to date and verify signatures.
By following the official instructions and adopting conservative security habits, you’ll minimize the risk of loss and keep control of your crypto. Ready to begin? Click the official start page and follow the guided flow.