Trezor.io/Start® - Starting Up Your Device

Colorful, friendly guide to unboxing, initializing, securing, and using your Trezor hardware wallet.

Updated: September 22, 2025

Welcome — what this guide covers

This guide helps new Trezor users start safely: verify your device, initialize it, create backups, install compatible wallets, and perform your first transactions. It emphasizes security best practices and concise troubleshooting steps.

Unboxing Initialization Recovery Third-party wallets Firmware

Quick start — 7 steps

Buy from Trezor's official store or authorized resellers.
Inspect packaging for tampering and verify the holographic seal where present.
Go to trezor.io/start and follow the device-specific setup flow.
Initialize the device to generate a recovery seed — write it down physically.
Install a compatible wallet (Trezor Suite or third-party) and add accounts.
Update firmware when prompted via the official site or Suite.
Perform a small test transaction to verify everything works.

Initialization details

During initialization Trezor will generate a recovery seed — a series of words representing your private key. Write these words down in order on the provided recovery card. Do not photograph, type, or store the seed digitally. Consider creating multiple physical backups stored in separate secure locations for high-value holdings.

Using passphrase (optional)

Trezor supports an optional passphrase that acts as an extension to your seed, creating additional hidden wallets. Use a passphrase only if you understand the risks: losing it means losing funds in that hidden wallet.

First transaction walkthrough

After setup, test the device with a small transaction to confirm flow: receive, check address, send a small amount back, and confirm on-device prompts.

Receive funds

Open your chosen wallet and select Receive.
Confirm the receiving address shown in the wallet matches the address on your Trezor device.
Have the sender send a small test amount.

Send funds

In your wallet, create a new transaction and paste the recipient address.
Double-check the address and amount; verify details on the Trezor device screen when prompted.
Only approve the transaction after confirming all details on the physical device.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port, ensure drivers are installed, and avoid USB hubs.
Firmware prompts: Only update firmware from the official Trezor site or Trezor Suite.
Seed recovery: If restoring, use the recovery seed exactly as written; double-check word order and spelling.

Advanced topics

Using Trezor with third-party dApps

Trezor acts as a secure signer for many dApps. When authorizing, ensure the dApp address in your browser matches the address on the device. If anything looks suspicious, cancel and disconnect.

Security best practices

Use a passphrase only if you can securely manage it.
Consider metal backups for your recovery seed to protect against fire and water damage.
Regularly check firmware and software for security updates.

FAQs

Can Trezor be hacked?

No device is perfectly immune, but maintaining offline private keys and confirming transactions on the device significantly reduces remote attack vectors. Follow best practices to minimize risk.

What if I lose my Trezor?

If you have your recovery seed, you can restore wallets on another Trezor or compatible wallet. Without the seed, funds are irrecoverable.

Does Trezor collect personal data?

Trezor does not need your private keys or recovery seed. Any telemetry or account features are described in Trezor's privacy policy—review it on trezor.io.