Trezor.io/start — Official Start Page for Trezor Users

A professional, step-by-step start guide for new and returning users: device setup, secure onboarding, operational best practices, and advanced management patterns for robust self-custody.

Purpose of This Start Page

This page is designed to be the authoritative, user-facing entry point for configuring and operating a Trezor hardware wallet. It condenses essential procedures into a clear, verifiable flow so individuals and teams can adopt secure custody practices confidently. The emphasis is on minimizing errors, preventing common attack vectors, and explaining tradeoffs in plain language for both technical and non-technical users.

Professional Onboarding — Quick overview

1
Unbox & verify device authenticity
Inspect packaging, confirm tamper evidence (if applicable), and cross-check device fingerprint when prompted during first boot. Only proceed if the device shows expected authenticity indicators.
2
Create PIN & initialize seed
Use a strong PIN to protect local access. The device will generate a recovery seed—write it down on approved durable media and never store it electronically.
3
Install Trezor Suite & pair device
Download the official companion (desktop/web) from the vendor's site, verify checksums if offered, and pair the device for transaction management and firmware updates.
4
Confirm addresses & perform a test transaction
Always confirm the receiving address on the hardware device screen. Send a small test amount before routing larger transfers.

Detailed setup & best practices

Follow these professional guidelines to reduce operational risk and make recoveries predictable:

  • Seed capture hygiene: Record your recovery seed using a dedicated seed plate or high-quality paper. Store at least two copies in separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
  • Passphrase policy: Treat optional BIP39 passphrases as a second key: if used, document the policy and securely back up the passphrase separately from the seed. Consider organizational controls when passphrases are leveraged for corporate custody.
  • Firmware management: Apply firmware updates only through official channels. For high-security deployments, perform updates on an isolated system and verify digital signatures when available.
  • Device lifecycle: Retire devices following a documented workflow: sanitize keys, ensure recovery seeds remain offline, and update inventory logs to avoid orphaned keys.

Security model — what the hardware protects

Hardware wallets are engineered to isolate private keys and signing operations from potentially compromised host environments. Key protections provided by the device include:

  • Private key isolation: private key material never leaves secure hardware.
  • Authenticated transaction signing: signed transaction details are displayed on device for human confirmation.
  • PIN & brute-force resistance: local access requires a PIN; devices throttle and wipe after repeated failures depending on configuration.
  • Supply chain integrity: official packaging, signature checks, and firmware validation mitigate counterfeit risks.

Understanding this model helps users design supporting operational controls (e.g., physical security, multi-signature schemes, and recovery procedures).

Operational patterns for different users

Individual users

A single hardware device with a securely stored recovery seed is an effective pattern for everyday investors. Use address rotation, small test transactions, and maintain an offline backup of your seed.

Power users

Consider additional isolation: an air-gapped setup, use of passphrases for compartmentalization, and integration with privacy tools for coin control and UTXO management.

Institutional & multi-user custody

Implement multi-signature architectures, role-based workflows, and documented recovery playbooks. Combine hardware signers across geographic and administrative boundaries and exercise quorum policies for key ceremonies.

Troubleshooting & frequently encountered issues

My device won't connect to the Suite. What should I check?
Confirm the USB cable is data-capable, ensure the Suite is the latest official build, and verify the device is unlocked (PIN entered). If issues persist, try a different port or host computer and consult official diagnostics tools.
I lost my device—can I recover funds?
If you have your recovery seed (and passphrase if used), restore to a compatible device. Without the seed, funds cannot be recovered—this is fundamental to private key ownership.
Should I store my seed digitally?
No. Storing seed phrases on any internet-connected device (cloud, email, phone) materially increases the risk of theft. Use offline, durable storage and consider metal seed plates for fire and water resistance.

Advanced topics

When you are ready to go beyond basic usage, evaluate these advanced controls:

  • Multisignature wallets: split signing authority across multiple hardware devices or co-signers to reduce single-point failures.
  • Air-gapped signing: maintain an offline signing machine that never touches the internet; use a QR- or SD-based workflow to transfer unsigned/signed transactions.
  • Key-sharding & threshold cryptography: explore Shamir Backup or threshold schemes for robust distributed recovery strategies.

Legal & compliance considerations

Self-custody carries responsibilities. Maintain clear records for regulatory reporting where required and incorporate KYC/AML policies for institutional setups. Treat recovery seeds and passphrases as critical assets in corporate risk registers—apply encryption and access-controls for any ancillary documentation.

Get started — recommended first actions

  1. Verify device authenticity and factory integrity.
  2. Generate and securely record your recovery seed offline.
  3. Install official Suite, pair device, and check firmware status.
  4. Send and receive a small test transaction to validate your setup.
  5. Document your backup and recovery policy and store copies in separate secure locations.
Begin Setup