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Introduction
Welcome to the Trézor startup guide. This presentation explains, in plain language, how to unpack, connect, initialize, and secure your Trézor hardware wallet. Whether you are new to hardware wallets or upgrading your security routine, these steps will help you finish the initial setup confidently and safely. Follow each step carefully — security is the primary objective when you handle private keys and recovery material.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, collect the following items: your Trézor device (Model T or One), the official USB cable that came in the box, a computer with an up-to-date browser, and a clean, well-lit workspace. Do not use cables or accessories that did not ship with the device unless you trust them explicitly. Also prepare a pen and the provided recovery card (or a notebook) to record your recovery seed — never store it digitally.
Step-by-step Startup
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Unbox and inspect: Carefully remove the device and its accessories. Verify the tamper-evidence seal (if present) and inspect the packaging. If anything looks altered or damaged, contact Trézor support before continuing.
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Visit Trézor.io/start®: Open a modern browser and go to the official startup page. Confirm the URL is correct and secure (look for HTTPS and the correct domain). The official site will provide the latest firmware and the recommended setup flow.
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Connect the device: Use the supplied USB cable to connect Trézor to your computer. Wait for the device to power on and display the welcome screen. Follow the on-device prompts — critical actions are confirmed on the device itself, never through the computer alone.
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Install official software or connect to supported wallet: If prompted, install the official Trézor Bridge or connect via the recommended web wallet interface. Only use official Trézor software or well-known, trusted third-party wallets that explicitly support your model.
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Create a new wallet: When asked, choose to create a new wallet (unless you are restoring from a known recovery seed). The device will generate a fresh private key and present a recovery seed — typically 12 to 24 words depending on model and settings.
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Write down your recovery seed: Using the provided recovery card or a durable notebook, write each word in order. Store this card in a safe, offline location. Never photograph, screenshot, or save the seed on any electronic device or online storage. Anyone with access to these words can control your funds.
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Confirm the seed on-device: After writing the words down, the device will ask you to confirm a few selected words to verify the seed was recorded correctly. Complete the confirmation exactly as shown.
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Set a PIN: Choose a PIN code to protect access to the device. Longer PINs are more secure; avoid easily guessed sequences. The PIN is entered on the device itself, making remote compromise more difficult.
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Complete firmware checks: If firmware updates are available, apply them using the official channel. Always verify firmware authenticity using the device’s verification prompts and the instructions on Trézor.io/start®.
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Test a small transaction: To confirm everything works, send a small test transaction to or from your device. Verify addresses on-device and confirm the transaction with the physical buttons or touchscreen before approving.
Best Practices & Security Tips
Keep your recovery seed offline and in a physically secure place. Consider using fire- and water-resistant storage. Do not share the seed, and never enter it into a website or an application. Use a long PIN and enable additional security measures offered by the device, such as passphrase support, if you understand its implications. If you choose a passphrase, store it securely — losing it means losing access to funds associated with that passphrase.
Common Questions
Q: Can I back up my seed digitally?
A: No — digital backups increase the risk of theft. Always keep the seed offline.
Q: What if I lose my device?
A: You can recover your wallet using the recovery seed on a compatible device. That’s why secure storage of the seed is critical.