Welcome
Trézor: your choice for secure self-custody
Why hardware wallets matter
One-sentence summary
A hardware wallet like Trézor isolates your private keys on a dedicated device, making it far more difficult for malware on your computer or phone to access them. This guide walks you through initial setup using Trézor.io/Start®, emphasizing safety, backup, and best practices so you leave setup confident and secure.
The goal here is simple: by the end of this presentation you will have your device initialized, your recovery seed safely recorded, and basic safeguards in place so you can manage crypto assets with peace of mind.
What's in the Box
Unboxing checklist
Confirm these items
Items to inspect
- Trézor device (Model shown on device label)
- USB cable to connect to your computer or phone
- Recovery seed card(s) or stickers (used to record your mnemonic)
- Quickstart leaflet and official packaging—verify tamper-evidence
Before powering the device, inspect the package and the device for physical tampering. Do not use a device if packaging appears opened or tampered with. If anything looks off, contact the vendor you bought it from or Trézor support for verification.
Safety First
Security principles to keep in mind
Key concepts
Never share these
The most important rule: never share your recovery seed, PIN, or private keys with anyone. Legitimate support will never ask for your full mnemonic. Treat your recovery seed like the keys to a safe deposit box — whoever holds it can access your funds.
Use the device in a secure, private location. Avoid carrying out the initial setup in public or recording the seed on any internet-connected device. If you must take notes, use the supplied seed card or another non-electronic medium.
First Boot
Powering the device for the first time
Step-by-step
What to expect
Connect the Trézor device to your computer or supported mobile device with the supplied USB cable. When first powered, the device will display a welcome screen and a prompt to visit Trézor.io/Start®. Always type the URL directly in your browser rather than clicking links in emails or third-party pages.
Your computer will open the official start page which guides you to install any official companion software (if required) and begin the initialization flow. Follow on-screen instructions closely: the device’s display will show important values and confirmations that you must verify directly on the device.
Create Wallet
Choosing between new wallet vs. recover
When to create a new wallet
Best practices at creation
If this is a brand new device, choose “Create a new wallet” in the Trézor setup. The device will generate a new recovery seed (a list of words) that represents your private keys. If you're restoring an existing wallet from a saved seed, use the "Recover wallet" option instead and follow the device prompts to enter your mnemonic.
During creation, the device will prompt you to confirm the generated seed. The confirmation process is deliberate — you’ll be asked to verify a subset of words to ensure you recorded them correctly. Record immediately and accurately on the recovery card supplied.
Backup Seed
Recording and protecting your recovery phrase
Options for backup
Physical & redundant storage
The recovery seed is the single most critical piece of information. Write the words down by hand on the provided card or a metal backup plate built for mnemonic storage. Handwriting prevents accidental digital leaks. Make multiple copies stored in separate secure locations (for example, a safe deposit box and a home safe).
Consider additional physical protections like steel seed storage for fire and water resistance. Avoid storing the seed digitally (photos, note apps, cloud storage). If you must use a digital tool, treat it as a last resort and encrypt it strongly with multi-factor protection.
PIN & Security
Setting a secure PIN and optional passphrase
PIN guidelines
Advanced: passphrase (BIP39)
Choose a PIN that is long enough to prevent casual guessing but memorable to you. Trézor devices implement anti-bruteforce measures — repeated wrong PINs increase wait time or wipe the device depending on model settings. Do not write the PIN next to the recovery seed.
An optional passphrase extends your seed with an extra word or phrase — effectively creating a hidden wallet. Use passphrases only if you understand the consequences: losing the passphrase equals losing access to that derived wallet. If you use it, document how to reconstruct it securely (but never store the phrase with the seed).
Connect to Trézor.io/Start®
Using the official start site to finish setup
Steps to verify and pair
Important verifications
Navigate directly to Trézor.io/Start® in your browser. The website will guide you through firmware checks, model verification, and optional companion software installation. Verify the device model and serial number if prompted, and ensure firmware signatures match official checks — this protects you from tampered or counterfeit firmware.
When pairing, confirm prompts on the hardware device screen. The device displays transaction and setup-specific details — only confirm things you recognize. If anything appears unusual or requests unexpected permissions, cancel and seek support.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and fixes
If the device doesn't start
Connectivity & firmware problems
If your device fails to power or the computer does not recognize it, try a different USB cable or port. Some phones require an OTG adapter. For repeated connectivity failures, reboot the host device and retry. If a firmware update fails, consult official Trézor troubleshooting guides — do not follow random internet fixes.
If the device asks for a recovery seed unexpectedly (outside expected restore flow), stop and contact official support. Similarly, never enter your seed into any website; the only time the seed should be entered is on the device itself during a legitimate recovery procedure.
Next Steps
After setup: using your Trézor safely
Regular habits
Long-term security checklist
With setup complete, practice sending small transactions first to confirm you understand confirmations and UX. Keep firmware up to date, check official release notes for critical fixes, and avoid experimental software from unknown sources. Use the device for everyday transactions only after testing.
Consider more advanced hygiene: multisig wallets, distributed seed backups (Shamir or other schemes), and hardware-enforced policies. Re-evaluate your backup durability annually and after major life events (moves, inheritance planning).