Trezor.io/Start

Welcome — start here

This page walks you through the essential steps to safely initialize your Trezor hardware wallet: unbox, verify, generate a recovery seed, install firmware, and make your first transaction. Follow each step carefully and never rush when handling recovery material.

1. Unboxing & first checks

• Inspect the packaging for tamper-evident seals. If seals are broken or the box appears altered, stop and contact official support before proceeding.
• Confirm the model and serial numbers on the device match any documentation included. Genuine products include clear vendor labeling.
• Do not connect the device if you believe it was tampered with; contact support for instructions.

2. Initial setup

To initialize your device, connect it to a computer using the supplied USB cable and open the official start page (for demo pages replace with your verified URL). Most vendors provide an online guided setup that walks through device creation and firmware installation.

1. Connect device and open the official start page — allow any browser permission prompts for device access.
2. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new wallet. The device will display the recovery seed words — never reveal these to anyone.
3. Set a PIN on the device when prompted. A PIN prevents unauthorized use if the device is connected to a host.

3. Recovery seed & passphrase

During setup, the device will generate a recovery seed (commonly 12, 18, or 24 words). This seed derives all keys for your wallet. Treat it as equivalent to cash:

• Write the words in order, using a pen and physical medium designed for long-term storage.
• Consider geographic redundancy (e.g., split storage) and threat modeling — store where it is physically secure from theft, flood, and fire.
• Optionally enable a passphrase (a 25th secret) for additional account separation — remember that losing the passphrase forfeits access.

4. Firmware & software

Before using your device for transactions, ensure firmware and companion software are up-to-date. Firmware updates often include security hardening and new features.

• Use only officially published firmware from the vendor. Verify checksums and digital signatures where provided.
• Install companion software (wallet UI) only from official sources; prefer desktop apps or verified progressive web apps over third-party builds.
• Enable automatic updates only if you trust the vendor release process; otherwise, update manually after verifying releases.

5. Making your first receive & send

To receive funds, create a new receive address in your wallet UI and verify the address on the device screen before sharing. When sending, always verify the destination address and amounts on the device display and the wallet UI. The device must confirm transaction details — do not rely on host software alone.

6. Ongoing security best practices

• Keep the device firmware and wallet software updated.
• Use a strong, memorable PIN and do not reuse it elsewhere.
• Never enter your recovery seed on a computer or phone — only on the device itself when required.
• Be cautious of phishing sites: always verify the correct domain and certificate when visiting wallet or vendor pages.