Trezor.io/Start | Starting® Up® Your Device®

This presentation-style guide walks you through the entire start-up journey on Trezor.io/Start. It emphasizes secure choices, modern usability, and stepwise verification. We'll cover hardware checks, pin and passphrase strategies, seed backup, firmware verification, using desktop/web Suite, and recovery best practices — all written in fresh, original language designed for clarity.

Why this guide?

• Because secure setup dramatically reduces risk.
• Because the nuances of recovery seed handling are often misunderstood.
• Because you deserve clear step-by-step instructions and contextual explanation.

What you will need (H3)

1. A genuine Trezor hardware device (Model T or One).
2. A computer or mobile device with internet access to visit Trezor.io/Start.
3. A small pen and durable paper (or metal backup) to safely record your recovery seed.
4. Time and a quiet place — do not rush the setup.

Core Quick Steps (H3)

1. Confirm package integrity and holograms (if present).
2. Navigate to https://trezor.io/start and follow device prompts.
3. Initialize the device: choose “Create new wallet” unless recovering.
4. Write down your recovery seed safely; verify the seed as directed.
5. Set a secure PIN; consider a passphrase if you need hidden wallets.
6. Update firmware if recommended, only via official channels.
7. Test with a small transfer to verify successful setup.

Important quick warnings (H4)

• Never share your recovery seed digitally.
• Never type your seed into a website or phone.
• Do not trust unsolicited support requests.

Step 1 — Unboxing & Device Inspection (H3)

When you unbox your Trezor device, examine the package carefully. Authentic devices typically include tamper-evident elements and clear instructions. If packaging seems altered or suspicious, stop and contact support via the official site — do not proceed.

Checklist (H4)

• Check tamper-evident seals (if applicable).
• Verify the included USB cable looks standard and undamaged.
• Inspect the device’s screen for defects.
• Ensure documentation is present and consistent with official branding.

Step 2 — Go to Trezor.io/Start (H3)

Open a browser and type trezor.io/start exactly. Verify the domain and SSL certificate. The website will present the official onboarding flow; follow onscreen prompts. Avoid using search-engine results if you're unsure — type the URL directly.

Step 3 — Create or Recover a Wallet (H3)

Choose Create new wallet for a brand-new setup, or Recover wallet if you already have a recovery seed. The creation flow will generate a recovery seed on the device (not on your computer) and display instructions to write it down.

Device-Generated Seed (H4)

Modern Trezor devices generate seeds inside the secure chip. This means the seed never leaves hardware during generation — a security advantage compared to software-only wallets.

Step 4 — Recording & Verifying Your Recovery Seed (H3)

Write each word clearly on paper or use a metal backup kit for long-term durability. After writing, the device will prompt you to confirm by selecting words in the correct order or typing selected words back. This verification confirms successful seed capture.

Seed Handling Tips (H4)

• Store the seed in at least two physically separate secure locations.
• Avoid storing the seed in a cloud service, photo album, or any digital file.
• Consider insurance boxes or bank safe-deposit boxes for very large holdings.

Step 5 — Set PIN / Optional Passphrase (H3)

The PIN protects access if your device is lost or stolen. Choose a PIN length and a sequence you can reliably memorize. For extra security, enable a passphrase — this acts like a 25th seed word (optional) and creates a hidden wallet.

Choosing a PIN (H4)

• Use a nontrivial PIN; avoid sequential or repeated numbers.
• Never write your PIN down with the recovery seed in the same location.
• Change your PIN periodically if appropriate.

Step 6 — Firmware & Software (H3)

Firmware keeps your device secure. If the onboarding flow suggests a firmware update, perform it via the official Trezor interface only. Do not install firmware from unknown sources. The update process is straightforward: download official files, let the device apply them, and verify the firmware signature if prompted.

Step 7 — First Transaction & Verification (H3)

Before moving large funds, send a small test amount to and from your device to confirm end-to-end operation. Confirm addresses on the device screen (not on the computer) to prevent address-rewriting malware.

Address Verification (H4)

Always compare the receiving address on your computer to what appears on the Trezor screen. The device's purpose is to display addresses in a tamper-proof environment.

How the Hardware Protects You (H3)

Trezor devices isolate private keys in secure hardware. Keys are generated inside the device and never leave it. Signing occurs on-device, so even if your computer is compromised, the private keys are not exposed.

Threat Models & Mitigations (H3)

1. Phishing (H4)

Phishing often imitates official interfaces. Mitigation: always use the correct URL trezor.io/start, check the SSL lock, and consider bookmarks for the official site.

2. Malware on Host (H4)

Malware can attempt to modify unsigned transaction data displayed on your computer. Mitigation: verify the transaction on the device screen, use deterministic checks, and keep host systems updated.

3. Physical Theft (H4)

If a thief gains your Trezor but not your PIN/passphrase or seed, funds remain inaccessible. Mitigation: use a strong PIN, enable passphrase for extra protection.

Backup Redundancy Strategies (H3)

A single paper backup is a single point of failure. Consider:

• Using multiple physical copies stored in geographically separated secure locations.
• Metal seed storage for fire/water resistance.
• Secret sharing (Shamir Backup) if supported and you understand the complexity.

Color & Hierarchy (H3)

This page uses teal → coral accents for emphasis. Headings have progressively darker neutrals for clarity: H1 accent, H2 primary dark, H3 and H4 emphasize subsections.

Accessibility (H3)

Readable fonts, high-contrast accents, visible callouts, and descriptive code blocks ensure content is accessible and usable for a wide audience.

Printable Version (H4)

To make a printable handout, convert the page to PDF with the browser’s print dialog. Remove the decorative background in print CSS for economy of ink.

Using a Passphrase Safely (H3)

The passphrase unlocks hidden wallets and provides plausible deniability. Choose a passphrase that is memorable but strong; treat it as the equivalent of a long password. If you forget a passphrase, funds under that hidden wallet are unrecoverable without it.

Passphrase Strategies (H4)

• Use a sentence-style phrase with punctuation and mixed capitalization.
• Do not store the passphrase with the recovery seed.
• Consider using a password manager only if you fully trust its security and you encrypt your vault.

Shamir & Multi-Signature (H3)

Shamir or multisig adds resilience: multiple partial keys required to spend funds. These are advanced setups for high-value holdings and should be implemented after planning and testing.

Multisig Quick Notes (H4)

• Requires coordination across devices or participants.
• Increases complexity for recovery — document procedures securely.
• Ideal for organizations and custodial teams.

Common Issues (H3)

Device not detected (H4)

Try a different cable, different USB port, or a different host. Ensure the Trezor Bridge (or Suite app) is installed and up to date.

Forgot PIN (H4)

PIN cannot be recovered — if you forget it, you must reset the device and recover using your seed phrase. This is why secure seed backups are crucial.

Seed verification failed (H4)

If verification fails, re-run initialization; do not proceed without confirmed backup. Confirm that words are spelled correctly and you used the correct word list/language.

FAQ (H3)

• Q: Can someone steal my funds if they have my device?
  A: Not without PIN/passphrase or seed.
• Q: Is the seed language fixed?
  A: Many devices support multiple languages; choose one you understand well.

Estate Planning (H3)

Think about heirs and legal instructions. Provide clear but secure directions in a sealed document or through a lawyer. Never list the seed plainly in a will.

Succession Examples (H4)

• Store encrypted vaults with lawyers or trustees.
• Create step-by-step recovery instructions for a trusted executor.

Periodic Checks (H3)

Every 6–12 months, verify backups (without exposing seeds publicly), check firmware status, and review your security posture.

Seed (H3)

A sequence of words (BIP39) that represents your private key; used to recover wallets.

PIN (H3)

A numeric code protecting local access to your device.

Passphrase (H3)

An optional password that creates hidden wallets and adds an extra security layer.

Firmware (H3)

Software running on the device itself — updates patch security or add features.

Ready to start?

When you’re ready, open trezor.io/start and follow the instructions above. Move slowly, verify every step on your device, and back up with robust redundancy.