Trezor.io/Start: a complete guide to getting your wallet ready
A hardware wallet keeps the keys to your digital assets offline. This walkthrough helps you approach setup thoughtfully—from checking your device to making a small, carefully verified first transaction.
Before you begin: make a clean start
Set aside a little uninterrupted time and choose a private place. Have your Trezor device, its cable, and a computer or phone ready. Use a device you control, with its operating system and browser updated. Avoid public computers, shared workstations, and networks you do not trust.
Check the packaging and device for anything that seems unexpected, while remembering that packaging alone cannot prove a device is authentic. Buy through the official store or an authorized seller, and use the manufacturer's official verification guidance. If anything feels unusual, pause and contact support through the address you navigate to yourself.
Start with a clean browser window. Close lookalike pages and unexpected pop-ups. Never follow setup instructions from an unsolicited message or advertisement.
Find the official start page
Type trezor.io/start into your browser yourself, or use a bookmark you created after checking the address. Confirm the domain carefully: a convincing logo, lock icon, or search result placement is not enough to establish that a page is genuine. Check for misspellings and extra words in the domain.
This guide does not install wallet software or ask you to connect a device. On the official start page, follow the current instructions for your specific model and operating system. Download companion software only when the official page directs you to it. If a page asks for your recovery words to continue, stop immediately and leave that page.
Connect your device and install updates
Connect the device directly using a suitable cable. Follow the official setup prompts to install or open the companion wallet application, then check whether a firmware update is recommended. Updates can improve security and compatibility, but the exact process depends on your model. Read each on-device prompt and official instruction before confirming.
Pay attention to what the physical device displays. Confirm important actions on the device itself rather than relying only on what appears in a browser window. If a prompt is unfamiliar, stop and consult official documentation. Do not enter recovery words into a computer or phone to satisfy an unexpected update request.
Create a new wallet, or restore only when appropriate
If this is your first wallet, choose the option to create a new wallet and follow your model's on-device instructions. The device will generate recovery words that can restore access if the device is lost or damaged. The words are not a password reset service; they are the backup that controls the wallet. Anyone who obtains them may be able to access your assets.
Only choose a restore option if you already have a recovery backup and understand the process. Make sure you are using the official workflow for your device. Never type recovery words into a website, chat, email, note-taking app, or online document. Stop if a page, caller, or support person requests a photo or copy of them.
Protect your recovery backup offline
Write each word down in the exact order shown, using the backup method recommended for your device. Check the spelling and sequence slowly. Keep the backup private, dry, and physically secure, away from the device if practical. Consider what would happen if your home were damaged or someone else found the paper.
Do not photograph, scan, print, upload, or store the words in a password manager or cloud account. Do not share them with family, friends, or people claiming to provide technical support. If you want redundancy, learn about safe backup options from official documentation before making copies. A backup that is easy to access for an attacker is not a safe backup.
Never share them with anyone or enter them on a website. A genuine support team will never need them.
Make a small, carefully checked first transaction
Once setup and backup checks are complete, take time to explore the wallet interface before moving funds. Learn how to select the correct network and asset. Addresses on different networks may look similar without being interchangeable, and a mistaken transfer can be difficult or impossible to reverse.
For an initial test, consider sending only a small amount you can afford to risk. Copy the receiving address using the official application, then compare the address shown on your computer with the one displayed on the device screen. Verify the first and last characters and review the full address where possible. Confirm the network, amount, and fee before approving on the device.
Wait for the transaction to complete and confirm receipt before considering a larger transfer. Never rush because of a countdown, a limited-time offer, or pressure from someone messaging you. If any detail differs, cancel and investigate through official resources.
Keep your wallet safe over time
Security is an ongoing habit. Keep your device firmware and companion software current by following official update guidance. Bookmark verified support pages, use a strong device passcode, and protect the place where your physical backup is stored. Review the exact screen on your hardware wallet whenever you approve an address or transaction.
Be wary of unsolicited direct messages, fake support accounts, remote-access requests, and websites that promise to validate or recover your wallet. Search advertisements and social posts can lead to imitations. Navigate to official resources yourself rather than trusting a link someone sends you. Never install remote-control tools at the request of a stranger.
If your device is lost, damaged, or behaves unexpectedly, do not panic and do not disclose your recovery words. Use the manufacturer's official documentation to understand your options. If you suspect that the backup has been exposed, consult official guidance promptly from a trusted device and take time to verify every step. Careful pauses are part of good security.
A good setup is a series of careful checks
Go slowly: verify the address, follow model-specific instructions, confirm actions on the physical device, and protect the recovery backup offline. When something surprises you, pause and return to the official source. Self-custody gives you control, and that control is strongest when paired with patience.