Trézor.io/Start — Starting Up™ Your Device | Trezor®
Slide 1: Welcome to the Fortress
Visual Cue: A high-quality image of the Trezor Model T or Model One next to a laptop with the Trezor logo.
Content: Welcome to the world of self-custody. By purchasing a hardware wallet, you have taken the most significant step possible toward financial independence and digital security. This guide is designed to walk you through the setup process found at Trezor.io/start, ensuring that your assets are safe from the very first moment.
Unlike keeping your cryptocurrency on an exchange—where you technically do not own the money—a Trezor device gives you full ownership. However, with ownership comes responsibility. Today, we will configure your device, secure your recovery seed, and establish the best practices that will keep your portfolio secure for years to come.
Slide 2: Unboxing and Security Verification
Visual Cue: A close-up graphic of the holographic tamper-evident seal on the USB port of the device.
Content: Before you plug anything in, we must verify the physical integrity of the device. Security starts the moment you hold the box.
- Check the Package: Ensure the box is intact and contains the device, a USB cable, a lanyard, and recovery seed cards.
- The Hologram Seal: This is your first line of defense. On the Trezor Model One, check for the hologram on the box opening. On the Trezor Model T, check the holographic seal over the USB-C port.
- Why it matters: If this seal is broken, looks tampered with, or if there is glue residue, do not use the device. It may have been compromised in transit.
Critical Warning: If you ever receive a Trezor that already has a seed phrase written on the card, discard it immediately and contact support. A new Trezor always comes blank.
Slide 3: Installing Trezor Suite
Visual Cue: Screenshot of the Trezor.io/start landing page with a "Download for Desktop" button highlighted.
Content: Your hardware wallet needs a bridge to talk to the blockchain. That bridge is Trezor Suite. This is the interface where you will manage your accounts, view balances, and sign transactions.
- Open your browser and navigate to the official setup page.
- Download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Link 1: Download the officialTrezor Suite App here.
Once installed, open the application and connect your Trezor device using the provided USB cable. The Suite will automatically detect the model of your device and prompt you to begin the initialization process.
Slide 4: Firmware Installation & Wallet Creation
Visual Cue: A loading bar showing "Installing Firmware" followed by a "Create New Wallet" button.
Content: Your device ships without firmware installed. This is a security feature to ensure the latest, uncorrupted software is installed directly by you. Follow the on-screen prompts in Trezor Suite to install the latest firmware.
Once the device reboots, you will face a choice:
- Create New Wallet: Select this if you are a new user.
- Recover Wallet: Select this only if you are restoring a lost device using an existing backup.
For this guide, we are selecting "Create New Wallet."
Slide 5: The Recovery Seed – Your Master Key
Visual Cue: An illustration of a user writing down words on the provided paper card with a pen. A "NO CAMERAS" icon is visible.
Content: We have arrived at the single most important slide in this presentation. The Recovery Seed (or Seed Phrase) is a list of 12 to 24 words generated by your device.
- What it is: This sequence is the master key to all your crypto. If you lose your Trezor device, you can buy a new one and type these words in to get your money back.
- The Golden Rule: If you lose this list, your money is gone forever. If someone else finds this list, they can steal your money without needing your device.
Link 2: Read more onHow to secure your Recovery Seed.
Action Step: Write the words down on the provided card exactly as they appear on the device screen. Do not take a photo. Do not save it in a text file or email. It must remain offline (analog) to be unhackable.
Slide 6: Setting a PIN and Naming Your Device
Visual Cue: A number pad on the Trezor device screen.
Content: Now that your backup is secured, we need to secure the physical device. We will set a PIN code.
- This acts like the PIN on your debit card. It prevents unauthorized physical access.
- If your device is stolen, the thief cannot unlock it without the PIN.
- The Trezor allows a limited number of incorrect attempts before wiping itself, so choose a strong PIN that you will remember.
You can also name your device (e.g., "My Crypto Vault"). This helps you identify it easily when plugging it into Trezor Suite, especially if you eventually own multiple devices.
Slide 7: Making Your First Transaction
Visual Cue: A split screen showing Trezor Suite "Receive" tab and the Trezor device screen displaying the same address.
Content: You are now ready to transact. Here is the workflow for receiving assets:
- Click Receive in Trezor Suite.
- Click Show full address.
- Verify on Device: Look at your computer screen and your physical Trezor screen. Do the characters match perfectly? Malware on a computer can sometimes swap addresses, but the Trezor screen never lies.
- If they match, confirm on the device.
- Copy the address and send your funds from your exchange.
Link 3: Check the full list ofSupported Coins & Tokens.
Slide 8: Advanced Security (Passphrase)
Visual Cue: An icon of a safe inside another safe.
Content: For those holding significant amounts, Trezor offers a "Hidden Wallet" feature using a Passphrase.
- This acts as a "25th word" added to your seed.
- If you enter your seed + Passphrase A, you open Wallet A.
- If you enter your seed + Passphrase B, you open Wallet B.
- Benefit: If someone forces you to unlock your wallet, you can give them a passphrase to a "decoy" wallet with a small amount of funds, while your main savings remain hidden in a different passphrase account.
Slide 9: Conclusion & Best Practices
Visual Cue: A checklist graphic titled "Safety First."
Content: You are now officially your own bank. To maintain this security:
- Never type your recovery seed into a computer or phone.
- Keep your firmware updated via Trezor Suite.
- Ignore direct messages from "Support" on social media—Trezor will never ask for your seed.
Congratulations on securing your digital future.
Link 4: For any issues, visit theTrezor Support Center.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What happens if I lose my Trezor device?
Your funds are not stored inside the device; they are on the blockchain. The device is merely the key. If you lose the device, simply buy a new hardware wallet (Trezor or any compatible brand) and enter your Recovery Seed words during setup. Your funds will reappear immediately.
2. Can I use Trezor with a mobile phone?
Yes. The Trezor Model T and Trezor Model One can be connected to Android devices via USB-C (you may need an OTG adapter for the Model One). You can use Trezor Suite Lite or compatible third-party web wallets to manage funds on the go. iOS support is currently limited due to Apple's USB restrictions.
3. I forgot my PIN. Is my crypto lost?
Not necessarily. If you have your Recovery Seed (the 12-24 words), you can wipe the device and restore your wallet. During the restoration process, you will be able to set a new PIN. However, if you have lost both your PIN and your Recovery Seed, your funds cannot be recovered.
4. Does Trezor support all cryptocurrencies?
Trezor supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Cardano, and all ERC-20 tokens. However, some newer or niche coins may not be supported natively in Trezor Suite yet and might require connecting your Trezor to a third-party interface like MetaMask or Exodus. Always check the official coin list before transferring.
5. What is the difference between the Model One and Model T?
The Model One is the entry-level device with two physical buttons and a monochrome screen. The Model T is the premium version featuring a color touchscreen, Shamir Backup capability (splitting your seed into multiple shares), and SD card encryption support. Both offer top-tier security for your private keys.