Trezor.io/Start — How to Set Up Your Trezor (Beginner Friendly)

Quick description: This guide walks you through Trezor.io/Start to initialize your device, create a secure recovery seed, install Trezor Suite if needed, and follow essential safety practices. Ideal for first-time Trezor users and those refreshing their security knowledge.

What is Trezor.io/Start?

Trezor.io/Start is the official onboarding entrypoint for Trezor hardware wallets. When you power up a new Trezor device, the recommended first step is to visit Trezor.io/Start from a secure computer. That page will guide you to download official software (Trezor Suite or firmware) and walk you through device initialization, firmware verification, and seed creation. Using Trezor.io/Start ensures you follow the trusted flow provided by SatoshiLabs and avoid phishing or fake installers.

Step-by-step: Using Trezor.io/Start to initialize your device

Prepare a secure computer: Use a computer you trust and ensure your operating system and browser are up to date. Avoid public Wi-Fi or shared machines when setting up wallets.
Visit Trezor.io/Start: Open your browser and navigate to https://trezor.io/start (or follow official instructions shown on the device). This is the canonical onboarding flow for your Trezor device.
Connect your Trezor: Plug the device into your computer using the supplied cable. The device screen will show prompts — always confirm on the device itself, not only in the browser.
Verify firmware: If firmware installation is required, follow the prompts. Confirm the device displays the same verification messages shown in the official flow. Never accept unexpected prompts from unknown websites.
Create a recovery seed: The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12–24 words). Write these words down exactly in order on paper or a metal backup — never store the full seed digitally or photograph it.
Set a PIN: Choose a strong PIN that you can remember but isn’t guessable. Enter the PIN using the device’s confirmation screen so the PIN never leaves the device.
Install Trezor Suite (optional): For managing accounts and transactions, Trezor Suite provides a desktop and web interface. Install from official links shown on Trezor.io/Start if you want a richer management UI.

Important: Always confirm the website domain is correct before interacting. Official onboarding is through Trezor.io/Start or the official Trezor domain. Phishing sites may attempt to mimic the look of the real page — double-check the URL and certificate if anything looks off.

Security best practices when using Trezor.io/Start

Never enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or cloud service. Your seed belongs on durable, offline media.
Keep at least two secure physical backups of your recovery words (paper + metal backup if possible) and store them in separate, safe locations.
Use passphrases only if you understand how they work — a passphrase effectively creates a new hidden wallet and must be remembered exactly.
Verify firmware messages and device fingerprints directly on your Trezor device screen before approving transactions or setup steps.
Beware of unsolicited help: never allow remote access of your computer while initializing a wallet. Scammers often use social engineering to extract seeds or approve malicious transactions.

Common issues and quick fixes

If your device doesn’t show the expected prompts at Trezor.io/Start, try these checks:

Use a different USB cable or port — some cables only provide power and not data.
Restart your browser and clear any suspicious extensions before returning to the official start page.
If firmware update fails, follow the official recovery instructions on Trezor.io/Start or consult Trezor support documentation.

FAQ — Trezor.io/Start

Do I need internet to set up via Trezor.io/Start?: Yes — you need internet to download official software and firmware. However, the recovery seed generation happens offline on the device and should never be transmitted online.
Can I restore an existing wallet using Trezor.io/Start?: Yes. The onboarding flow offers an option to restore from a recovery seed. Enter your seed words on the device when prompted — never type them into a computer.
Is Trezor Suite required?: No — Trezor devices can be used with many compatible wallet interfaces, but Trezor Suite provides the official integrated experience for managing coins and settings.