Trezor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor®
Starting a hardware wallet is a critical step in taking control of your digital assets. Unlike online wallets or exchange-based storage, a hardware wallet places ownership directly in your hands by keeping private keys offline. Trezor devices are designed to make this process secure, transparent, and approachable for beginners while remaining robust enough for experienced users. This guide explains the complete startup experience in a structured and easy-to-follow manner, helping you confidently set up your device from the moment you open the box.
Understanding the Purpose of the Start Process
The startup process is not simply about turning on a device. It is a carefully designed sequence that ensures security from the first moment of use. During setup, the wallet creates cryptographic keys, verifies firmware authenticity, and establishes user-defined protection measures. Each step exists to eliminate third-party access and ensure that only you can control your funds.
By following the official startup path, users avoid risks such as compromised firmware, insecure recovery methods, or exposure to malicious software. The start page acts as a controlled environment where instructions are clear and actions are intentional.
What You Need Before You Begin
Before beginning the setup, prepare a calm and private environment. This is essential because sensitive information will be generated during the process. Make sure you have a computer or mobile device with a stable internet connection, the supplied USB cable, and the original packaging contents. Avoid public spaces, shared computers, or situations where your screen or written notes could be observed.
It is also recommended to set aside uninterrupted time. Rushing through the process increases the chance of mistakes, especially during recovery seed handling.
First Connection and Device Recognition
When the device is connected for the first time, it will prompt you to visit the official start page. This page acts as the central control point for setup and ensures you are using trusted software. At this stage, the device itself contains no private keys and holds no funds, making it safe to connect.
The system checks whether the device firmware is present and authentic. If no firmware is detected or if verification is required, the setup will guide you through installation. This verification step is crucial because it ensures the device software has not been altered or replaced.
Firmware Installation and Verification
Firmware is the core operating system of the hardware wallet. Installing it during setup guarantees a clean and secure foundation. The installation process is guided step by step and typically requires user confirmation directly on the device screen. This physical confirmation ensures that no remote software can silently modify the device.
Once installed, the firmware undergoes a verification check. This confirms that the code matches the official release and has not been tampered with. Only after successful verification does the setup proceed, reinforcing the device’s security-first design.
Creating a New Wallet or Recovering an Existing One
After firmware installation, users are given a choice. You can either create a new wallet or restore an existing one using a recovery phrase. For first-time users, creating a new wallet is the standard option.
Creating a wallet means the device will generate a new set of private keys internally. These keys never leave the device and are not transmitted over the internet. This internal generation is what makes hardware wallets fundamentally safer than software-based alternatives.
The Importance of the Recovery Seed
During wallet creation, the device generates a recovery seed. This seed is a series of words that serve as the ultimate backup of your wallet. If the device is lost, damaged, or destroyed, the recovery seed is the only way to restore access to your funds.
The words must be written down exactly as displayed, in the correct order. They should be recorded on paper or another offline medium. Digital storage, screenshots, or cloud backups are strongly discouraged because they expose the seed to potential online threats.
Best Practices for Storing the Recovery Seed
Once written, the recovery seed should be stored securely and privately. It should never be shared with anyone, regardless of circumstance. Anyone with access to the seed has complete control over the wallet and its assets.
Many users choose to store the seed in a fire-resistant safe or split it across multiple secure locations. The key principle is durability and confidentiality. The seed must survive time, accidents, and environmental risks while remaining hidden from unauthorized access.
Verifying the Recovery Seed
To ensure the seed was recorded correctly, the device may ask you to confirm certain words. This verification step is critical. It ensures that you can successfully restore the wallet if needed and prevents errors caused by miswriting or skipping words.
This step also reinforces the importance of accuracy and attention during setup. It is far better to correct mistakes now than discover them during an emergency recovery.
Setting a PIN for Device Protection
After securing the recovery seed, the next step is setting a PIN. The PIN protects the device against unauthorized physical access. Each time the device is connected, the correct PIN must be entered to unlock it.
The PIN entry system is designed to resist observation and keylogging. Numbers are displayed in a randomized pattern on the device screen, and you interact through your connected device. This approach ensures that even compromised computers cannot capture the PIN.
Understanding PIN Security and Attempt Limits
The device limits the number of incorrect PIN attempts. Each failed attempt increases the delay before another try is allowed. This exponential delay makes brute-force attacks impractical and protects the wallet even if it is stolen.
Choosing a strong and memorable PIN is important. Avoid obvious sequences and do not reuse PINs from other services. The goal is to balance memorability with resistance to guessing.
Optional Passphrase Protection
For users seeking an additional layer of security, passphrase protection is available. A passphrase acts as an extra word added to the recovery seed, creating a separate hidden wallet. Without the correct passphrase, the wallet cannot be accessed, even with the recovery seed.
This feature is optional and should only be used by those who fully understand its implications. Forgetting the passphrase means permanent loss of access. When used correctly, however, it provides advanced protection and plausible deniability.
Initial Wallet Interface and Navigation
Once setup is complete, the wallet interface becomes accessible. This interface allows users to view balances, receive assets, and send transactions. The design emphasizes clarity and confirmation, ensuring that users always know what action they are performing.
Every sensitive action requires confirmation on the device screen itself. This physical verification prevents malware from altering transaction details without your knowledge.
Receiving Digital Assets Safely
To receive assets, the wallet generates a public address. This address can be shared freely, as it does not reveal private keys. However, it is still important to verify the address on the device screen before using it. This ensures that the address displayed on your computer has not been altered by malicious software.
Once assets are sent to the verified address, they are secured by the private keys stored inside the device.
Sending Transactions with Confidence
When sending assets, transaction details are prepared on the connected device but must be approved on the hardware wallet. The screen shows the destination address and amount, allowing you to verify accuracy before confirmation.
This final confirmation step is one of the strongest protections against malware and phishing attacks. If anything looks incorrect, the transaction can be rejected instantly.
Keeping the Device Updated
After setup, it is important to keep the device firmware up to date. Updates may include security enhancements, performance improvements, or support for additional assets. Firmware updates follow a similar verification process to initial installation, maintaining security throughout the device’s lifespan.
Users should only perform updates through the official software environment and never install files from unverified sources.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Many issues arise from skipping steps or ignoring security advice. Common mistakes include storing the recovery seed digitally, rushing through verification, or setting weak PINs. Another frequent error is failing to confirm addresses on the device screen.
Avoiding these mistakes significantly reduces the risk of loss or compromise. The setup process is intentionally structured to prevent such errors when followed carefully.
Long-Term Ownership and Responsibility
Owning a hardware wallet means accepting full responsibility for asset security. There is no password reset, customer recovery, or central authority that can restore access if keys are lost. This responsibility is also the greatest advantage, as it removes dependence on third parties.
By understanding and respecting this responsibility, users gain unmatched control over their digital assets.
Final Thoughts on Starting Your Device
The startup experience is the foundation of secure ownership. Each step, from firmware verification to recovery seed storage, plays a vital role in protecting your funds. Taking the time to understand and correctly complete the process ensures long-term confidence and safety.
By starting your device properly, you are not just setting up a wallet—you are establishing a secure system designed to protect your assets now and in the future.