Introduction
Whether you're storing Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other digital assets, starting your Trezor device the right way is crucial. Trezor.io/Start® is the official setup portal for Trezor hardware wallets. This page walks you through the full process of initializing your device, securing your wallet, and following best practices for long-term asset safety.
This guide is ideal for beginners and experienced users who want to follow proper protocols when activating a new Trezor Model One or Model T device.
What Is Trezor.io/Start®?
Trezor.io/Start is the official web address provided by SatoshiLabs for initializing your hardware wallet. It ensures that you are downloading legitimate firmware and software tools and not falling for phishing traps or fake devices.
Visiting this portal connects you to Trezor Suite, the desktop or browser interface used for wallet management, setup, backup, and security updates.
Before You Begin
- Unbox your Trezor device (Model One or Model T).
- Ensure the holographic seal on the packaging is intact. If not, do not use the device.
- Use a high-quality USB cable and connect the device to a trusted computer.
- Visit https://trezor.io/start in your browser.
Step-by-Step Setup Instructions
1. Install Trezor Suite
After visiting Trezor.io/Start, you'll be prompted to download Trezor Suite. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or use the web version.
2. Connect and Initialize the Device
Once connected, Trezor Suite will detect your device and offer to install the latest firmware. Accept and let the installation complete. Follow on-screen prompts on both the software and the device screen.
3. Generate a New Wallet
Choose to create a new wallet. The device will generate a 12-word (or 24-word) recovery seed phrase. Write it down manually on the provided recovery card or your own offline medium. Do not store it digitally or online.
4. Confirm the Recovery Seed
You’ll be prompted to confirm several of the seed words. This ensures you wrote them down correctly and in the right order.
5. Set a PIN
Set a secure PIN using your device's interface. This PIN protects your wallet if someone gets physical access to your device.
6. Optional: Enable Passphrase
Advanced users can add a passphrase—a secret that acts like a 25th word. This opens a hidden wallet that is completely separate from your main one. It’s useful for plausible deniability or additional privacy.
Security Tips During Setup
- Use only official Trezor cables and accessories.
- Never take a photo or screenshot of your recovery seed.
- Ensure no one is watching you during seed phrase generation.
- Double-check you're using the https://trezor.io domain.
- Store your recovery seed in a fireproof, waterproof location.
- Consider using a metal backup solution for seed protection.
What Happens If I Lose My Device?
If you lose or damage your Trezor, your assets can still be recovered using the recovery seed on another compatible device. Without the seed, recovery is not possible — Trezor does not store user data or keys.
This is why your seed phrase is the single most important aspect of wallet ownership.
After Setup: Next Steps
- Use Trezor Suite to send, receive, and manage coins like BTC, ETH, and tokens.
- Enable notifications for firmware updates and security improvements.
- Test a small recovery by wiping the device and restoring from the seed (optional).
- Explore features like address labeling, privacy mode, and CoinJoin.
- Use the wallet for dApps via integrations like MetaMask (with caution).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Storing the recovery seed in cloud storage or email.
- Using a weak or guessable PIN (e.g., 1234, birthdates).