Trezor Start — Clear first-time setup and security guide

Stepwise walkthrough for safe initialization, firmware checks, secure backup, and using the official setup portal.

Complete guide to using trezor.io/start — set up with confidence

This guide explains how to set up a Trezor hardware device using the official start portal, and how to protect the recovery backup, confirm device checks, install firmware, and apply best practices for daily use. The steps below are written for clarity, aimed at first-time users as well as returning custodians who want a tidy checklist.

Prepare and inspect

Open the box and verify the device packaging has no visible tamper marks. Confirm the device is the correct model you ordered and that accessories are present. Use only the official cable provided.

2

Visit the official start portal

On a trusted computer, go to the official start page for guided setup. The portal guides you through firmware installation and an initial device authenticity check. Follow the prompts exactly as shown on both the computer and the device display.

3

Install firmware

The device ships without firmware. Use the portal’s firmware installer to load the latest firmware. Allow the install and confirm each action directly on the device. Only install firmware from the official interface.

4

Create a secure backup

When prompted, create the backup phrase or backup solution shown. Write backup words on the physical backup cards or use a metal backup if available. Keep backups offline, in a safe physical location, and never share them with anyone.

5

Set a device PIN and passphrase strategy

Protect the device with a PIN entered directly on the device. Consider whether a passphrase (additional secret word) is needed; understand it acts as an additional key and must be stored securely by you only.

6

Complete the verification steps

Follow the portal’s device check to confirm the device display matches the interface prompts. Approve only the exact confirmations that appear on the device; if anything seems off, disconnect and restart the process on a trusted machine.

7

Use the Suite app for everyday management

After setup, the desktop or web application provides a secure environment to manage accounts, view balances, and sign operations. Keep the app updated and prefer the official distribution channels for downloads.

Best practices: always update firmware from official sources, keep backups physically secure, never share the backup words, verify device prompts before approving, and use a clean, trusted computer for setup.

Troubleshooting highlights

If the device prompts differ from the portal, or if firmware fails to install, pause and consult official help resources. Replace any tampered device packaging and do not proceed until you are certain the environment is trusted. For recovery, use your written backup only on the device itself; avoid entering backups on other machines.

Privacy tip: treat your backup as the key to your holdings. A physical multi-copy strategy (for example, distributed secure storage) can guard against loss, but means must be chosen carefully to avoid exposing the backup to others.