Trezor.io/Start – The Complete Guide to Setting Up Your Trezor Wallet

Introduction

Welcome to Trezor.io/start, the official setup guide for your Trezor hardware wallet. Whether you’ve just purchased a Trezor Model One or Trezor Model T, this guide will walk you through the entire setup process, security best practices, and how to manage your cryptocurrencies safely.

Trezor, developed by SatoshiLabs, is the world’s first and most trusted hardware wallet, offering unmatched security for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know: ✔ How to set up your Trezor device ✔ How to secure your recovery seed ✔ How to send and receive crypto ✔ Advanced security features

Let’s get started!

Step 1: Unboxing Your Trezor Device

When you first open your Trezor package, you should find:

• Trezor hardware wallet (Model One or Model T)
• USB cable (Micro-USB for Model One, USB-C for Model T)
• Recovery seed cards (for backup)
• Lanyard & Stickers (optional)

🔹 Important: Only buy Trezor from the official store (shop.trezor.io) to avoid tampered devices.

Step 2: Connecting Your Trezor to Trezor.io/Start

1. Connect your Trezor to your computer using the USB cable.
2. Visit Trezor.io/start in your browser (Chrome/Firefox recommended).
3. Download Trezor Suite (the official desktop app) or use the web-based version.
4. Install the latest firmware when prompted (this ensures your device has the latest security updates).

⚠ Never use Trezor on a public or compromised computer. Always ensure you’re on the official website.

Step 3: Setting Up Your Trezor Wallet

A. Creating a New Wallet

1. Choose "Create new wallet" in Trezor Suite.
2. Select "Standard seed backup" (12, 18, or 24 words).
3. Your Trezor will generate a recovery seed phrase—write it down in order on the provided card.

B. Backing Up Your Recovery Seed

• ✍ Write it by hand – Never store it digitally (no photos, cloud, or text files).
• 🔒 Keep it offline – Store it in a safe, fireproof place (like a bank vault or hidden safe).
• ❌ Never share it – Anyone with your seed can steal your crypto.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a metal backup solution (like Cryptosteel) for fire/water resistance.

Step 4: Setting a Strong PIN

1. Your Trezor will prompt you to set a PIN code (1-9 digits).
2. Use a unique PIN (not your phone/bank PIN).
3. Confirm the PIN on your device.

🔐 Security Note: The PIN protects your device if stolen. Trezor wipes itself after 16 failed attempts.

Step 5: Accessing Your Wallet in Trezor Suite

Once set up, you can:

• Receive crypto (generate addresses)
• Send crypto (requires device confirmation)
• Check balances & transactions
• Explore DeFi & staking options (Model T only)

Step 6: Sending & Receiving Crypto

Receiving Crypto

1. In Trezor Suite, go to the "Receive" tab.
2. Select the cryptocurrency (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
3. Verify the address on your Trezor screen (prevents malware attacks).
4. Share the address with the sender.

Sending Crypto

1. Go to the "Send" tab.
2. Enter the recipient’s address (double-check for errors).
3. Confirm the transaction on your Trezor device.

⚠ Always verify addresses on your Trezor screen—malware can alter clipboard addresses!

Step 7: Advanced Security Features

A. Passphrase (Hidden Wallet)

• Adds an extra word to your recovery seed.
• Creates a completely separate wallet (even if someone has your seed, they can’t access this wallet without the passphrase).

B. Shamir Backup (Model T Only)

• Splits your seed into multiple shares (e.g., 3-of-5 recovery).
• Requires only a subset to recover funds (ideal for inheritance planning).

C. U2F & Password Manager

• Use Trezor as a hardware security key for Google, GitHub, etc.
• Securely store passwords in the encrypted Trezor Password Manager.

Step 8: Troubleshooting & Support

Common Issues & Fixes

🔹 Device not detected? Try a different USB port/cable. 🔹 Forgot PIN? Wipe the device and restore using your seed. 🔹 Lost seed phrase? Without it, your funds are irrecoverable.

📌 Need help? Visit Trezor Support or the Trezor Community Forum.

Conclusion

Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully set up your Trezor wallet via Trezor.io/start and secured your cryptocurrencies. Remember:

✅ Never share your seed phrase or PIN. ✅ Always verify transactions on the Trezor screen. ✅ Keep your firmware updated.

By following this guide, you’ve taken a huge step toward true financial sovereignty. Welcome to the world of secure, self-custodied crypto!