Trézor.io/Start | Getting Started & Secure Device Setup
Setting up a hardware wallet for the first time can feel intimidating, especially if you’re moving your digital assets from software wallets, exchanges, or custodial platforms. However, using a hardware wallet is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your cryptocurrency from unauthorized access, phishing attacks, and online threats. The official onboarding process begins at Trézor.io/start, a dedicated portal designed to guide new users through safe, secure, and verified device initialization. This comprehensive guide explains every part of the setup process, best-practice security habits, and how to start managing your crypto confidently.
1. Introduction to the Trézor Setup Process
When unboxing your new hardware wallet, your first step should always be visiting the official setup page. The purpose of this page is to provide a trusted environment for downloading necessary software, verifying your device, checking for firmware updates, and walking you through the wallet creation process. Since cryptocurrency is self-custodied, security responsibility shifts entirely to you—meaning that starting correctly is crucial.
The steps provided at the setup page are intentionally beginner-friendly, yet maintain the strict security principles expected from a hardware wallet. Regardless of your level of experience with crypto, the instructions make sure each user avoids common mistakes, such as using unverified applications, exposing recovery seeds, or falling for fraudulent look-alike websites. The portal is designed to be simple, safe, and consistent across devices.
2. Preparing for Setup: What You Need Before You Begin
Before starting the configuration process, it’s a good idea to gather the items and information you’ll need:
Your Hardware Wallet
Your newly purchased device should come sealed, untampered, and packaged with an intact hologram or security seal. If anything appears suspicious, you should halt the setup process and contact support.
A Computer or Compatible Device
A desktop or laptop is required for the initial configuration. While mobile options exist when using specific adapters or applications, a computer provides the most stable and secure environment for your first-time setup.
A Stable Internet Connection
While your device itself never exposes private keys online, your computer needs internet access to download software and verify firmware updates.
A Quiet and Private Environment
Because the setup process involves generating and writing down your recovery seed, it’s critical not to rush or perform it in a public place. Anyone who sees your recovery seed can access your crypto.
3. Navigating to the Official Setup Page
The only correct location for setting up your device is Trézor.io/start. Typing it directly into your browser’s address bar is highly recommended, rather than clicking a link from search results or social media. Scammers often create imitation sites designed to capture recovery seeds or trick users into downloading malicious software.
Once on the page, you’ll find a clean, minimal interface outlining each step of the setup process. The instructions are written clearly to prevent confusion and reduce the likelihood of security mistakes. This onboarding page also checks your device model and directs you to the correct installation files.
4. Installing the Companion Software
To manage your crypto through your hardware wallet, you must install the official management application. This software serves as the secure interface between your computer and the hardware wallet. It allows you to update firmware, send or receive crypto, manage accounts, and verify transactions using the device’s physical confirmation buttons.
During installation:
You may be prompted to approve permission settings so the application can communicate with the device.
The software may automatically check for updates and prompt you if your device requires a firmware upgrade.
The interface will guide you through verifying the authenticity of your device.
This software is built with strong security protections and is the only application that should ever be used to interact with your device.
5. Connecting Your Device for the First Time
After installing the companion app, plug your device into your computer using the provided cable. Once connected, the application will identify the model and initiate the setup process. If your device is brand new, you will be prompted to either:
Create a new wallet, or
Recover an existing wallet using a recovery seed.
If this is your first time using a hardware wallet, creating a new wallet is the correct option. The recovery option is only for users who previously owned a hardware wallet and need to restore their funds.
6. Generating and Securing Your Recovery Seed
The most important part of the setup is creating your recovery seed—typically a list of 12, 18, or 24 randomly generated words. These words are displayed only on your device screen, not on your computer, ensuring that they never touch the internet.
Key rules for recovery seed safety:
Write the words down by hand on the supplied recovery card.
Never take photos of your seed, store it in cloud storage, or type it into a digital device.
Never share your seed with anyone, including supposed support representatives.
Store your seed in a private, secure location, such as a fireproof safe or access-controlled vault.
Your recovery seed is the only backup of your wallet. If your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, this seed allows you to recover your funds. Conversely, if anyone else gains access to it, they gain full control over your assets.
7. Updating Firmware for Security and Performance
Once your recovery seed is safely backed up, the onboarding process will guide you through updating your device firmware to the latest version. Firmware updates provide enhancements like:
Strengthened security protections
Support for new cryptocurrencies
Improvements to the user interface and overall experience
Bug fixes and performance optimizations
The application completes the update process automatically, and your device will reboot once finished. Using outdated firmware reduces security, so keeping your device up to date is essential.
8. Creating a PIN for Everyday Device Protection
After firmware updates, you will be prompted to set a PIN. This PIN is used every time you connect your device, acting as a lock to protect your wallet even if someone physically steals it.
Guidelines for setting a secure PIN:
Choose a PIN that is not easily guessable, such as avoiding sequences like 123456.
Avoid using birthdates, anniversaries, or numbers that could be publicly known.
Memorize your PIN and do not store it digitally.
If the wrong PIN is entered too many times, the device will wipe itself to prevent unauthorized access. Your recovery seed will then be required to restore your funds.
9. Adding Accounts and Managing Cryptocurrency
Once setup is complete, you can start adding accounts for different cryptocurrencies. Most users begin with popular coins such as Bitcoin or Ethereum, but the software supports a wide range of assets.
Each account has its own receiving addresses, transaction history, and balance overview. The companion application interacts with the blockchain only through your device-approved signatures. Any time you send funds or approve an action, your device will require you to physically confirm it by pressing its hardware buttons.
This ensures that malware, phishing attacks, or compromised computers cannot execute transactions without your explicit approval.
10. Receiving Your First Cryptocurrency
Receiving crypto is straightforward:
Open the companion software and select the cryptocurrency you want to receive.
Generate a receiving address.
Verify the address on your device screen to ensure it matches the address displayed on the computer.
Copy the verified address to your exchange, another wallet, or whichever platform you’re using to send funds.
Verifying the address on the device screen is a crucial step—this prevents attackers from modifying or replacing the address on your computer.
11. Sending Cryptocurrency Safely
When sending crypto, the software will ask you to input the recipient's address and the amount. Before finalizing the transaction:
Your device will display all transaction details.
You must physically confirm by pressing the device buttons.
Only then will the transaction be broadcast to the network.
This dual-confirmation method ensures full security even if your computer is compromised.
12. Advanced Security Settings
Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore additional security features such as:
Passphrase protection
Adds an extra word or phrase to your recovery seed, creating an additional hidden wallet.
Shamir Backup
Allows you to split your recovery seed into multiple shares, improving resilience.
Labeling and account organization
Helps keep your portfolio neatly arranged for long-term management.
These advanced features are optional but extremely powerful for users handling significant amounts of cryptocurrency.
13. Common Mistakes to Avoid
New users often make simple errors that can have serious consequences. Avoid:
Entering your recovery seed anywhere online.
Installing unofficial software.
Using unverified browser extensions.
Storing your seed in cloud notes or password managers.
Ignoring firmware updates.
Skipping device-screen address verification.
Maintaining good habits ensures the long-term safety of your assets.
14. Final Thoughts: Begin Your Crypto Journey with Confidence
The setup process at Trézor.io/start provides everything you need to begin your self-custody journey safely and confidently. By generating your recovery seed offline, protecting your PIN, verifying all transactions through a physical device, and managing your assets through the official software, you create one of the most secure environments possible for your digital wealth.
Cryptocurrency offers financial freedom and self-sovereignty—but these come with responsibility. Following the correct setup procedures ensures that your assets remain in your control and protected from online threats. With your device properly configured, you are ready to explore a secure and user-friendly ecosystem for managing your digital portfolio.