Trezor Start — Official Quick Start Guide

What "Trezor Start" means

"Trezor Start" refers to the minimal, secure sequence of actions required to take a brand-new or factory-reset Trezor device from out-of-the-box to operational. This guide focuses on security, verified software, and reproducible steps so you can manage private keys offline and sign transactions with confidence.

Before you begin — Requirements for a smooth Trezor Start

• Official Trezor hardware (Model T or One) purchased from an authorized reseller.
• Modern desktop or laptop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or supported mobile device for Trezor Suite.
• USB cable supplied with the device (or USB-C if using Model T), and an up-to-date browser if using the web interface.
• Secure, private location to write down and store your recovery seed offline.

If any of the above are missing, acquire them first. A secure Trezor Start begins with verified hardware and a safe workspace.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect for tamper evidence

Inspect the packaging and device for visible signs of tampering. Authentic Trezor devices ship sealed; if shrinkwrap, stickers, or physical seals appear broken or altered, do not proceed—contact the vendor or Trezor support. Physical integrity is the first security check of a responsible Trezor Start.

Step 2 — Get official software: Trezor Suite

Always use official software. For the most secure Trezor Start, install Trezor Suite from the official Trezor website or the official GitHub releases page. Verify downloads and checksums when provided. Trezor Suite provides a verified path for firmware updates, device initialization, and transaction signing.

Step 3 — Connect device and verify firmware

Connect the Trezor to your computer using the provided USB cable. Trezor Suite will detect the device and display the current firmware status. If a firmware update is required, follow the Suite's verified update flow. Never install firmware from unverified sources; a verified firmware check is essential to a secure Trezor Start.

Step 4 — Initialize: create a new wallet or recover

During initialization the device will generate a new cryptographic keypair and a 12–24 word recovery seed. For a new wallet, choose "Create new wallet." For recovery, choose "Recover wallet" and follow the exact prompts. Write your recovery seed on a durable, offline medium—never store it digitally. This step is the heart of any Trezor Start.

Step 5 — Secure the recovery seed and enable optional protections

After writing the recovery seed, verify it using the device’s confirmation flow. Consider enabling a passphrase (as a hidden wallet) only if you understand its implications: it enhances security but adds responsibility—loss of the passphrase means permanent loss of funds. A strong device PIN is mandatory for everyday protection. These measures finalize a robust Trezor Start.

Using your Trezor after a Trezor Start

Use Trezor Suite to receive addresses, create transactions, and review transaction details on-device before confirming. Always verify address fingerprints and transaction amounts directly on the Trezor screen: the device display is the single source of truth. For Web3 interactions, use trusted integrations that explicitly support Trezor and display transaction details for manual confirmation.

Troubleshooting common issues after Trezor Start

If the device is not recognized, check cable and port, then try a different computer. If the firmware update fails, retry using Trezor Suite and follow on-screen instructions; do not use third-party update tools. If you suspect compromise, move funds to a new wallet initialized on a verified device and keep the original device offline for forensic evaluation.

Security reminders for a continuous secure workflow

Never disclose your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase to anyone. Beware phishing pages that mimic official sites—always verify the URL and certificate. Use a dedicated, updated computer when managing large balances. Regularly update Trezor Suite, firmware, and browser extensions used with your Trezor to keep your Trezor Start state secure over time.

Official resources and further reading

For step-by-step visuals and video walkthroughs, consult official Trezor documentation and support channels. When in doubt, contact official support rather than relying on community sources for critical recovery or firmware questions.