How to set up your Trezor (Trezor.io/Start)

This friendly, practical walkthrough will take you from unboxing to a secure, working hardware wallet using Trezor Suite (the official app). Expect to spend ~10–20 minutes. If anything looks tampered with, stop — safety first.

Quick facts:

Before you begin — what to have ready

If anything in the package looks damaged or tampered with — do not use the device. Contact Trezor support. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Step 1 — Visit trezor.io/start and choose your device

Open a browser and go to trezor.io/start. The official start page will automatically guide you to download Trezor Suite (recommended) or, for some older workflows, Trezor Bridge. Choose the option that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and your Trezor model. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Always confirm you’re on the real site (look for the trezor.io domain) before downloading or connecting your device.

Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite (or use the web version)

Download and install the Trezor Suite desktop app (or choose the web app if preferred). The desktop app provides a consistent, secure experience and supports firmware installation, wallet creation, coin management, and device settings. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Minimum system notes: recent Windows/macOS/Linux is supported — follow the Installer prompts. If the Suite asks to install drivers/plugins (or to grant permissions), permit it for the installation to complete.

Step 3 — Connect your Trezor and install firmware

  1. Plug the Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable.
  2. Trezor Suite will detect a new device and run a basic authenticity/security check.
  3. Because Trezors ship without firmware, the first action is to Install firmware. Click the button in Suite and follow on-screen directions; confirm any prompts on the Trezor device itself.

Firmware installation is a one-time process that ensures your device runs the latest, signed firmware from Trezor. Do not interrupt the process. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Step 4 — Create a new wallet and set a PIN

Once firmware is installed, Trezor Suite will present the option to Create a new wallet. Follow these steps:

The recovery phrase is the ultimate master key to your funds. If you lose it, you risk permanent loss. If anyone else obtains it, they can take your funds. Treat it like cash. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 5 — Add coins, accounts and manage assets

In Trezor Suite you can:

Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device display (not only in the app). This prevents malware from altering addresses on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Optional: Advanced settings and device personalization

Trezor Suite allows a number of optional actions:

A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) is a powerful optional layer of security: it creates a separate hidden wallet. Use it only if you understand the operational risk — losing the passphrase means losing access to the hidden wallet. Keep passphrases offline and secret.

Safe models (Safe 3 / Safe 5) have device-specific customization and require following the device guide in Suite for wallpaper and naming. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Troubleshooting & safety tips

Final checklist before you finish

  1. Have you installed firmware via Trezor Suite? ✔
  2. Have you set and memorized (or safely stored) your PIN? ✔
  3. Have you written down and verified your recovery phrase in order, on physical media? ✔
  4. Did you verify addresses and confirmations on the device display before sending or receiving? ✔

If you answered “no” to any item above, stop and complete that step before moving large amounts of crypto to the device.

That’s it — your Trezor is set up and ready to protect your crypto. If you want guided, one-to-one help, Trezor also offers expert onboarding sessions for a fee.

Open trezor.io/start