Trezor.io/Start — Starting® Up® Your® Device®

Official onboarding — link-free printable guide

This page contains a complete, link-free, printable guide to starting your Trezor hardware wallet safely. It covers inspection, initial connection, software setup, recovery seed handling, firmware verification, optional passphrase and PIN strategies, daily usage guidance, troubleshooting, enterprise considerations, and a final checklist. All interactive links have been removed; where an official link would normally appear, you will find a clearly labeled disabled badge so you can proceed with the official portal or local instructions you already trust.

Overview — why using the official onboarding matters

The onboarding flow and the official startup instructions are designed to minimize mistakes and to maximize security. The official flow points you to verified installers, provides firmware signature checks, and walks you through the recovery process with clear prompts. Following a trusted, link-free, printed copy of these steps helps avoid phishing and counterfeit software. Keep this document handy during the setup process.

Important: If anything about the packaging or device looks suspicious, pause. Do not connect it until you have confirmed the device was sourced from an authorized vendor.

Prerequisites — what to prepare before you start

Physical items

  • A new or factory-reset Trezor device (Model T or Model One).
  • Original USB cable from the box. Avoid unknown adapters or hubs.
  • Pen and the recovery card that came in the box, or a metal seed backup plate.
  • A secure, private space where you will not be observed or recorded.

Software & environment

  • A computer you control with an up-to-date operating system.
  • A fresh browser profile for setup (avoid shared profiles that have many extensions).
  • Official companion app if you plan to use the desktop experience; otherwise follow the official web instructions from your printed guidance.

Safety reminders

Do not photograph your seed or store it on cloud services or phones. Images and notes are commonly backed up automatically.
Never type or paste your recovery seed into a website, email, or chat. If prompted, treat it as a phishing attack and disconnect immediately.

Step-by-step startup

1 — Inspect box and device

Carefully examine the packaging and tamper seals. The box should show no signs of reseal or modification. If the seal appears altered, contact the seller or the vendor support channels you used to purchase the device before powering it on.

2 — Connect device and open companion app or follow printed flow

Use the supplied cable and connect the device to your computer. If you are using a desktop Suite app, launch the app you installed from a verified source prior to connecting the device. If you are following an official web flow from an offline printed copy, ensure you typed the portal address yourself earlier and verified it from a trusted source.

3 — Initialize as new device

When prompted choose Create New Wallet. The device will show instructions and generate a recovery seed. The seed is presented word by word on the device screen. Carefully write each word in order, with clear spacing and legible handwriting.

4 — Choose a PIN

Set a PIN to protect local access to the device. Choose a PIN you can remember but that resists casual guessing. Do not record the PIN on the same paper as your recovery seed.

5 — Backup your recovery seed securely

The recovery seed is the master backup for all keys derived by your device. Store at least two physical copies in separate secure locations (safe, safe deposit box, or encrypted physical storage). Consider a metal backup plate for durability and longevity.

6 — Verify firmware and authenticity

Before using the device to sign transactions, verify that firmware status is trusted and that any suggested updates are applied via the official companion app. The device will verify signatures and show prompts you must confirm on-device.

7 — Optional: enable passphrase

An optional passphrase augments the recovery seed and creates a hidden wallet. Use this only if you are comfortable managing the extra secret; if lost, passphrase-protected funds can become permanently inaccessible.

8 — Test: receive and send a small amount

Generate a receive address and always verify it on the device screen before sharing. Send a small test amount from another wallet or exchange to confirm your addresses and workflow operate as expected. After successful confirmation, you may proceed with larger transfers.

Do’s & Don’ts

Do

  • Buy devices only from authorized sources and keep receipts.
  • Practice with small sums before moving large holdings.
  • Verify everything on the device screen, not only on the host computer.
  • Keep firmware and companion software up to date from official releases.

Don’t

  • Share your seed words with anyone—official support will never ask for them.
  • Store seed words in photos, email, cloud drives, or personal notes apps.
  • Use the device on publicly shared or compromised computers for large transfers.

Common pitfalls & answers

“My device is lost”

Obtain a replacement device and restore from your recovery seed following the official restore process. Without the seed there is no recovery.

“Address mismatch”

Always trust the address displayed on the device. If the address displayed by your host software does not match the device, cancel and investigate the host environment.

“A website asked for my seed”

This is a phishing attempt. Never enter your seed into a website. Disconnect, verify software integrity, and consider moving funds if you suspect exposure.

Frequently asked questions

Is the passphrase required?

No. A passphrase is optional. It provides an extra layer of protection but increases complexity and recovery responsibility. Use it only if you understand the implications and can store it separately and securely.

What if the companion app doesn't detect the device?

Try a different USB port and cable, ensure the device is awake and unlocked, and verify the companion software is up to date. If the problem persists, reboot the computer and retry. Avoid using untrusted USB hubs or adapters.

How should I plan for estate or emergency access?

Document clear procedures for trusted parties without sharing seeds directly when possible. Legal and technical approaches such as multi-signature setups or escrow arrangements provide safer options than handing over seeds.

Quick reference

Core concepts
  • Recovery seed: the only reliable backup.
  • PIN: local protection to prevent casual access.
  • Passphrase: optional secret creating hidden wallets.

Shortcuts

Verify on device every time you sign.

Test with small amounts before large transfers.

Store seed offline on durable media.

Print & store

This document is print-friendly. Keep a printed copy with your device documentation but not next to the seed itself. Store the printed copy in a secure place for reference only.

Final checklist before moving larger funds

  1. Seed written legibly, stored in at least two secure, separate physical locations.
  2. Device PIN set and tested; you have practiced unlocking the device.
  3. Device firmware verified and updated via official companion software.
  4. Addresses verified on-device before you send or receive funds.
  5. Sent and confirmed a small test transaction successfully.
  6. Considered passphrase usage and understand recovery implications.
  7. Understood that support will never ask for your seed or full passphrase.
You are ready to use your device confidently. Maintain good habits: verify, backup, and keep software current. Security is a practice, not a single action.

Closing notes & contact

This guide intentionally contains no external links. When you are ready to consult the official portal, type the official address directly into your browser or use a trusted bookmark you created earlier. Keep all onboarding materials private and resist sharing recovery information. If you need vendor or purchase support, use the purchase channel you used at the time of sale to locate official assistance.

© 2025 This document is a printable, educational guide created to accompany the official onboarding process. It is not a substitute for official device documentation and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always follow official manufacturer guidance when performing device setup and recovery.