Trezor.io/start: A Practical Guide to Starting Your Device

Before Starting Your Device

Choose a quiet moment and a private place where you can read each prompt without rushing. Use a computer or mobile device you control, with its operating system and browser up to date. Avoid shared or public computers, unknown USB accessories, and links in unsolicited messages. If you bought a device, inspect its packaging and condition in line with the manufacturer’s current guidance; if anything looks altered or unfamiliar, pause and contact official support through a verified channel.

Have the wallet, its supplied cable or a compatible trusted connection, and the backup materials you plan to use ready. Keep the recovery backup out of camera view and away from cloud-connected notes. You do not need to reveal a PIN or recovery phrase to another person to complete setup.

Preparing for Setup

Start by navigating directly to the official address rather than trusting a search advertisement or a message link. Check the spelling of the domain and the browser address bar. Follow the manufacturer’s own instructions for selecting or installing its wallet application, and be cautious of look-alike apps. This guide does not distribute downloads; use the current resources linked from the verified official site.

Read prompts on both your computer and the hardware device. Keep the device in your possession throughout setup. If you are asked to approve an action, take a moment to understand what is being approved. Never share your screen while recovery words, PIN entry, account details, or transaction information are visible.

Connecting and Verifying

Connect the device using a trusted cable or connection method and wait for the official software to recognize it. Let the device display guide you; compare any requested confirmation on the wallet itself before approving it on another screen. Install firmware only when directed by the manufacturer’s verified setup flow, and read its displayed instructions carefully. Do not disconnect during an update unless official instructions tell you to do so.

When asked to initialize or create a wallet, verify that the action and the device prompts match the explanation you expect. Establish a PIN directly on the hardware wallet if prompted. A PIN protects access to the device, while recovery information can restore access if the device is lost or damaged; these are different safeguards and should both be treated carefully.

Protecting Recovery Information

During wallet creation, a device may show recovery words or another backup format. This information can provide control over the wallet, so anyone who obtains it may be able to access associated assets. Record it exactly as instructed by the device, in the correct order, using a durable method recommended by the manufacturer. Keep it private, offline, and in a secure place that you can access if needed.

Never photograph or screenshot recovery information. Do not paste it into a notes app, password manager, email, browser window, or cloud document unless the manufacturer explicitly describes a supported secure process—and do not assume an online request is legitimate. No support agent needs your words. Be wary of anyone asking you to “validate,” “sync,” or “unlock” a wallet by entering the backup on a webpage. If the words have been exposed, seek verified official guidance promptly and consider the backup compromised.

Safe Security Practices

Make a habit of checking transaction details on the device display, especially destination addresses and amounts. A computer can show misleading information if it is compromised; the hardware screen is an independent confirmation surface. Send a small test transaction first when appropriate, after understanding any network fees and risks. Confirm the selected asset and network before every transfer, because transactions may be irreversible and similar asset names can appear across different networks.

Keep software and firmware current through verified channels, but do not act on urgency or unsolicited “security alerts.” Bookmark the legitimate website after independently confirming its address. Protect the PIN, secure the physical device, and revisit the manufacturer’s help resources when supported features or instructions change. No single device removes the risks of phishing, scams, market volatility, or mistakes.

Common Beginner Mistakes

• 01

  Following the first search result. Ads and look-alike pages can imitate real services. Type the official address yourself and inspect the domain.

• 02

  Typing recovery words into a computer. Keep recovery information offline; legitimate support should not request it.

• 03

  Approving without reading. Compare addresses, amounts, asset, and network on the device before confirming.

• 04

  Mixing up PIN and backup. They have different purposes. Understand how each works before storing or using either.

• 05

  Rushing a transfer. Verify the receiving address and network independently. Blockchain transfers may not be reversible.