OpenAI trezor.io/start — Unofficial 1000-Word Setup Guide
Model One • Model T • Trezor Suite • Secure Onboarding

Start your Trezor the right way

This page mirrors the safe flow you’ll see at trezor.io/start: verifying your device, installing Trezor Suite, loading official firmware, creating your wallet, backing up the recovery seed, and enabling protections like PIN and (optional) passphrase. It’s educational—not an official page—so always follow instructions shown in Trezor Suite and on your device screen.

Step-by-step onboarding (what trezor.io/start guides you through)

Inspect the box & device

Check seals/holograms and packaging integrity. If anything looks tampered with, stop and contact official support. Buy only from trusted sources; avoid second-hand devices for primary funds.

Download Trezor Suite

Go to trezor.io/start and download Suite for Windows, macOS, or Linux. Verify you’re on the real site (not an ad). Install and launch Suite from your Applications folder.

  • On first run, Suite may suggest installing Trezor Bridge (USB communication helper).
  • Avoid running multiple wallet apps simultaneously.

Connect your Trezor via USB

Use the original or a quality data-capable cable. When prompted, allow the OS to trust the device. Suite will perform a genuine check to verify authenticity.

Install official firmware

New devices ship without firmware for safety. Suite fetches the latest verified firmware and loads it onto your device. Keep it plugged in; do not unplug mid-update.

Create a new wallet & back up the recovery seed

The device generates a 12/18/24-word seed and shows it on its screen. Write it down offline and confirm on the device. Never photograph or type the seed on a computer, never share it with anyone—support will never ask.

Set a strong PIN (and optional passphrase)

Define a PIN to unlock the device. Power users may enable a passphrase to create a hidden wallet—only if you fully understand backup implications. Losing a passphrase makes that hidden wallet unrecoverable.

Add accounts in Suite

Click Add account, select an asset (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), and open the corresponding app on the device when asked. Suite derives public keys to list balances and history—private keys never leave the device.

Receive your first test transaction

Generate a receive address in Suite and verify it on the device screen. Send a small test amount first; after confirmation, proceed with larger transfers.

Send securely

When sending, review the address, amount, and network fees on Suite and on the device display. Approve only if everything matches your intent.

Safety checklist (read before moving large funds)

Daily use tips

  • Address verification: Always compare the receive address on Suite to the one shown on the device screen.
  • Small first sends: Test new addresses with a minimal amount before moving larger sums.
  • Labels & notes: Use Suite’s labeling to avoid confusion between savings and spending accounts.
  • Privacy: Rotate addresses; consider Tor or your own node if you need stronger privacy.
  • Maintenance: Update firmware when prompted; read release notes so you know what’s changing.

Advanced options (optional)

  • Passphrase wallet: Creates an additional wallet derived from your seed + passphrase. Back up the passphrase like your seed.
  • Coin control (BTC): Choose which UTXOs to spend for privacy/fee optimization.
  • Third-party wallets: Connect your Trezor to supported apps; approve permissions and addresses on-device.
  • Watch-only mode: Monitor balances on a separate, less-trusted computer without the device attached.

Troubleshooting common setup issues

Device not recognized

Use a different cable/USB port, avoid hubs, and close other wallet apps. Reinstall Trezor Bridge if prompted. On macOS, allow USB accessories; on Windows, ensure drivers are present.

Firmware update fails

Keep the device plugged in and retry through Suite. Ensure the computer doesn’t sleep. If interrupted, follow Suite’s recovery prompts. Your funds are safe as long as the seed is secure.

Forgot PIN

After several incorrect attempts, the device wipes itself by design. Restore your wallet on the device using your recovery seed, then reconnect to Suite and re-add accounts.

Missing accounts after reinstall

Reconnect the device and use Add account for each asset. Suite re-indexes from your public keys; private keys never leave the device.

Suspect malware? Stop transacting, move funds via a clean machine and your device, and consider a full OS reinstall. Never disclose your seed during cleanup.

FAQ

Is trezor.io/start a login page?

No—there’s no web login. It’s an onboarding page that links to the official Suite download and instructions.

Do I need my seed for daily use?

No. Day-to-day you connect the device and use your PIN. The seed is only for recovery on the device itself.

Can I set up on multiple computers?

Yes. Install Suite on any trusted computer. When you connect your device, Suite reads public keys to display accounts.

What if I lose the device?

Restore your wallet on a new Trezor (or compatible wallet) using your recovery seed, then reconnect to Suite.

Ready to begin?

Head to the official trezor.io/start, download Suite, connect your device, install firmware, back up the seed offline, and verify every address on the device screen.

Start the checklist