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

What This Presentation Covers

This concise, presentation-style guide walks you through the secure, repeatable flow for getting a new Trezor hardware wallet ready. You will unbox, verify integrity, install official software, generate and protect your recovery seed, add a PIN and (optionally) a passphrase, and learn safe daily habits. The goal is confidence: a clear set of steps you can rehearse and share with teammates or family who may need access in an emergency.

Before You Begin (Hygiene & Verification)

Check the box and device

Inspect packaging and seals for signs of tampering. Your hardware wallet should arrive clean, with no pre-printed seed words, stickers over ports, or “already initialized” messages. If anything looks off, stop and contact support.

Use a trusted computer and network

Perform the first setup on a computer you control, fully updated, with reputable antivirus, and on a private network. Avoid public Wi-Fi. This reduces exposure to malware and man-in-the-middle attempts during downloads or firmware updates.

Core Setup Flow

1. Navigate to the Official Start Page

   Open your browser and manually enter the official onboarding address. From there you can download the desktop suite, confirm device model compatibility, and follow model-specific prompts.

2. Install the Official Desktop Suite

   Download the application recommended on the start page for your operating system. Verify the download’s origin and run the installer. The suite streamlines firmware, wallet creation, and coin account setup.

3. Connect and Update Firmware

   Plug in the device with the supplied cable. If prompted, update firmware from within the suite. Firmware updates patch bugs and add features. Never accept update prompts from random pop-ups or third-party sites.

4. Initialize & Create a New Wallet

   Choose “Create new wallet.” The device will generate a recovery seed (typically 12, 18, or 24 words). Write each word by hand onto paper or a metal backup—never into a phone, cloud note, or screenshot. Double-check spelling.

5. Set a Strong PIN

   Configure a multi-digit PIN directly on the device. This protects against casual access. Memorize it or store it in a separate, secure place. Do not keep your PIN in the same location as the recovery seed.

6. (Optional) Add a Passphrase

   A passphrase acts like a 25th word that creates a hidden wallet. It significantly boosts security if used well, but losing it means losing access. Use only if you can manage the extra responsibility.

7. Receive a Small Test Transaction

   Create your first account in the suite, copy a receive address, and send a tiny amount to verify everything works. Confirm the address on the device screen before sending—the device display is the source of truth.

Operational Safety

Recovery-Seed Handling

Paper vs. metal backups

Paper is quick but vulnerable to fire and water. Consider a corrosion-resistant metal backup for long-term durability. Do not split words across multiple locations without a plan; complexity can create new failure modes.

Storage and access policy

Treat the seed as crown-jewel data. Store it offline, out of sight, and tell only the people who truly need to know. For estates, use sealed envelopes, a lawyer’s vault, or a bank safe deposit box. Document your process clearly.

Daily Use

When sending funds, verify the address on the device screen, not just the computer. Keep your desktop suite updated, use unique, long passwords for your computer accounts, and enable full-disk encryption where possible.

Phishing Red Flags

• Anyone asking for your seed words or passphrase “to verify your wallet.”
• Unsolicited DMs or pop-ups urging urgent firmware updates.
• Look-alike domains with swapped letters. Always type the address yourself.

Testing Your Backup (Table-Top Drill)

A brief rehearsal pays dividends. On a separate, spare device (or after wiping), attempt a recovery using only your written seed and passphrase (if used). Confirm that the restored wallet shows your expected accounts (balances may require rescan). This exercise validates legibility, ordering, and completeness of your backup—before a real crisis.

Official Link (x10)

Bookmark the official start page the first time you visit it. Below are ten identical links for your checklist or slides:

Wrap-Up

Setting up a hardware wallet is about repeatable discipline. Start from the authentic site, keep firmware current, write down the seed offline, add a strong PIN (and passphrase if you can manage it), then practice a recovery drill. With these habits, you transform a delicate one-time setup into a durable routine you can trust for years.

If you ever feel pressured, confused, or rushed by a website or person, pause and re-confirm the address you’re using, reread this guide, and proceed only when you are certain you’re on the authentic path.