Official Setup Guide — Secure, Simple, Ready

This guide is tailored for anyone wanting to secure crypto with a hardware wallet. It assumes no prior setup experience, but it also contains tips useful for more advanced users. Read it once to understand the flow; when you are ready, follow along at trezor.io/start to complete the official setup in about 10–20 minutes.

Quick Steps — Get started in ~10–20 minutes

1. Open the official start page

Type https://trezor.io/start into your browser or use a trusted bookmark. Make sure the domain is correct and the connection is secure (look for the padlock). Avoid links from emails or random web pages — phishing pages exist that mimic official instructions.

2. Connect your device and confirm on hardware

Plug the device into your computer or mobile (use adapters if needed). The Trezor screen is the single source of truth — confirm every important action on the hardware itself to prevent remote tampering.

3. Install official firmware (when prompted)

Occasionally a firmware update is required. Only install firmware through the official interface. Firmware updates can contain critical security fixes — verify release notes on the official website before accepting.

4. Set a strong PIN

Create a PIN that you can remember but others won’t guess. The PIN protects your device if it is lost or stolen. Avoid simple patterns and do not store the PIN with your recovery seed.

5. Record your recovery seed carefully

Write down the 12–24 recovery words exactly as shown. Use the supplied card or a quality paper/metal backup. Keep copies in separate secure locations (e.g., home safe and safe deposit box). Never store seeds in photos, cloud notes, or text files.

6. Verify backup & finalize

Follow the device’s verification prompts to confirm the seed words. Optionally add a passphrase for an additional security layer (advanced). After completing setup, test sending a small amount to confirm everything works as expected.

Why secure setup matters

A hardware wallet protects your private keys by keeping them offline. That security only works if setup is handled correctly. Mistakes like storing seeds digitally, using unofficial downloads, or skipping on-device confirmations can expose your funds. The official start flow minimizes those risks by ensuring essential steps occur on the hardware and under your direct control.

Core benefits

🔐
True private-key ownership
Your keys never leave the device; you and only you have control of recovery words.
🛡️
Layered protection
PIN, optional passphrase, firmware checks, and explicit on-device confirmation for critical actions.
⚡
Simple, guided setup
The official flow is approachable for new users while providing advanced options for experienced holders.

Best practices — Quick checklist

  • Always use https://trezor.io/start for setup and firmware.
  • Keep multiple physical backups of your recovery seed in secure locations.
  • Consider a metal backup for long-term durability if storing significant value.
  • Test your recovery on a spare device if you can — it’s the best way to be sure your backup works.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Don’t take photos of your recovery seed or save it to any cloud or phone.
  • Don’t share your recovery seed or passphrase with anyone, including 'support' callers — official support will never ask for your seed.
  • Don’t buy used wallets without fully resetting and verifying them through official instructions.
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