Your Official Guide to Trezor.io/Start

Secure your digital assets with confidence. This expert, step-by-step walkthrough covers the essential process of activating and securing your new Trezor hardware wallet.

Start by Downloading Trezor Suite

The 5 Critical Steps to Self-Custody

Setting up your Trezor device is the most important journey you will take in cryptocurrency. Unlike exchange accounts, self-custody puts you in complete control. The process is designed for maximum security, relying on the official Trezor Suite application downloaded from Trezor.io/Start. Follow these verified steps to activate your wallet and generate your first private keys offline.

Step 1

Download & Verify Trezor Suite

Navigate directly to the official Trezor website or use the Trezor.io/Start link. Download the latest version of the Trezor Suite desktop application. This application is the gateway to your wallet and facilitates secure communication with your hardware device. **Crucially, never download this software from third-party app stores or unverified sources.** Always cross-check the official URL in your browser bar.

Step 2

Firmware Installation & Authenticity Check

Connect your Trezor device using the provided USB cable. Your device is shipped without firmware pre-installed for security. Trezor Suite will prompt you to install the latest, officially signed firmware. After installation, the Suite performs a cryptographic authenticity check to ensure your device is a genuine Trezor product and has not been tampered with. Do not proceed if the check fails.

Step 3

Generate & Back Up Your Recovery Seed (The Master Key)

This is the definitive step for creating your wallet. Your Trezor will generate a 12, 18, or 24-word 'Recovery Seed' (also called a 'Wallet Backup'). **Write these words down, in order, on the provided card.** This seed is the ultimate key to your crypto; it must be stored physically and offline—a fireproof safe or secure location is recommended. **NEVER digitize it, photograph it, or enter it into any computer or phone.** The Trezor screen is the only place these words should ever be displayed.

Step 4

Set Your Device PIN

Once the Recovery Seed is secured, Trezor Suite will guide you to set a PIN. The PIN provides immediate security for your physical device, preventing unauthorized access if the device is lost or stolen. You will enter this PIN directly on the Trezor's screen (or by mapping dots on the computer screen for Model One). Use a strong, unique PIN that is easy for you to remember but hard for others to guess.

Step 5

Activate Accounts & Transfer Funds

With your PIN set, your Trezor is ready. You can now name your device and select which cryptocurrency accounts you wish to activate (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). To transfer funds from an exchange, go to the 'Receive' tab in Trezor Suite, generate an address, and **VERIFY that address on your Trezor's trusted display** before transferring a small test amount first. Congratulations—you are now in full self-custody.

**Trustworthiness & EEAT Note:** All steps require strict adherence to the instructions displayed exclusively on your physical Trezor device screen. The device's screen is the 'Trusted Display'—it cannot be compromised by the connected computer. **Your private keys remain offline and secure throughout the entire process.** Always rely on the official Trezor documentation for advanced features like Passphrase (Hidden Wallet) or Shamir Backup.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Trezor.io/Start is the official, trusted entry point. It directs you to download the genuine Trezor Suite desktop application, which is mandatory for initial setup, firmware installation, and wallet creation. Using this official URL ensures you avoid phishing or malicious third-party software.

Creating and securely writing down your Recovery Seed (Backup) is the single most important step. This is the master key to your funds. It must be written down, kept offline, and never photographed or digitized. If your device is lost or damaged, the Seed is the only way to restore your wallet.

Yes. Trezor Suite is the official, open-source interface for managing your wallet. It facilitates secure interaction, but your private keys never leave the hardware wallet itself. Transactions are signed offline by your Trezor device.

First, ensure you are using the original USB cable and the latest version of Trezor Suite (downloaded via Trezor.io/Start). If issues persist, try a different USB port or a different computer. Connectivity issues can often be resolved by restarting the Suite application.

A Passphrase (or 'Hidden Wallet') is an optional, advanced security feature—an extra layer of protection added to your Recovery Seed. It creates an entirely separate, unique wallet. It offers superb security but requires absolute, separate memorization or physical storage, as it is *not* part of the written Recovery Seed backup.

In Trezor Suite, select the account and click 'Receive' to generate a receiving address. **Crucially, verify this address directly on your physical Trezor device screen.** Copy the verified address, paste it into your exchange's withdrawal field, and confirm the transfer. Always send a small test amount first.