Why this guide — and why the first setup matters
This unofficial community guide walks you through the recommended, security-focused steps to get started with trezor.io/start and set up a hardware wallet safely. A correct first-time setup—choosing a strong PIN, generating and securing your recovery seed, and installing trusted software—reduces almost all common risks. This guide is written for people who want practical, easily followed directions and security best practices.
Before you begin — quick checklist
- Use a trusted computer (your own, not public).
- Have pen and dedicated backup media ready (paper and/or metal plate).
- Download software only from official vendor pages and verify checksums if available.
- Set aside uninterrupted time — do not multitask during seed creation.
Step-by-step: get started with trezor.io/start
1. Download the Suite or guided start tool
Visit the vendor's start page (bookmarked by you) and download the recommended desktop or web-based Suite. Avoid third-party links and confirm you’re on the correct domain before running installers.
2. Install and run the Suite
Run the downloaded installer and open the Suite. Many vendors provide a local connector (Bridge) to enable secure USB or WebUSB communication—allow it only if prompted by the trusted installer.
3. Connect your hardware wallet and initialize
Connect the hardware device with a data-capable cable. When prompted, choose to create a new wallet unless you are restoring a known, trusted seed. Follow prompts on both your computer and the device. The device screen is the only trusted UI for final confirmation of generated words and transactions.
4. Set a strong PIN and optional passphrase
Choose a PIN longer than 4 digits if the device supports it; avoid simple sequences such as 1234 or repeated digits. Some devices offer a passphrase (a “25th word”) — this adds strong protection but also increases recovery complexity. If you use a passphrase, document and store it securely (never online).
5. Write down and secure your recovery seed
The device will show a 12 or 24-word recovery seed—write the words down in order on paper or a metal backup designed for seeds. Create multiple, physically separated copies (e.g., home safe + bank deposit box). Never photograph the seed or store it in cloud storage. The seed is the ultimate key to your funds.
Firmware, updates, and Trezor Bridge (local connector)
Keep the device firmware and Suite up to date. Firmware updates often contain important security patches. Use the Suite's update flow and always confirm the update details on the device screen. If your setup requires a local connector (often called Bridge), install it from the Suite or vendor guidance and grant permissions only when necessary.
Day-to-day safety: transactions and verification
When sending funds, always verify the destination address and amount on the device screen. The device display is the highest-trust output; malicious web pages cannot change what the device shows. For new addresses, send a small test transaction first. For frequent use, consider using dedicated accounts for spending and separate cold storage for long-term holdings.
Troubleshooting — common issues and fixes
- Device not recognized: try another USB cable/port and confirm the connector (Bridge) is running.
- Suite shows errors: restart the app, reboot the computer, reinstall the connector if needed.
- Firmware update failed: consult official recovery steps—do not use unverified recovery tools.
Privacy, backups, and advanced protection
Use privacy-conscious practices if needed: avoid address reuse, separate wallets for different purposes, and consider multisig setups for very large holdings. For backups, metal plates give long-term durability. If you adopt a passphrase or hidden wallets, ensure robust documentation and emergency access planning—lost passphrases are permanent.
Helping this page index quickly on Bing
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Final checklist
- Downloaded Suite from vendor’s official start page and verified it.
- Initialized device, set a strong PIN, and noted recovery seed offline.
- Installed any local connector (Bridge) only from official sources.
- Updated firmware and verified transactions on-device.
- Stored backups in at least two secure, separate locations.
Important: This is an unofficial community guide intended to help users follow secure practices. For official downloads, firmware advisories, and device-specific recovery or warranty support consult the vendor’s official documentation and support channels.