Trezor.io/Start®

What Is Trezor.io/Start®?

Trezor.io/Start® is the official onboarding portal published by SatoshiLabs for guiding you through the setup of your Trezor hardware wallet. It ensures you access verified firmware, the proper Trezor Suite software, and secure device initialization workflows. This centralized route helps protect you against phishing, fake firmware, or man-in-the-middle attacks. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

By using Trezor.io/Start®, you benefit from the latest setup instructions tailored to your Trezor model, integrated checks for authenticity, and a reproducible, supportable setup path.

Before You Begin: What You’ll Need

• A genuine Trezor hardware wallet (Model One, Model T, or newer). Check for tamper-evident seals.
• A USB cable (or the one included in your package).
• A computer (Windows / macOS / Linux) with internet access (for downloads, not for private key operations).
• A pen and safe medium (paper, metal backup) to record the recovery seed.
• Patience and attention — work step by step without skipping verification.

Step 1: Visit Trezor.io/Start®

Open your browser and go to trezor.io/start. Use this official URL—do not click random links from emails or social media. The site should detect your Trezor model automatically and prompt you with tailored instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

If the browser asks for permission or displays a prompt like “Connect device,” allow it so that your Trezor can communicate securely with the setup interface.

Step 2: Download or Use Trezor Suite

You will be offered two routes:

• Desktop App: Download and install Trezor Suite for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Web Version: Continue in browser using the in-browser web client (with Trezor Bridge or WebUSB). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

The desktop version often provides the fuller feature set and smoother experience, while the web variant is lightweight and convenient.

Step 3: Connect Your Trezor Device

Plug your Trezor into a USB port. Your computer or browser should detect it. If it asks to install Trezor Bridge or drivers, follow those prompts—this software helps your system communicate securely with the hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Upon connection, your Trezor may display a screen prompting you to visit trezor.io/start — this is normal for first‑time or uninitialized devices. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Step 4: Install Firmware

Most new devices ship without firmware installed or require an update. The setup flow will prompt you to install or update firmware. Confirm the request directly on your Trezor device by pressing the physical buttons or tapping its display (Model T). This ensures authenticity and guards against fake firmware. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step 5: Verify Device Authenticity

Once firmware is installed, the interface may run a genuineness check or device attestation. You may see prompts to verify checksums or approve on the device screen. This step reduces the risk of using a cloned or tampered unit.

Step 6: Create or Recover a Wallet

You’ll now choose one of two flows:

• Create new wallet: Generates a new recovery seed (typically 12 or 24 words), to be recorded now offline.
• Recover existing wallet: Enter an existing seed you’ve backed up before to restore your account(s).

After the seed is generated or entered, you'll be prompted to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.

Step 7: Set a PIN

You will be asked to set up a PIN code on your Trezor device. The PIN provides a layer of security, preventing unauthorized access if someone physically gets your device. The entry of the PIN always happens **on the device itself**, not on your computer. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Step 8: Enable Optional Passphrase

Trezor supports adding a passphrase (a “25th word”) for enhanced security. This is optional, but it effectively creates a hidden wallet that can only be accessed with that passphrase. Use this only if you understand the trade‑offs. (If you forget the passphrase, those funds become inaccessible.)

Step 9: Choose & Activate Coins

Within Trezor Suite or the web interface, you’ll choose which cryptocurrencies (coins, tokens) you want to display in your dashboard. Once chosen, the interface will scan and load balances and transaction history for each activated asset. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Step 10: Your First Transaction: Receive & Send

After setup, you're ready to use your wallet.

Receive Crypto

1. Select a supported asset/account (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum).
2. Click “Receive.” The interface will show a receiving address.
3. Verify that the displayed address matches exactly on your Trezor device screen.
4. Share that address with the sender securely.

Send Crypto

1. Click “Send.” Enter recipient address and amount.
2. Choose transaction fee (low, medium, high) as appropriate.
3. Review details and confirm on the Trezor device physically.
4. Only after you approve on the device will the transaction be signed and broadcast.

Security Best Practices & Tips

• Always confirm that you're on https://trezor.io/start and that your SSL padlock is present and correct.
• Never share your recovery seed or passphrase. Trezor (or any support) will never ask for them. (Note: many users report scams and phishing attempts.) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Store your recovery seed offline in a physical location (paper, metal backup). Do not photograph or digitize it.
• Validate addresses on the device screen, not just within the app interface.
• Keep your firmware and Trezor Suite software up to date via official channels.
• If your device becomes unresponsive or shows “go to trezor.io/start,” it may need firmware reinstallation — this is not necessarily a compromise. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• If using passphrase feature, memorize or securely store the passphrase—losing it means losing access.
• Use only trusted USB cables and ports; faulty hardware connections are a common cause of detection issues. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port, ensure Trezor Bridge or drivers are installed, or restart your browser/app. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• Stuck on “go to trezor.io/start”: This often indicates missing firmware. Use Trezor Suite to reinstall it. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
• Firmware update failure / bootloader issues: Use recovery or manual flashing via Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Device display unresponsive: This may occur if damaged or if connected to a third-party wallet. Consider restoring or contacting support. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
• Forgot PIN: You’ll need to use the recovery seed (in “Recover wallet” flow) to reset and restore your wallet to a fresh device. ✳️ Funds remain secure as long as you have the seed.

Your Ongoing Experience

With your device set up, you can:

• Monitor balances and portfolio summaries in Trezor Suite
• Swap assets via integrated exchange services (within limitations)
• Connect to Web3 apps or dApps securely with on‑device confirmations
• Label accounts, export transaction histories, and manage multiple addresses

Every transaction that touches your private keys requires confirmation on the physical device, ensuring that malware or malicious software on your computer cannot silently steal your funds.

Why Trezor? The Philosophy of Security

Trezor hardware wallets are built with open-source firmware, transparent development, and strong community scrutiny. Because your private keys never leave the device, your crypto is protected even if your computer is compromised. The setup flow is designed to mitigate risk at each step—firmware verification, seed generation, manual confirmations—so that your digital assets remain secure from day one.