Trezor.io/Start | Official Start Page — Initialize Your Device™

H2 — Why choose Trezor to secure your crypto?

Trezor is one of the most widely trusted hardware wallets in the crypto community. As a cold-storage solution, it keeps your private keys offline in a tamper-resistant device so transactions must be approved on the physical device, protecting your funds from remote attacks. This guide covers the official initialization flow, best practices for backup, and advice to keep your assets safe for years to come.

H3 — What makes hardware wallets different?

Unlike software wallets that store keys on computers or phones (which can be compromised), hardware wallets isolate your keys inside secure hardware. Trezor allows you to verify transaction details on the device's screen and confirm with a physical button press, ensuring the transaction you see is the transaction you sign.

H4 — Quick benefits at a glance

• Private keys never leave your device.
• Open-source firmware and software for transparency.
• Strong community and support resources.
• Recovery seed backup for disaster recovery.

H5 — Who this page is for

If you're new to hardware wallets, this page will walk you through initializing your Trezor. If you're experienced, skim the security tips and the advanced recovery options for reminders and best practices.

H2 — Before you begin: What to prepare

Preparation is key. Follow these steps to make your setup smooth and secure:

1. Find a quiet, private space with no prying eyes or cameras.
2. Have a pen and recovery card ready (or a secure, offline method for storing your seed).
3. Ensure your computer is updated and free of suspicious software.
4. Only use official Trezor software and firmware updates.

H3 — Items to avoid

Do not initialize your device in a public Wi‑Fi hotspot or on a borrowed computer you don’t control. Avoid taking photos of your recovery seed and never enter it into a website or cloud service.

H2 — Step-by-step: Initialize your Trezor

This official flow mirrors the recommended steps on the start page. We break each action down so you can follow confidently.

Step 1 — Unbox and inspect

Open the box and verify the integrity of the tamper-evident seal. The device should look pristine; if anything seems tampered with, contact support immediately.

Step 2 — Connect to the Trezor web app

Visit the official start page via the address bar and confirm the domain reads trezor.io/start. Use only the official link provided in the box or typed by you directly to avoid phishing attacks.

Step 3 — Install official software

Follow prompts to install the official Trezor Suite or use the web-based setup depending on the device model. The software will guide you through the initialization and firmware installation if needed.

Step 4 — Initialize on device

Choose Create a new wallet if this is your first device. The device will generate a recovery seed — a series of words — that you must write down in the exact order. This seed is the single most important backup of your funds.

// Example: Initialize flow (simplified)
1. Connect device
2. Confirm firmware authenticity
3. Choose "Create new wallet"
4. Write down recovery seed
5. Confirm seed on device
6. Set optional PIN
7. Finish and verify balance in wallet

H4 — PIN and passphrase

Set a PIN on the device to protect against physical theft. Optionally, use a passphrase for an extra layer of security — this creates a hidden wallet that requires the passphrase plus the seed to access.

H4 — Confirming your recovery seed

The device will ask you to confirm random words from your recovery seed. Only confirm after you’ve written everything down and verified the words’ order. Never store your full seed on a connected device, photo, or cloud storage.

H2 — Security tips and long-term care

Store your seed securely

Write your seed on the supplied recovery card or an indestructible metal plate for fire and water resistance. Keep your backup in a safe place — preferably in a bank safe deposit box or a very secure home safe.

Avoid common mistakes

• Don’t share your seed with anyone, ever.
• Don’t enter your seed into apps or websites.
• Don’t accept unsolicited help from strangers asking for access to your seed.

Firmware and software updates

Regularly check for firmware updates from the official Trezor site. Updates often include security improvements. Only update when using a trusted computer and the official firmware package.

H4 — Advanced: Passphrase strategy

Passphrases can provide a powerful extra defense but come with risk: if you forget the passphrase, you permanently lose access to the wallet associated with it. Consider storing a hint or splitting knowledge across trusted parties using Shamir’s Secret Sharing if you need multi-person recovery.

H2 — Frequently asked questions

Can someone steal my coins if they have my device?

If your device is protected with a strong PIN and you haven’t disclosed your recovery seed, the coins remain safe. A passphrase adds an additional safety net that creates hidden accounts.

What if I lose my seed?

If you lose the seed and the device fails, recovery is impossible. The seed is the only backup. That’s why multiple, redundant, secure backups are recommended.

Is Trezor open-source?

Yes — Trezor’s firmware and many related tools are open-source, allowing community inspection and transparency.

H2 — Helpful resources & official links

Below are ten official and highly useful links to bookmark while setting up your device. These links are suggested as starting points for setup, guidance, and support.

H3 — Quick checklist

1. Confirm tamper seal
2. Use official start page
3. Write your recovery seed, twice, and store copies safely
4. Set a PIN and consider a passphrase
5. Keep firmware & software updated