Trezor.io/start®™ — Official Crypto Wallet Installation Guide

Step-by-step instructions to get your Trezor hardware wallet up and running safely, plus security tips and troubleshooting for a smooth first use.

Overview

Trezor hardware wallets provide secure, offline storage for your cryptocurrency private keys. The official start page, trezor.io/start, directs you to download the Trezor Suite and Bridge (if required), guides you through initial setup, and helps you safely manage accounts and transactions. This guide gives a practical, walk-through approach that mirrors the official recommendations while focusing on safety and usability.

What you’ll need

A new Trezor device (Model One or Model T) purchased from the official store or an authorized reseller.
A computer or mobile device with internet access to reach trezor.io/start and download Trezor Suite.
A USB cable (or USB-C depending on your model) and an available port — avoid untrusted hubs when possible.
Pen and the included recovery card (or dedicated metal backup) to record your recovery seed offline.

Safety first: Never buy a hardware wallet from a marketplace listing for a used device. If you receive a second-hand unit, perform a factory reset and generate a new seed before use.

Step 1 — Visit trezor.io/start and download Trezor Suite

Open a browser and go to trezor.io/start. This page auto-detects your device and recommends the correct software.
Download Trezor Suite for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux), or install the mobile app from your device's official app store.
If prompted to install Trezor Bridge (or a driver), download the version recommended for your platform and follow on-screen installation steps.
Verify file integrity when provided: advanced users should check signatures or checksums to ensure authenticity.

Step 2 — Unbox, inspect and connect

Inspect packaging for tamper-evidence; genuine Trezor devices come sealed. Note: packaging can vary by region and model.
Connect your Trezor to the computer using a reliable cable. For Model T with touchscreen, power-on will display a welcome message.
Open Trezor Suite and follow prompts to create a new device or restore an existing one.

Step 3 — Initialize your device

Choose Create new to generate a fresh seed. The device will display your recovery words on its screen; write them down in order and never store them digitally.
Confirm the recovery words when prompted to ensure they were recorded correctly.
Choose a PIN code on the device to protect access. Do not use easily guessable numbers.
Complete any recommended firmware updates through Trezor Suite — firmware ensures device integrity and may include important security patches.

Important: The recovery seed is the ultimate backup. If your device is lost or damaged, the seed is the only way to recover funds. Keep it offline and consider a metal backup for long-term protection.

Step 4 — Add accounts and manage assets

Within Trezor Suite, add cryptocurrency accounts by selecting the blockchains you wish to use. Trezor supports a wide range of coins and tokens; for unsupported or more advanced interactions, Pair Trezor with compatible third-party wallets as needed.

Install relevant coin apps inside Trezor Suite if the model requires it.
Label accounts in the Suite to help avoid sending funds to the wrong address.
Use the Receive button to generate addresses — always verify the address on your Trezor’s screen matches what the app shows.

Security best practices

Only enter your recovery seed onto the device itself during initialization — never type it into a computer or phone.
Never share your seed. Trezor support will never ask for it.
Consider adding a passphrase for a hidden wallet — only use this if you understand the recovery implications.
Keep firmware and Trezor Suite updated; only download from official sources.
For high-value holdings, consider multisig and air-gapped signing methods.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Problem	Fix
Device not recognized	Try another USB cable/port, make sure Bridge is installed, restart Trezor Suite, and check OS permissions/drivers.
Forgot PIN	Reset device to factory settings and restore from recovery seed; ensure seed is available before resetting.
Missing funds after restore	Ensure you used the correct seed and passphrase; rescan or re-add accounts in Suite and check derivation path settings if using third-party wallets.
Failed firmware update	Use Trezor Suite's recovery options, follow official recovery guide, and contact Trezor support if needed.

Maintenance & advanced features

Periodically back up your recovery seed and confirm it remains legible and secure.
Explore passphrases, hidden wallets, and multisig only after mastering standard workflows.
For developers: consult Trezor's developer docs and run Bridge in developer mode for integration testing.