Start up your device — what this guide covers
This quick guide for Trezor.io/Start® focuses on practical, reliable steps to get your hardware wallet up and running. We'll cover unboxing and authenticity checks, installing the official Trezor Suite app, initializing your device, creating a secure PIN, recording and protecting your recovery seed, adding accounts, and connecting to decentralized applications (dApps). The goal is to make starting up your device straightforward and secure so you can manage crypto with confidence.
Unbox and verify authenticity
When you open your package, inspect the tamper-evident seal and manufacturer authenticity details. If anything looks altered, stop and contact official support. Authenticity verification is the first step in secure device setup and prevents supply-chain tampering before you start up your device.
Download Trezor Suite from trezor.io/start
Always download the official Trezor Suite installer from the official domain. Trezor Suite is the recommended app to pair with your hardware wallet. Installing from the official site reduces the risk of counterfeit or malicious installers when you start up your device.
Initialize the device & create a PIN
Connect the device, launch Suite, and follow the guided initialization flow. Create a strong, memorable PIN on the device screen — PIN entry occurs on-device so that it never leaves the hardware wallet. This is a core protection whenever you start up your device.
Write down the recovery seed — offline
During setup you will be shown a recovery seed (12/24 words). Write it down exactly, store it offline (paper or metal), and keep it in one or more secure locations. Do not photograph or save the seed digitally. Your recovery seed is the ultimate backup to recover funds if you need to start up your device again or restore on a new device.
Verify seed and complete setup
After recording your seed, the device will ask you to confirm some words. Complete the verification to ensure the backup is correct. Only continue after verification is successful; this completes the secure path to start up your device responsibly.
Add accounts and familiarize with Suite
Use Trezor Suite to add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported accounts. Explore portfolio, transaction history, and device settings. Familiarity with Suite helps you manage funds safely after you start up your device.
Connect to dApps and sign on-device
When using Web3 apps, connect via Trezor Suite or supported connectors. Always review transaction details on your device screen and sign only operations you expect. On-device verification is the last line of defense whenever you start up your device or approve operations.
Keep software & firmware updated
Apply official updates to Trezor Suite and device firmware only through verified channels. Updates patch security issues and may add useful features after you start up your device.
Use strong, private backups
Consider metal backup solutions for long-term durability and keep copies in different secure physical locations when you start up your device.
Practice phishing awareness
Always verify domain names and never enter your recovery seed into websites. When you start up your device, treat the recovery seed as the most sensitive secret you own.
FAQ — quick answers
Can I restore a wallet later? Yes — use your recovery seed to restore accounts on a new device or compatible wallet.
Is Trezor Suite free? Yes, the Suite software is free to download; hardware devices are purchased separately.