Trezor.io/Start® | Start Your Device Security

Why security-first matters

Cryptocurrency ownership depends on control of private keys. A hardware wallet like Trézor® isolates keys from computers and phones, significantly reducing exposure to malware, phishing, and remote attackers. However, the device is only one element of a secure setup: secure initialization, safe recovery storage, physical protection, and vigilant operational practices make the difference between safe custody and loss of funds.

Threat model — what we protect against

Before you begin, consider your threat model. Common threats include:

Remote attackers attempting to steal keys via malware or phishing
Local attackers with temporary physical access to your device
Loss, theft, or damage to the device
Compromise of backups or cloud storage

Tip: Design your setup to minimize the most likely risks for you. For example, if your main risk is phishing, focus on verifying addresses on-device and using only official apps.

Unboxing & first inspection

1 — Check the packaging: Only purchase Trézor® from official channels. Inspect the box for tampering, seals, or unusual packaging. If anything looks suspicious, contact support and do not use the device.

2 — Contents: You should have the Trézor® device, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, a quick-start guide, and stickers. Verify that the model number and serial are present on the device and box.

3 — Physical check: Power the device using the supplied cable and check for a clean, readable display. If the device shows any unusual behavior or different boot screens, stop and contact official support.

System & software preparation

Use an up-to-date operating system and download Trézor Suite only from the official Trézor website. Avoid using public or shared computers for initialization. If you plan to use a mobile device, ensure you have a compatible OTG adapter and the latest OS security patches.

Initialization — step-by-step (security focus)

Step 1 — Connect and verify: Plug in the Trézor® and launch Trézor Suite. The app will detect the device and display a sequence of onboarding prompts. Confirm that the device model and serial in the app match the physical device.

Step 2 — Firmware verification: If Trézor Suite suggests a firmware install or update, follow the app instructions. Firmware must always be updated through Trézor Suite. The device will display a hardware confirmation that you must approve physically; never approve an update you did not initiate.

Step 3 — Create a new wallet: Select Create new. The device will generate a recovery seed (12, 18, or 24 words). Write these words manually on the supplied recovery card. Confirm the words in order on the device when prompted.

Step 4 — PIN selection: Choose a strong PIN. The PIN entry is randomized on-screen to mitigate shoulder-surfing. Do not write your PIN on the recovery card. Memorize or store it in a secure manner separate from your recovery phrase.

Step 5 — Optional passphrase: Decide if you will use a passphrase (advanced). A passphrase effectively creates an additional, hidden wallet on top of your recovery seed. Use it only if you understand the risks: forgetting the passphrase makes those funds unrecoverable.

Security reminder: The recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. Whoever has it can control your funds. Keep it offline and physical — never in photos, cloud drives, or email.

Recovery phrase handling & backups

How you store recovery words is critical. Options (from most to least secure):

Steel backup devices: Metal plates that resist fire, water and corrosion (recommended for long-term storage).
Multiple air-gapped paper/seed cards: Store copies in geographically separated secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box + home safe).
Shamir Secret Sharing (SSS): Split your seed into multiple shares so that a threshold number of shares are required for recovery (advanced users).

Do not store seeds in digital formats. If you must create redundancy, use physical duplicates in secure, independent locations.

Passphrase: power and peril

A passphrase is powerful: it can create hidden wallets and improve privacy. But it increases complexity. If you select a passphrase:

Record the passphrase using a secure method (steel backup or sealed note).
Consider using a passphrase manager that supports secure offline storage (hardware or paper-based) — avoid cloud-based managers for passphrases.
Test recovery from your seed + passphrase on a secondary device before moving large funds.

Warning: If you lose the passphrase, there is no way to recover funds associated with it.

Operational security (OPSEC) — day-to-day habits

Always verify transaction details on the device screen — never rely solely on the desktop/web preview.
Keep regular software (OS/browser) updates to reduce exposure to vulnerabilities.
Avoid connecting the device to unknown or public computers.
Use separate wallets/accounts for savings vs spending — consider a cold storage-only device for long-term holdings.

Advanced: multisig, coin control, and integrations

Trézor® supports integrations with multisig setups, third-party wallets, and advanced coin control features. Multisig distributes risk across multiple devices/actors and is recommended for high-value holdings or organizational custody. If you're considering multisig or enterprise workflows, plan your recovery and test thoroughly.

Troubleshooting & recovery steps

Device not recognized: Try a different USB port/cable, restart Trézor Suite, and ensure drivers (if applicable) are up to date.

Firmware stuck or failed: Follow the recovery flows in Trézor Suite. Do not attempt unofficial firmware tools.

Forgot PIN: Perform a factory reset and restore from your recovery phrase. This erases device data but allows recovery from seed.

Physical security & storage

Protect both the device and your recovery backups physically. Best practices:

Store seeds in fireproof, waterproof safes or safety deposit boxes.
Consider tamper-evident packaging for long-term storage.
Limit knowledge of the exact storage method to trusted parties only; avoid publicizing possession or location of significant holdings.

Testing before trust

After setup, send a small test transaction in and out to confirm everything functions as expected. Verify that you can sign and confirm transactions on the device and that the receiving address matches the one shown in Trézor Suite.

Checklist: secure startup

Device purchased from official channel and examined
Trézor Suite downloaded from official site
Firmware updated and verified on device
Recovery phrase written on supplied cards and duplicated onto a steel backup
PIN set and not co-located with recovery phrase
Optional passphrase planned, recorded securely, and tested
Small test transactions performed successfully

Legal & safety notes

This guide is educational and not legal advice. Cryptocurrency holdings can be subject to local laws and taxes. Keep records for tax and inheritance purposes, and consider professional advice for estate planning or large holdings.

Where to get help

For device-specific issues, firmware problems, or suspected compromise, consult the official Trézor support channels and knowledge base. Avoid third-party repair services or unofficial firmware sources.