Getting Started the Right Way
Welcome! This presentation walks you through a clean, safe, and repeatable process to bring a brand-new Trézor® hardware wallet online using the official onboarding hub at Trézor.io/Start. We’ll cover prerequisites, firmware installation, wallet creation or recovery, backup hygiene, and pro tips to avoid common pitfalls—so you can manage crypto with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Pre-flight Security Checks
- Unboxing & Authenticity
- Install Trézor Suite
- Connect, Update Firmware
- Create a New Wallet
- Recover an Existing Wallet
- Back Up Your Recovery Seed
- Set PIN & Optional Passphrase
- Receive, Verify, and Send
- Quick FAQs & Tips
1) Pre-flight Security Checks
Before you connect anything, secure your environment. Update your computer’s OS, close unknown browser tabs, and ensure you are on a private network you control. If possible, use a dedicated user profile with limited permissions. Have a fresh paper notebook or steel backup plate ready for your 12/18/24-word recovery seed.
- Visit only the official onboarding page: Trézor.io/Start (official).
- Do not photograph or screenshot your seed. Keep cameras and smart assistants away.
- Plan an offline storage location that only you (and your heirs, if applicable) can access.
2) Unboxing & Authenticity
Inspect packaging for tampering. Trézor devices use secure packaging and tamper-evident features. If anything looks off, stop and contact support via official channels. Your device should arrive without any seed card pre-filled—you will generate the seed during setup on your own device screen.
What to check:
- Packaging integrity; matching serials and clean assembly.
- No pre-printed seed words or third-party “activation” cards.
- USB cable intact; device screen pristine.
3) Install Trézor Suite
From the official start page, download Trézor Suite for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Suite is the desktop application that communicates with your hardware wallet, enabling secure account creation, receiving and sending transactions, and firmware updates. Prefer desktop Suite over web if you want the most consistent experience and reduced browser attack surface.
Best practice:
- Verify the download came from
trezor.iodomains. - Keep Suite up to date; updates often include security hardening and new coin support.
4) Connect & Update Firmware
Launch Suite, connect your Trézor via USB, and follow on-screen prompts. If prompted to install or update firmware, proceed—firmware validates device integrity and adds new features. Confirm actions on the device screen itself; never trust only the computer display.
During firmware update:
- Keep the cable steady; avoid disconnecting power.
- Confirm checksums/messages on the device screen.
- Let the device reboot fully before the next step.
Tip: If anything seems inconsistent, stop and revisit the official portal for guidance.
5) Create a New Wallet
Choose “Create new wallet” in Suite. The device will generate entropy and display your recovery seed, word by word. This seed is the single key to your funds. Write it down carefully in the exact order, and verify it when the device prompts you. Consider using a metal seed plate for durability against fire and water.
Seed length options:
- 12 words: Fast setup, strong security when combined with a good PIN and optional passphrase.
- 24 words: Higher entropy for long-term or high-value storage.
6) Recover an Existing Wallet
If you already have a recovery seed, choose “Recover wallet.” Enter words on the device if supported, not on your computer. Ensure spelling and order are exact. Never type your seed into websites, forms, or chats.
Recovery safety checklist:
- Confirm you’re on official software from
trezor.io. - Enter seed only on the hardware device (Model T supports on-device entry).
- After recovery, confirm balances by deriving accounts in Suite.
7) Back Up Your Recovery Seed
Your backup strategy is your disaster plan. Store the seed in a secure, offline location, preferably split across safe places that only trusted parties can access. Avoid cloud storage, photos, or digital notes. Consider redundancy (e.g., two copies) and protect against environmental risks.
Do’s & Don’ts:
- Do: Use archival-quality paper or metal backup; keep it dry and private.
- Don’t: Share with anyone claiming to be “support.” No legitimate agent will ever ask.
8) Set PIN & Optional Passphrase
A strong PIN protects day-to-day access. Choose a non-obvious sequence and memorize it. For enhanced privacy, enable the BIP39 passphrase feature: an extra secret that creates a distinct wallet from the same seed. Be aware that forgetting a passphrase is equivalent to losing access, so treat it as sensitively as your seed.
Guidelines:
- Use 6–9 digits for the PIN; avoid birthdays and repeats.
- Store passphrase in a secure, separate memory system or vault.
- Test small transactions before moving significant funds.
9) Receive, Verify, and Send
To receive, generate an address in Suite and confirm it on the device screen; only accept deposits to addresses that match on-device. For outgoing transfers, verify recipient, network, and fees. Use address labels in Suite to reduce mistakes and prevent re-use when privacy matters.
Final checks before sending:
- Correct network/asset (e.g., BTC vs. an EVM token).
- Double-check the address on the device screen, not just the computer.
- Consider a test transaction first.
10) Quick FAQs & Pro Tips
What if I lose the device?
Restore on a new Trézor (or compatible wallet) using the same seed and optional passphrase. Your funds live on the blockchain, not the device.
Can I use multiple accounts?
Yes. Suite lets you derive multiple accounts per coin. Label them clearly (e.g., “Long-term,” “Spending”).
Are browser extensions required?
No for desktop Suite. If you use the web interface, follow prompts from the official start page only.
How do I spot phishing?
Beware of domains with unusual characters, requests for your seed, or unsolicited DMs. The real hub is Trézor.io/Start. When in doubt, disconnect and verify.
Why update firmware?
Updates patch vulnerabilities, improve UX, and extend compatibility. Apply them promptly via Suite with your device connected.