What is Trezor.io/Start®?
Trezor.io/Start® is the official web-based onboarding flow designed to guide new and returning Trezor users through the device initialization process. It leads you step-by-step: plug in the device, install firmware (if needed), create or recover a wallet, and optionally connect to supported apps. This post walks through those steps and highlights best practices so you can finish setup confidently and securely.
Prepare your workspace
Before you plug anything in, choose a clean, private workspace. Avoid public Wi-Fi and shared computers. You'll need:
- A computer with an up-to-date browser (Chrome/Edge/Firefox recommended).
- Your Trezor device, original cable, and the recovery card (if the device came with one).
- A pen for writing recovery words if you plan to create a new seed offline.
For official downloads and links, always start at Trezor.io/Start® to avoid phishing sites. You can also visit the Support and Security pages on this site for more reading.
First boot: step-by-step
When you connect the device and open trezor.io/start
, the web flow will detect the model and guide you. Typical steps include:
- Check the device packaging — verify the tamper-evident seal and the physical condition.
- Open the official site — go to trezor.io/start exactly (type it or follow an official link).
- Install firmware — if the device needs firmware, the website instructs you through a secure download and install step.
- Create or recover — choose "Create new wallet" for a fresh seed or "Recover wallet" to restore from your recovery phrase.
- Set a PIN — pick a PIN you won't forget but that's not trivially guessable.
The site provides clear prompts and on-device confirmations; always verify the text shown on the physical device screen before approving an action.
Recovering an existing wallet
If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the "Recover wallet" path. The flow will guide you to enter your seed words. Use the device's screen to navigate during entry — never type your full recovery phrase into a web form. If you must store backup copies, keep them offline and secure (e.g., a safe or encrypted steel backup).
Security essentials
Safety is the top priority. Here are practical security practices to follow during and after setup:
- Always use the official URL: type
trezor.io/start
or use a bookmark you created yourself. - Verify firmware: confirm the fingerprint or hash if the site shows it and the device displays the same.
- Never share seed words: Trezor recovery phrases must remain private. No legitimate support agent will ask for them.
- Keep PINs separate: do not write PINs on the recovery card.
- Use passphrase feature: advanced users may enable a passphrase for extra protection — see our Passphrase guide.
After setup, consider testing a small transaction first to ensure everything is configured correctly.
FAQ & troubleshooting
Q: What if the website doesn't detect my device?
A: Try a different USB port, a different cable, or a different browser. Check that the cable supports data, not just charging.
Q: Can I initialize offline?
A: Trezor devices support offline seed generation through advanced setups. If you need an offline-only approach, follow the official advanced instructions in the offline setup page.
Final note
The Trezor.io/Start® flow simplifies onboarding, but security choices you make (backup storage, PIN strength, passphrase use) determine long-term safety. Use official links, keep backups offline, and test small transactions before moving large sums. If you want an embeddable HTML snippet, or a downloadable "quick-start" PDF for your team, click Resources.