Purpose and Scope
This guide walks through the recommended workflow for starting a Trezor device, including verifying official software, completing first-time setup, choosing security options, and preparing for recovery. It is written for professionals who require a concise yet thorough checklist and risk-aware recommendations. It does not replace official product documentation; always consult the manufacturer's site for firmware-specific steps.
Before you begin
- Download software only from the official URL: trezor.io/start. Verify TLS (HTTPS) and the domain manually if instructed.
- Use a secure, up-to-date computer for initialization. Prefer an OS with minimal background software (e.g., a freshly booted machine or a dedicated workstation).
- Prepare a private, offline location for your recovery seed — preferably a fireproof safe or a secure deposit box. Use high-quality backups (metal backups recommended for long-term storage).
- Have a pen and recovery backup method ready; do not type the recovery seed into any online form or store it in plain text on connected devices.
Step-by-step setup (recommended)
Inspect the device packaging for tamper evidence. If seals are broken or stickers appear altered, contact support and do not use the device for sensitive assets.
Visit trezor.io/start, download the recommended app (Trezor Suite or web interface), and verify checksums or signatures when provided. Install only the signed installer package and avoid third-party downloads.
Connect your Trezor via the supplied cable. Follow the on-screen prompts to create a new wallet or restore an existing one. Create a device PIN; this PIN protects the device from local unauthorized access and should be non-trivial.
The device will display a recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words) one word at a time. Record the words in order, on the physical backup medium. Verify the seed as instructed by the device; do not photograph or copy it electronically.
If the device prompts for firmware updates, perform them using the official app and confirm updates on-device. Firmware updates often include critical security fixes—apply them promptly while following on-device verification steps.
Add cryptocurrency accounts through Trezor Suite, verify addresses before receiving funds, and perform a test transaction with a small amount to confirm end-to-end functionality.
Security controls and configuration
Beyond the baseline setup, these configuration choices significantly reduce attack surface.
- Device PIN: Use a PIN of sufficient length and avoid simple patterns. Consider enabling PIN protection on every boot if the device supports it.
- Passphrase / Hidden Wallet: Advanced users may enable an optional passphrase to create hidden wallets. Understand that passphrase loss is irreversible—document operational procedures for passphrase management within your team.
- Two-person control: For organizational holdings, implement multisignature wallets to require multiple devices or key shares for spending operations.
- Physical security: Store the device and recovery backups in separate secure locations to protect against theft, fire, or localized disasters.
Operational best practices
- Segment high-value operations to a dedicated machine that is used only for signing and related tasks.
- Limit network exposure: avoid initiating high-value transactions from public or shared networks when possible.
- Use transaction review: always verify the receiving address on the device screen before confirming transactions. Independent verification reduces the risk of host malware manipulating displayed addresses.
- Implement change control: maintain documented procedures and approvals for firmware updates and backup restores within institutional contexts.
Troubleshooting and recovery
Common issues and recommended remediations:
| Issue | Action |
|---|---|
| Device not recognized | Try an alternate USB port/cable, ensure the host OS recognizes USB HID devices, restart the application, and verify drivers if required. Use a different, clean workstation if necessary. |
| Forgotten PIN | If the PIN is lost, you must perform a device reset and restore using the recovery seed. Ensure the seed is available and intact before resetting. |
| Damaged device | Restore funds on a new device using your recovery seed. Do not recreate wallets from exported keys or private keys in software where avoidable. |
Privacy considerations
Wallets and public addresses are visible on-chain. To improve privacy, consider using privacy-preserving protocols or wallets for certain workflows and keep operational addresses separate from long-term custody addresses. Maintain minimal public exposure of your address list and avoid reusing addresses when privacy is desired.
Enterprise and compliance notes
For organizations, apply the following additional controls:
- Formalize custody policies, including key access roles, recovery procedures, and incident response playbooks.
- Consider hardware security modules (HSMs) or multisig setups for regulatory compliance and segregation of duties.
- Regularly audit backups and test recovery procedures in a controlled manner to ensure continuity.
Summary and final checklist
Following a disciplined setup and operational regime significantly reduces the risk to your cryptocurrency assets. The most critical elements are: verify official software, record the recovery seed offline, protect device PIN and passphrase, and segment high-value operations. Below is a concise checklist to review after setup.
- Official software installed from trezor.io/start
- Device integrity inspected
- PIN and optional passphrase configured
- Recovery seed recorded and securely stored
- Firmware updated and verified
- Test transaction completed successfully