Trezor Setup & Onboarding | Trezor.io/Start

Welcome to the world of self-custody, where you, and you alone, hold the keys to your cryptocurrency. For over a decade, Trezor has been the trusted name helping millions secure their digital wealth . If you've just unboxed a Trezor hardware wallet—be it the classic Model One, the modern Safe 3, or another model—your first and most important step is visiting Trezor.io/start . This official portal is your secure gateway to setting up a wallet that keeps your assets 100% offline and out of reach from online threats .

This guide will walk you through the entire setup process, demystify the crucial security steps, and provide you with the knowledge to start your crypto journey with confidence. The entire setup takes about 15 minutes, and by the end, your cryptocurrency will be protected by industry-leading, open-source security .

What is Trezor.io/Start?

Trezor.io/start is the official setup and onboarding page created by SatoshiLabs, the makers of Trezor . Its primary purpose is to ensure every new user initializes their device using genuine software and correct, secure procedures directly from the source. This is a critical defense against phishing sites and fake guides designed to steal recovery phrases .

Upon visiting, the page will direct you to download Trezor Suite, the companion application you will use to manage your assets. For the best and most secure experience, Trezor strongly recommends using the desktop application . A web app at suite.trezor.io/web is available, primarily for Android users, but the full desktop suite offers the most robust feature set.

For iPhone Users: Note that iOS does not support USB connections necessary for Trezor devices. To set up your Trezor, you will need access to a desktop computer or an Android device .

What You'll Need Before You Begin

Gathering a few simple items will make your setup smooth and stress-free:

Your Trezor device (e.g., Model One, Safe 3, etc.)

The provided USB cable (Micro-USB for Model One, USB-C for newer models like Safe 3) 

The included wallet backup cards and a pen 

A computer with Trezor Suite installed or an Android phone for the web app 

About 15 minutes of focused time 

Step-by-Step Setup Walkthrough

The process is linear and guided by Trezor Suite. Follow these steps carefully.

1. Install Trezor Suite and Connect Your Device
Navigate to Trezor.io/start and click "Download for desktop" . Install and open the application. When prompted, connect your Trezor to your computer using the supplied cable. Trezor Suite will perform an automatic Device Security Check to ensure everything looks normal .

2. Install the Latest Firmware
For security, your Trezor ships without firmware. Trezor Suite will immediately guide you to install the latest version. You can choose between Standard firmware (supports all Trezor coins) or Bitcoin-only firmware (a minimalist, focused version). Click "Install" and wait for the device to restart .

3. The Heart of Security: Your Wallet Backup
This is the most critical step in the entire process. Your wallet backup (also called a recovery seed) is the only way to recover your funds if your Trezor is lost, stolen, or damaged .

Trezor Suite will guide you to create a new wallet.

Your Trezor device will then display a series of words—12, 20, or 24 depending on your model and production year—one at a time on its screen .

Write every word down in the exact order on the provided backup card. Double-check spelling and order.

The device will then ask you to select specific words to verify your backup was recorded correctly .

⚠️ Critical Security Rule: These words should only ever be entered directly onto your Trezor device's screen. Never type them into a computer, phone, or any website, no matter how legitimate it looks. Anyone with these words has complete control over your crypto. Store the card somewhere safe, secure, and offline .

4. Set a Strong PIN
Next, you will set a PIN code to physically protect the device itself.

Use at least 4 digits (up to 50 are allowed).

Avoid simple sequences (1234) or personally meaningful numbers like birthdays.

The Trezor uses a scrambled PIN entry system: you confirm the positions of your PIN on your computer screen based on a random grid shown on the Trezor's display. This means your PIN is never revealed to your potentially compromised computer .

After 16 incorrect PIN attempts, the device will wipe itself, protecting your assets from a brute-force attack. Your funds remain safe and can be restored using your wallet backup .

5. Activate Your Assets and Complete Setup
Finally, Trezor Suite will let you select which cryptocurrencies you want to manage. By default, only Bitcoin is enabled. You can click to add any of the thousands of supported coins and tokens across networks like Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano . You can change this selection at any time later without affecting your wallet .

Setup is now complete. You are ready to securely receive, send, buy, and manage your cryptocurrency .

Next Steps and Advanced Security

Your journey to true financial independence has just begun. Here are the recommended next steps to solidify your security:

Verify Your Backup: Use the "Recovery Check" feature in Trezor Suite. This lets you re-enter your backup words directly on the Trezor device to confirm they were written correctly, providing invaluable peace of mind .

Transfer Your Crypto: Move your assets from exchanges or software wallets to your new Trezor address. With Trezor, your private keys never leave the device, eliminating the risk of exchange hacks .

Explore the Ecosystem: Trezor is not just for storage. You can securely interact with Decentralized Finance (DeFi) applications, NFT marketplaces, and swap services through WalletConnect, all while your keys remain protected offline .

Why This Process Matters: Taking True Ownership

Following the official guide at Trezor.io/start is not just about convenience; it's about embracing the core philosophy of cryptocurrency: self-custody. When you store crypto on an exchange, you do not control it—the exchange does, and it can be vulnerable to hacks or failures . A Trezor shifts that control to you.

Absolute Ownership: You hold the keys. No bank, government, or company can freeze, seize, or block your transactions .

Proactive Protection: It safeguards your assets from malware, phishing sites, and online scams that target software wallets .

Long-Term Security: Even a small amount of crypto today could be significant in the future. A hardware wallet like Trezor protects your investment from day one, giving it the security it deserves for life .

By taking these 15 minutes to set up your Trezor correctly, you are not just configuring a device; you are building a foundation of security and independence for your digital financial future.