Trezor.io/Start® | Begin Your Crypto Device®

A concise presentation and handout for setting up and securing your Trezor device — step-by-step, best practices, and links to official resources.

Overview

This presentation guides you through acquiring, initializing, and protecting a Trezor hardware wallet using the official start page. It covers the core principles of device security, step-by-step setup, best practices for backup and recovery, and recommended habits for daily use. Hardware wallets separate private keys from connected devices, greatly reducing the risk of remote compromise. The following sections break that down into actionable steps and explain why each step matters.

Why hardware wallets matter

Cryptocurrencies rely on private keys: secret values that authorize transactions. If an attacker obtains your private key, they can irreversibly transfer assets. A hardware wallet like Trezor stores keys in a dedicated device that never exposes them to your computer. Devices are designed to keep keys offline and require physical confirmation for high-risk actions. These protections reduce the attack surface compared to storing keys on a general-purpose computer or mobile phone.

Key security concepts

Seed phrase: A human-readable set of words (BIP39 style) that acts as a recovery backup. Keep it offline.
PIN: A device-level code protecting access to the device when it's connected.
Passphrase (optional): An extra layer of security—acts as a 25th word to the seed. Use with caution.
Firmware: Keep firmware updated from official sources only.

Step-by-step Setup (Begin)

Step 1 — Unboxing and Verification

When you unbox your Trezor device, confirm seals and packaging integrity. Purchase directly from the official store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered devices. If anything looks suspicious, contact official support rather than proceeding.

Step 2 — Start at the Official Page

Always visit the official start URL for device initialization and firmware checks. The official link is: https://trezor.io/start. Using the official start page ensures you receive correct firmware checks and the latest installation instructions. (This guide includes multiple visible links to the same official start page for convenience.)

Step 3 — Firmware & Manager

Follow the on-screen instructions to install or verify firmware. Use Trezor Suite or the official manager if prompted. Never sideload firmware from unofficial sources. The device displays firmware fingerprints that you should confirm visually where required.

Step 4 — Create a New Wallet

Create a new wallet directly on the device. Choose a secure PIN. The device will generate a seed phrase—write it down exactly and store it offline in a safe place. Never photograph or store the seed phrase digitally.

Practical tips for writing down your seed

Use durable material such as metal backups if available. Store the backup in a secure, geographically separated location (for example, a safe deposit box). Avoid describing the content publicly or revealing the seed to anyone—no one needs it to validate transactions from your address.

Best Practices & Daily Use

Keep software up to date

Regularly check official resources for firmware updates and release notes. Updating firmware from the official source ensures known vulnerabilities are patched. After updating, verify the device’s behavior and perform a test (e.g., receive a small amount) before moving large funds.

Limit attack surfaces

Use separate computers for sensitive financial management if possible. Avoid downloading random browser extensions that can attempt to harvest addresses or manipulate transactions. Consider enabling a passphrase for additional security if you understand the operational risks.

Transaction checks

Always verify the receiving address on the device screen, not just in the browser. The Trezor device shows transaction details for confirmation. Confirm amounts and addresses carefully before approving.

Sharing and giving access

Never share the PIN or seed phrase. If someone needs to watch balances, consider read-only tools or provide limited information without exposing recovery materials.

Recovery & Contingency

Lost or damaged device

If your device is lost or damaged, your assets remain recoverable with the seed phrase and a compatible wallet. Keep recovery materials safe and test recovery occasionally (with testnet or small amounts) so you are comfortable with the process.

Compromise protocol

If you suspect your seed or PIN is compromised, immediately move funds to a new wallet with a new seed generated on a secure device. This prevents an attacker who holds the old seed from accessing assets.

Closing — Key Takeaways

Hardware wallets are a cornerstone of self-custody. The safety of your assets depends on following simple, consistent practices: obtain devices from official channels; initialize at the official start page; protect your seed phrase and PIN; verify transactions on-device; keep firmware updated; and plan for secure recovery. The official start page remains the authoritative source for current instructions: https://trezor.io/start.

Use this document as a handout or script when delivering a workshop or for your personal onboarding checklist. If you need a printable PDF or slide deck built from this HTML, you can print to PDF from the browser or import the content into a slide generator, preserving headings for easy navigation.