Trezor.io/start — Official Setup Guide

Why follow the official setup on Trezor.io/start?

Using the official setup flow reduces risks associated with counterfeit software, tampered downloads, or unclear instructions. The Trezor team provides step-by-step installers, firmware checks, and device attestation so you can be sure your hardware wallet behaves as expected. Starting from Trezor.io/start ensures you get authentic installers for Trezor Suite and the local communication helper, Trezor Bridge.

Before you begin: what you’ll need

• A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) with administrative privileges to install software.
• A reliable USB cable — avoid charge-only cables; use the original or a known-good data cable.
• Your Trezor hardware device (Model T or One).
• A quiet, private place to write down your recovery seed on paper or a steel backup solution.
• Time — allow 20–30 minutes for the initial setup and familiarize yourself with the interface.

Step 1 — Download from the official start page

Open your browser and visit the official start page at Trezor.io/start. This page will guide you to download the correct version of Trezor Suite and any required helpers such as Trezor Bridge. Always verify that the domain in your address bar is trezor.io and that the connection is secure (HTTPS).

Step 2 — Install Trezor Suite and Bridge

Download the Suite installer for your operating system. Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. If the setup flow requires Trezor Bridge, download and install it as well. Bridge runs locally and enables secure communication between your browser/apps and the Trezor device. When prompted, allow the Bridge process to run on your machine; it does not transmit private keys to the internet.

Step 3 — Initialize your device

Connect your Trezor device using the USB cable and power it on. The Suite will detect the device via Bridge and walk you through initialization steps. You will choose to either create a new wallet (generate a new recovery seed) or recover an existing wallet using a previously written recovery phrase. If you create a new seed, write each word exactly as shown on the device — never store the seed on a connected computer or take a photo.

Step 4 — Backup and secure your recovery seed

Your recovery seed is the ultimate backup. Protect it by following these best practices:

• Write the seed on paper, or use a steel backup plate to protect against fire and water damage.
• Store backups in separate secure locations (e.g., safe deposit box, home safe).
• Never enter your seed into any website, app, or cloud storage.
• Consider using a passphrase (an optional additional word) to create separate hidden wallets — but understand that forgetting the passphrase means permanent loss of access.

Step 5 — Verify firmware and device authenticity

Trezor Suite will check the device firmware and prompt you when updates are available. Only accept firmware updates from the official Suite or start page at Trezor.io/start. Verify that the device displays attestation messages and that prompts require physical confirmation on the device before proceeding. These steps prevent spoofed devices or tampered firmware from compromising your seed.

Step 6 — Add accounts and manage coins

After setup, you can add accounts for different cryptocurrencies inside Trezor Suite. The Suite supports many major networks and tokens; it will let you create separate accounts for each coin and manage addresses. Always confirm addresses on the device screen before sending funds — the Suite shows destination addresses, but the device is the source of truth.

Step 7 — Using Bridge for web apps

If you interact with browser-based wallets or decentralized applications, Bridge will allow those apps to request only the operations they need, like retrieving a public address or requesting a signature. Bridge ensures these requests are forwarded to your Trezor device for physical confirmation. Review permissions carefully and only connect to trusted Web3 apps.

Security best practices after setup

• Keep your computer and Suite installation up to date to receive security patches.
• Use hardware wallets for long-term custody and avoid keeping large balances on exchanges.
• Be cautious of phishing sites; always check the exact domain and avoid clicking links from untrusted sources.
• Consider air-gapped setups for very large holdings — advanced users can manage seed creation and signing on isolated machines.

Common troubleshooting

If your device isn’t detected, try the following:

• Use a different USB cable or port (avoid hubs).
• Restart Trezor Suite and your computer.
• Reinstall Trezor Bridge from Trezor.io/start if necessary.
• Temporarily disable interfering browser extensions or antivirus software that may block local connections.

Keeping your setup current

Regularly check Trezor.io/start or the Suite release notes for updates to supported coins, security advisories, and new features. Staying informed helps protect your assets and ensures compatibility with emerging networks.

Final checklist

• Downloaded Suite and Bridge from Trezor.io/start.
• Initialized and backed up your recovery seed securely.
• Verified firmware and device prompts on the hardware screen.
• Added accounts and verified receiving addresses on-device before transfers.
• Stored seed backups offline in secure locations.