Trézor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device | Trézor®

H1: Getting Started — What to expect

When you unbox your Trézor® device, you’ll hold in your hands a hardware wallet designed to keep your private keys offline. This document explains the safe way to start: hardware checks, firmware installation, PIN creation, recovery seed handling, and first transactions. The headings below use H1 → H5 so you can map this page easily in offices, printouts, or internal documentation.

H2: Unboxing and visual inspection

Before plugging anything in, inspect packaging for tampering. Factory-sealed boxes should have intact seals and clean packaging. Look for:

• Device (Trézor® model label on the box)
• Cable (USB-C or micro-USB depending on model)
• Recovery seed cards or wallet backup cards
• Quick start guide

H2: First connection — safe environment

Choose a secure computer or a dedicated office workstation. Ideally, use a machine you trust is malware-free. For highest security, use a freshly installed OS or a machine dedicated to crypto operations.

H3: Connect the device

Plug your Trézor® into your computer with the provided cable. The device screen will power on and show a welcome prompt. Do not follow any instructions from the computer's browser that ask you to install firmware from unknown sources.

H4: Official firmware only

Always install firmware from the official source. If the device shows it's up-to-date, verify the checksum if you're in an enterprise setting.

H2: Firmware installation & verification

Firmware is the trusted layer that runs your device. On first start you may be prompted to install firmware. Follow these steps:

1. Go to the official start page (see office links) or use the official Trezor Suite software.
2. Download firmware only from trusted sources.
3. Verify firmware fingerprint if available (enterprise audits may require this).
4. Install and wait — do not unplug while updating.

H2: Choosing a PIN

After firmware setup, you'll be prompted to create a PIN. The PIN is required to unlock the device locally and is never sent anywhere.

H3: PIN best practices

• Choose a PIN length that balances ease of use and entropy (longer is better).
• Do not reuse easily guessable sequences (e.g., birthdays, 1234).
• Never store the PIN in plain text on a computer or cloud drive.
• Use a PIN manager only if you trust its security model and offline backup.

H2: Recovery seed — the single most important backup

The recovery seed (often 12, 18, or 24 words depending on settings) is your backup. If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged, the recovery seed can restore your funds. Treat it like cash: if it's gone, your funds can be gone.

H3: Writing down the seed securely

1. Write your seed on the supplied recovery card or a durable metal backup plate.
2. Store the backup in a secure location (bank safe deposit box, fireproof safe).
3. Consider splitting a backup with Shamir or multiple escrowed copies in enterprise workflows.

H4: Seed handling rules

• Never take a photo of the seed.
• Never type the seed into a computer.
• Do not store the seed in cloud notes or email.
• Test a recovery process once in a safe environment.

H2: Install and use Trezor Suite (or web interface)

Trezor Suite is the official app used to manage accounts and sign transactions. Use the official app or verified web interface. Typical workflow:

1. Install Trezor Suite from the official site (office link above).
2. Connect your device and unlock with PIN.
3. Create or import an account (receive addresses are visible in the Suite).
4. When sending, confirm details on the device screen to verify recipient address and amount.

H2: Making your first transaction

To send crypto:

1. Open Trezor Suite and choose your account.
2. Enter recipient address & amount on the computer.
3. Review the transaction on the device screen and approve it with physical buttons.
4. Wait for network confirmations. For some assets, this may take longer.

H3: Receiving funds

To receive, generate an address in the Suite and show it on the device. Copy it carefully (or use QR code). Consider sending a small test amount first.

H2: Advanced topics for office or power users

H3: Passphrases (optional but powerful)

A passphrase is an additional secret you can add to your seed, creating an extra hidden wallet. It increases security but also adds complexity and risk (if you forget the passphrase, funds are unrecoverable).

H4: Passphrase best practices

• Use only if you understand the implications.
• Never store the passphrase in plain text.
• Consider using a hardware-generated passphrase or a secure method to recall it.

H3: Multisig & enterprise setups

For teams or high-value storage, consider multisignature wallets that require multiple devices or custodians to sign a transaction. This reduces single-point-of-failure risk.

H2: Troubleshooting & recovery

Common issues and simple fixes:

• Device not recognized: try a different cable or USB port.
• Firmware update stuck: do not unplug — consult official support if it fails.
• Forgot PIN: you must factory-reset and restore from your seed.

H2: Office security policies & procedures

For organizations: build SOPs that include inventory tracking, receiving checks, firmware verification steps, and approved personnel lists. Document each device with serial numbers and store seed backups according to company policy.

H3: Example checklist (printable)

1. Verify sealed packaging on receipt
2. Record device serial number & model
3. Install firmware from official source
4. Create PIN, record securely (not written in digital devices)
5. Create recovery seed (write on supplied metal/card)
6. Place backup in secure storage (safe / deposit box)
7. Install Trezor Suite and validate device on first connect
8. Test send/receive with a small amount
9. Add device to inventory & assign owner
10. Schedule periodic audits
      

H2: Privacy & best practices

Minimize exposure of on-chain linkages. Use new addresses for receipts when privacy is important, and route transactions through coin-privacy tools responsibly and legally in your jurisdiction.

H3: Keep software up to date

Update Trezor Suite, firmware, and the host OS regularly. Always verify updates come from trusted sources. For enterprise setups, test updates in an isolated environment before wide rollout.

H2: Summarized top 10 best practices

1. Always verify firmware from the official source.
2. Write the recovery seed on a durable medium — never take photos.
3. Create a strong, unique PIN and never store it in plain text.
4. Confirm every transaction on the device display.
5. Use multisig for high-value holdings or corporate custody.
6. Maintain a receiving and inventory SOP in office environments.
7. Test recovery on spare devices periodically.
8. Keep software and firmware current and validated.
9. Restrict device access to trusted personnel.
10. Document all procedures and rotate custody if needed.

H2: FAQ

H3: What if I lose my device?

Restore from your recovery seed on a new Trézor® (or compatible hardware that supports the same standard). If you lose both device and seed, funds are unrecoverable.

H3: Can I use the device with mobile?

Yes — many models support mobile via USB or Bluetooth (depending on model). Use official mobile apps and make sure to pair in a secure environment.

H3: Are there multiple models?

Trézor typically has different models; features may vary (screen size, connectivity, display). Check model-specific docs before advanced operations.

H2: Closing thoughts

Starting your Trézor® device is straightforward when you follow a secure process: check packaging, install official firmware, create a strong PIN, and protect your recovery seed. For office and enterprise contexts, create clear SOPs and maintain an auditable chain of custody for each device and backup.

If you want, you can convert this page into a printable office checklist or an internal training document — the heading structure and callouts are tailored for both on-screen and printed use.