Trezor.io/Start | Starting® Up® Your® Device®
Welcome — this presentation guides you through every step of starting up a Trezor hardware wallet. It's designed to be used as a printable script for presenters or as a direct handout for users performing the setup themselves. The content is structured into ten slides, each concentrating on a specific phase: preparation, setup, verification, wallet creation, security layers, daily use, recovery planning, maintenance, advanced tips, and resources.
Quick tip: Use only official links (like trezor.io/start
) and official firmware updates. This prevents supply-chain and malware attacks.
Before You Start: Setup Checklist
Prepare a secure environment and gather essentials. Rushing or setting up in an insecure place increases risk. Follow this checklist before connecting your Trezor for the first time:
- Device, original cable, and packaging (inspect for tampering).
- Computer or smartphone with a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox).
- Reliable internet connection (avoid public Wi-Fi).
- Pen and the recovery card or durable backup medium.
- Optional: secondary offline computer for verification tasks.
Perform a basic visual inspection: seals, screws, and the device screen should not show signs of prior use or tampering.
Also plan who will assist in emergencies and document basic account access procedures. Clear documentation speeds recovery and reduces the chance of mistakes.
Initial Setup: Connecting and Accessing the Start Page
Connect the Trezor to your computer. Open a browser and type trezor.io/start—do not click random links or use search results that are not verified. The start page will guide you to download the official Trezor Suite or use the web app. Choose the method you are comfortable with, but always confirm the source.
- Connect device to USB.
- Open browser and go to
trezor.io/start
. - Install or open Trezor Suite and follow prompts.
Using the web app is fast and convenient; Trezor Suite offers more features for advanced users. If you manage many coins or accounts, take the Suite for a test-run first.
Firmware, Authenticity, and Device Verification
Firmware integrity is critical. During setup you’ll be asked to install firmware. Verify the fingerprint presented in the Suite against the one shown on the device and the official website. This prevents installation of malicious firmware.
Do: Verify fingerprints, pause if anything looks wrong, and contact support. Don't: Accept firmware from unknown sources or skip verification. If the fingerprint mismatches, disconnect and report the device.
For extra assurance, use a freshly installed browser profile or an offline machine to double-check signatures where possible.
Creating a Wallet & Handling the Recovery Seed
When the device creates your wallet it will generate a recovery seed—usually 12 or 24 words depending on your chosen security level. Follow these rules:
- Write the seed on the supplied recovery card immediately and legibly.
- Never store the seed digitally, photograph it, or share it online.
- Consider splitting copies across geographically separate secure locations.
If you lose the seed and the device, there's no way to recover funds. Treat the seed like the master key to your savings.
Tip: Consider using a split-seed scheme with trusted custodians or a legal trust if you manage high-value holdings; consult a legal advisor for estate planning and to minimize exposure.
Security Layers: PIN, Passphrase, and Physical Care
Security is layered. Implement multiple defenses to protect against different threat scenarios:
- PIN: Prevents casual access to the device. Choose a mnemonic PIN you can remember but is not easily guessable.
- Passphrase (optional but powerful): Acts as an additional secret that transforms your seed into a distinct wallet—treat it as confidential.
- Physical security: Keep the device in a secure place when not in use. Consider tamper-evident seals if storing long-term.
Note: Losing the passphrase while retaining the seed means you cannot access funds stored under that passphrase. Use a reliable, secret storage plan.
For organizations, consider multi-signature arrangements or shared custody solutions instead of a single passphrase to reduce single-point-of-failure risks.
Using Trezor Suite: Transactions and Address Verification
Trezor Suite is your dashboard for balances, transaction history, and sending coins. When sending funds always verify the destination address on the device's screen before approving the transaction. Host computers can be compromised; the device display ensures the address you signed is the one you intended.
- Compose a transaction in Suite.
- Check fee and recipient details carefully.
- Verify the address on the Trezor’s screen and confirm if correct.
Consider sending a small test amount to a new address when transferring large sums for the first time. This simple habit avoids costly mistakes.
Recovery Plan: Testing and Emergency Procedures
Create a documented recovery plan and practice it in a safe, offline environment. This reduces human error during a real emergency. Key elements include:
- Who is authorized to help restore funds (family, lawyer, trustee).
- How the recovery seed is stored and accessed in emergencies.
- Regular checks of the written seed for legibility and integrity.
Run a simulated recovery on a spare device yearly—this confirms that your backup works and that instructions are clear for heirs or trusted parties.
Also maintain a contact list with recovery steps for a trusted executor; ensure sensitive details are stored offline and accessible only under predefined conditions.
Maintenance: Updates, Backups, and Durability
Periodic maintenance keeps your wallet resilient. Tasks to perform quarterly or when prompted:
- Install firmware updates from official sources.
- Check physical condition and replace cables if damaged.
- Review account activity and ensure no unauthorized transactions.
- Consider metal seed backups for long-term durability against environmental damage.
Always verify update prompts directly on the device and avoid running updates from unknown packages or emails. Maintain a secure, private inventory of recovery copies and locations.
Advanced Tips, Troubleshooting, and Resources
Advanced users may explore coin-specific settings, multi-signature integrations, and privacy workflows. Troubleshooting basics:
- If the device is unresponsive, try a different USB port or cable.
- If a firmware update fails, follow official recovery steps from trezor.io/start.
- Contact Trezor support for unresolved issues and never share your seed or passphrase with support personnel.
Further resources:
- Official start guide
- Knowledge base articles and community forums for advanced setups.
- Downloadable office templates and printable recovery cards (create your own copies).
This deck is Office-friendly: copy the text into PowerPoint or use the browser's "Print to PDF" option to create handouts. Keep colors and headings consistent when importing to ensure accessibility and visual clarity.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Starting up your Trezor is a combination of following secure procedures and adopting good habits. Perform the initial setup carefully, secure the recovery seed, enable security layers, and maintain the device. When in doubt, return to the official start page: Go to trezor.io/start
Presenter notes: aim for a 3–5 minute explanation per slide for a 30–50 minute workshop. This deck contains approximately 1500 words and is optimized for clarity, accessibility, and quick audience uptake. Use the color palette and heading levels consistently when moving to PowerPoint for the best visual results.