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

Overview: This presentation-style guide walks you through a clean, safe first-time setup for your Trezor® hardware wallet. It also includes “don’t-forget” reminders to help you avoid the most common mistakes that people make when setting up or recovering a wallet.

Why Hardware Wallets Matter (and What People Forget)

Hardware wallets keep your private keys offline, reducing exposure to malware and phishing. Yet, many newcomers forget critical steps: writing the recovery seed legibly, confirming every character, storing backups in separate places, and understanding the difference between PIN, passphrase, and the recovery seed. Treat this guide as your checklist so you don’t forget anything during setup or when presenting these steps to a team or a friend.

Before You Begin

Box Contents & Authenticity

• Device, cable, recovery cards, and quick start leaflet.
• Inspect the packaging; do not use the device if tampering is suspected.

Safe Computer & Browser

• Use a trusted computer with updated OS and browser.
• Type trezor.io/start directly in the address bar; avoid search-ad links.

Step-by-Step Setup

1) Connect & Install

Plug in your Trezor and follow the on-screen flow at trezor.io/start. If prompted, install or update the companion app. Allow the device to load or update firmware before continuing.

2) Create a New Wallet

Choose Create new wallet. This generates your private keys inside the device’s secure environment; the keys never leave the device.

3) Write the Recovery Seed (Don’t Forget!)

Your recovery seed (often 12, 18, or 24 words) is the master key to your crypto. Write it down by hand on the provided cards—no screenshots, photos, or cloud storage. Confirm each word carefully on the device, not just the computer screen.

Backup Best Practices

• Use neat, block letters; double-check spelling and word order.
• Create at least two written copies stored in separate, secure locations.
• Consider a fire-/water-resistant metal backup for long-term durability.

4) Set a Strong PIN

The PIN protects the device if it’s stolen. Pick a long PIN you can remember without writing it next to the wallet. Enter it only on the device interface, and memorize it like you would a phone unlock code.

5) (Optional) Enable a Passphrase

A passphrase is an extra word you create that derives a different wallet from the same seed. It’s powerful but easy to forget. If you enable it, record a clear reminder in your personal key-management notes without revealing the phrase itself. If you forget the passphrase, the funds in that passphrase-protected wallet are unrecoverable.

Passphrase Don’t-Forget List

• Decide whether you truly need it; complexity must match your threat model.
• If enabled, practice entering it exactly—case and spacing matter.
• Back up a hint system (not the phrase) that future-you will understand.

Funding & First Transaction

Receive Safely

Select the asset (e.g., BTC), display the receive address on the device, and verify every character matches what’s shown on your computer before sharing. Only trust addresses confirmed on the hardware screen.

Send with Care

When sending, confirm the amount and destination on the device itself. If anything differs between computer and device displays, cancel immediately.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Mix-ups That Cause Panic

• Seed vs. PIN vs. Passphrase: The seed restores the wallet; the PIN unlocks the device; the passphrase derives an additional wallet. Don’t confuse them.
• Single-copy backups: One paper can be lost or damaged. Make redundant copies.
• Digital photos: Cameras, clouds, and printers are data-leak magnets. Stick to analog backups.

Presentation “Don’t-Forget” Highlights

• Always verify addresses on the device screen.
• Never type the seed into a website or share it with support.
• Keep backups geographically separated.

Recovery & “I Forgot” Scenarios

If You Forgot the PIN

Reset the device and restore from the written recovery seed. The funds live on the blockchain; the device can be reset safely if your seed is intact.

If You Lost the Device

Buy a new compatible device and restore using your seed (and passphrase if you used one). Move funds to fresh addresses once you’re back in control.

If You Forgot the Passphrase

There is no way to recover a forgotten passphrase. If you suspect you used one, try likely variations carefully. Consider documenting a future-proof hint strategy during setup to avoid this situation.

Security Housekeeping

Routine Checks

• Keep firmware and the companion app up to date.
• Periodically test a small restore on a spare device or a dry-run environment.
• Revisit your backup locations annually; check for legibility and integrity.

Team Presentation Tips

• Open with the seed/PIN/passphrase triangle—clarity prevents most mistakes.
• Demonstrate a receive-address verification live on the device screen.
• End with a three-line checklist: Write seed, verify on device, store backups separately.