Welcome — Why this guide?

This guide is built as a presentation you can use live or as a self-paced walkthrough. It focuses on safely starting your Trezor device using the official setup page at Trezor.io/start.

Throughout the slides you'll find step-by-step instructions, recommended security practices, common troubleshooting tips, and a short FAQ. Use the theme buttons to change the visual look for in-room presentations or handouts.

Preparation — What you need before starting

  • A Trezor device (Model One or Model T).
  • A computer with an updated web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge). Avoid public or shared computers for setup.
  • A reliable internet connection to reach Trezor.io/start. Note: the device itself never shares your seed or private keys with the internet.
  • Paper and pen for recording your recovery seed (do not store digitally).
  • Optional: a password manager for storing passphrases or account information (never store recovery seeds in password managers).
Security reminder: Trezor will never ask for your full recovery seed via email, chat, or any website. Always confirm you are on Trezor.io/start.

Step 1 — Connect your Trezor

Plug your Trezor into the USB port. If using a mobile device, use an OTG adapter that you trust. Wait for your computer to recognize the device.

  1. Check the device screen for a welcome message and device model.
  2. If this is a brand new device, you should see a 'Welcome' or 'Welcome to Trezor' screen. If not, contact support.
  3. Never proceed if the device shows an unexpected warning or a pre-filled recovery seed prompt.

Step 2 — Open Trezor.io/start

Open your browser and go to Trezor.io/start. The official setup site guides you through installing required apps and firmware updates in a secure manner.

Follow on-screen prompts: connect your device when requested and confirm the site is loading the official Trezor Suite or recommended applets.

Step 3 — Firmware & Software

When connecting for the first time, the device may prompt you to install the latest firmware. This is a critical step; official firmware updates include security patches and improvements.

  • Only install firmware if it is offered by the official website at Trezor.io/start.
  • Never install firmware from unverified sources.
  • Follow on-screen instructions closely and confirm any checksum or fingerprint when prompted.

Step 4 — Initialize device & choose wallet type

You will be given options to create a new wallet or recover from a seed. For a new device, choose Create new wallet.

Consider which wallet format you want (standard single account, hidden wallet with passphrase, or advanced setups). Hidden wallets add an extra passphrase layer but require careful management.

If you're unsure, start with a standard wallet and add a passphrase later once you're comfortable.

Step 5 — Write down your recovery seed

The device will display a set of words — the recovery seed. This is the single most important piece of information. Write it down on paper (or a metal seed backup) and store it securely offline.

  1. Write each word clearly and in order.
  2. Keep multiple physical copies in different secure locations (e.g., a home safe and a safety deposit box).
  3. Do not take photos or store the seed on any connected device or cloud storage.
Trezor never stores or transmits your seed. If someone asks for it, it's a scam.

Step 6 — Confirm your seed on the device

To ensure you recorded the seed correctly, the device will ask you to confirm a few words. Follow the prompts and enter the requested words when prompted on the device screen itself (not on your computer).

Only proceed if the confirmations match your written seed exactly.

Step 7 — Set a PIN

Set a PIN to protect the device from local access. The PIN is entered on the device using a randomized numeric grid displayed on the device screen; this prevents keyloggers from learning the PIN.

  • Choose a PIN that's long enough to be secure but memorable.
  • Never record your PIN with the recovery seed in the same place.

Optional: Using a passphrase (hidden wallet)

A passphrase (sometimes called a 25th word) extends your seed. It creates a separate hidden wallet accessible only if you enter the passphrase. This is powerful but risky if mismanaged.

  • Only use a passphrase if you understand the backup implications: losing the passphrase means losing access to that hidden wallet forever (even if you have the seed).
  • Do not store passphrases in plain text or online; consider a secure physical storage method.

Post-setup — Confirm account & balance

After setup, open Trezor Suite or the recommended web interface to confirm your wallet is visible. Create receive addresses and verify them on the Trezor device screen — the device display is the source of truth.

Send a small test transaction when moving funds into the device for the first time to confirm everything works as expected.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected: Try a different cable or USB port. On mobile, ensure OTG is supported and enabled.

Firmware errors: Reboot the device and the computer. Only install firmware from Trezor.io/start.

Seed missing or incorrect: Do not reinitialize the device. Contact official Trezor support and double-check your recorded seed carefully.

Security best practices

  1. Never reveal your recovery seed or passphrase.
  2. Use a strong, unique PIN and, if using a passphrase, treat it with physical security measures.
  3. Keep your firmware and software up to date — updates often include important fixes.
  4. Verify addresses on the Trezor device screen before confirming any transaction.
  5. Use multisig or additional devices for large, long-term holdings when appropriate.

Advanced topics & workflows

Advanced users may want to explore these topics:

  • Multisignature (multisig) wallets for distributed custody.
  • Shamir Backup (SLIP-0039) – not supported on all devices; check compatibility.
  • Using Trezor with third-party wallet software for specialized coins or workflows.
  • Cold signing and PSBT workflows for air-gapped transactions.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between Trezor Model One and Model T?
Model T includes a touchscreen, supports more coins natively, and has a slightly different UI. Both models offer the same core security principles: private keys stored on the device and recovery via seed words.
2. Can I set up a Trezor without internet?
You can complete the device initialization and record the recovery seed offline, but to install firmware and use the device with modern wallet interfaces you typically need to connect briefly to Trezor.io/start or the official Trezor Suite to download verified firmware and apps. When in doubt, use an offline computer for seed storage and an online computer for firmware updates only.
3. What if I lose my Trezor device?
If you lose the device but have your recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on another Trezor or compatible wallet that supports the same seed format. If you used a passphrase and lose that, you'll lose access to the hidden wallet unless you can recall the passphrase.
4. Is Trezor safe from malware on my computer?
Trezor is designed to protect your private keys even if your computer is compromised: transaction details are verified on the device. However, malware can still attempt to trick you by altering amounts or addresses; always verify critical details on the device display before approving transactions.
5. How should I store my recovery seed long-term?
Store physical copies in secure, separated locations. Use a metal backup if you expect environmental risks (fire, water). Consider redundancy: multiple copies in different secure places. Never store the seed digitally or in cloud services.

Glossary & Definitions

Recovery Seed
A human-readable list of words that recreate your wallet’s private keys. Treat this as the highest-value secret.
PIN
A numeric code protecting local access to the hardware device. It prevents someone with physical access from using your device to sign transactions without the PIN.
Passphrase
An additional secret that, when combined with the recovery seed, creates an additional (hidden) wallet.
Firmware
Software running on the Trezor device. Firmware updates are necessary for security fixes and new features.

Presentation Notes

Use this slide deck for onboarding new users. Speaker notes: emphasize why the recovery seed is critical, demo the passphrase feature carefully, and always show how to verify addresses on the device screen during demo transactions.

Checklist — Before you finish

  1. Firmware updated to latest official version.
  2. Recovery seed written and stored physically.
  3. PIN set and remembered (stored separately from seed).
  4. Small test transaction completed successfully.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Congratulations — your Trezor device is now configured. Remember: the device protects your keys, but security is a continuous process. Keep backups, verify transactions on-device, and update firmware when recommended via Trezor.io/start.

For advanced security setups, explore multisig and cold-signing methods. If anything feels uncertain, consult the official support links or community resources linked in the previous slide.