Trezor.io/Start – Your Gateway to Hardware Wallet Security

Visiting trezor.io/start marks the beginning of a safer crypto experience. This official page guides new and existing users through the initial setup of Trezor hardware wallets – the gold standard in self-custody since 2014. Unlike software wallets vulnerable to malware and phishing, Trezor devices keep private keys offline, ensuring your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other assets remain under your sole control.

First-Time Setup: Step-by-Step

Upon arrival at trezor.io/start, you’re prompted to select your device model – Trezor Model One or Trezor Safe 3 (formerly Model T). The page auto-detects if Trezor Bridge or Trezor Suite is required. Download only from this verified domain to avoid counterfeit installers.

1. Connect the Device: Use the original USB cable. The screen activates instantly.
2. Install Firmware: New devices ship empty. The setup wizard flashes official firmware signed by SatoshiLabs.
3. Create a New Wallet: Generate a 12- or 24-word recovery seed on the device itself – never on your computer.
4. Write Down the Seed: Use the provided cardboard backup card. Store it in a fireproof safe or split with Shamir Backup (available on Safe 3).
5. Confirm the Seed: Re-enter random words on the device touchscreen to verify accuracy.
6. Set a PIN: 4–9 digits entered via randomized on-screen keypad to prevent keyloggers.

Why Choose Trezor Over Hot Wallets?

Hot wallets expose private keys to internet-connected devices. A single ransomware attack or browser exploit can drain funds irreversibly. Trezor eliminates this risk with air-gapped signing: transaction data is sent to the device, signed internally, and returned without ever exposing keys.

Independent audits by firms like Cure53 and Ledger Donjon confirm Trezor’s open-source code contains no backdoors. The EAL6+ secure element in Trezor Safe 3 resists physical extraction even under laboratory conditions.

Supported Assets and Features

• Bitcoin: Native SegWit, Taproot, and CoinJoin via Trezor Suite.
• Ethereum & EVM Chains: Full ERC-20 and NFT support.
• Cardano, Solana, XRP: Native staking and delegation.
• Password Manager: Encrypted storage synced via Dropbox or WebUSB.
• FIDO2/U2F: Hardware 2FA for Google, GitHub, and more.

Recovery and Inheritance Planning

Lost access? Your seed phrase restores everything on any compatible wallet – not just Trezor. For inheritance, use Shamir Secret Sharing (Safe 3) to split the seed into multiple shares requiring a threshold (e.g., 2-of-3) for recovery. Document clear instructions offline; avoid digital copies.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Buying second-hand devices – always purchase from trezor.io or authorized resellers.
• Taking seed photos – cameras can be hacked; use analog backup only.
• Skipping firmware updates – Trezor Suite notifies critical patches.
• Using the same seed on multiple devices – defeats single point of failure protection.

Advanced Users: CLI and Third-Party Tools

Beyond Trezor Suite, power users integrate via trezorctl (Python) or electrum-trezor plugin. Sign messages, manage multisig, or automate with HWI (Hardware Wallet Interface). All tools are open-source on GitHub under SatoshiLabs.

Conclusion

trezor.io/start isn’t just a setup page – it’s your entry to provable, verifiable self-custody. In an industry plagued by exchange hacks (Mt. Gox, FTX) and phishing losses exceeding $2B annually, owning your keys isn’t optional; it’s survival. Complete the guided process in under 15 minutes and join millions who’ve eliminated counterparty risk forever.

Begin Setup Now →