Trézor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor® (Official)
Managing cryptocurrency safely starts with the right hardware wallet setup. Unlike online wallets or exchange accounts, hardware wallets store your private keys offline, making them far less vulnerable to hacking, malware, or phishing. Setting up your wallet properly ensures that your funds remain fully under your control and ready for secure use.
This guide provides a complete walkthrough—from preparing your workspace to initializing the device, securing backups, verifying transactions, and maintaining long-term safety.
Why Starting Up Correctly Is Essential
A hardware wallet safeguards your digital assets by keeping private keys isolated from the internet. Private keys are the most important element in cryptocurrency ownership. If lost or stolen, your assets could be permanently inaccessible.
A correct initialization ensures:
Secure generation of unique cryptographic keys
Creation of reliable recovery backups
Activation of PIN and other security features
Safe verification of transactions
Skipping steps or rushing through setup can compromise security, so careful attention is crucial.
Step 1: Preparing Your Environment
Before powering on your wallet:
Use a personal, trusted computer
Keep your system updated and antivirus active
Avoid public Wi-Fi and shared computers
Choose a private, quiet workspace
A secure environment minimizes the risk of malware or other threats interfering with setup.
Step 2: Inspect Your Hardware Wallet
Before beginning:
Verify packaging has not been tampered with
Confirm the device is new and unconfigured
Make sure no recovery phrases are included
Hardware wallets require you to generate your own recovery phrase. Pre-existing phrases are a red flag.
Step 3: Download the Official Companion Software
Hardware wallets operate alongside official software that allows you to:
Manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts
Generate receiving addresses
Approve and track transactions
Update firmware safely
Always download from the official website. Avoid links from emails, social media, or ads, as these may lead to phishing or malware.
Step 4: Initializing the Wallet
When you first power on the device:
Select “Create New Wallet”
The wallet generates a secure cryptographic seed internally
A recovery phrase is displayed on the device screen
Important Notes:
Generated offline and never shared with your computer
Appears only on the device
Crucial for future recovery
Write the recovery words down in order and verify accuracy. Mistakes can prevent wallet restoration.
Step 5: Safeguarding Your Recovery Phrase
The recovery phrase is the master key to your wallet. Without it, your funds cannot be recovered if the device is lost or damaged.
Best practices include:
Writing it on paper clearly
Storing in a secure, private location
Avoiding any digital backups
Never sharing it with anyone
Some users store it on metal plates or in fireproof containers for extra protection.
Step 6: Setting a Strong PIN
After confirming the recovery phrase, set a PIN to protect the device.
Prevents unauthorized physical access
Locks the wallet after repeated incorrect attempts
Adds a critical security layer
Choose a PIN that is difficult to guess and not tied to personal information.
Step 7: Verifying Addresses and Transactions
Hardware wallets display transaction details on the device screen:
Recipient address
Transaction amount
Network information
Always confirm the details on the device before approving a transaction. This ensures that malware cannot alter destination addresses.
Step 8: Performing a Test Transaction
Before sending large amounts:
Send a small test transaction
Confirm it appears in your wallet
Practice approving transactions
This verifies the setup and gives confidence for future transfers.
Step 9: Keeping Firmware Updated
Firmware updates provide:
Security improvements
Bug fixes
New feature enhancements
Install updates through the official companion software only and avoid disconnecting the device during the process.
Step 10: Protecting Against Phishing and Scams
Even with a hardware wallet, human error is the leading security risk:
Never share your recovery phrase
Verify website addresses manually
Ignore urgent emails requesting sensitive information
Legitimate companies will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Step 11: Safe Storage Practices
After setup:
Store the device securely in a private location
Keep backup recovery phrases separate
Avoid obvious hiding places
Some users maintain multiple backup copies in different secure locations.
Step 12: Emergency Recovery Plan
If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged:
Acquire a compatible replacement wallet
Select the recovery option during setup
Enter your recovery phrase
Your funds exist on the blockchain and can be restored. Without the recovery phrase, recovery is impossible.
Common Setup Mistakes to Avoid
Taking photos of recovery phrases
Saving backups digitally
Skipping verification screens on the device
Rushing through setup
Using untrusted computers
Most cryptocurrency losses occur due to preventable human errors, not device failures.
Benefits of Hardware Wallets
Hardware wallets offer:
Offline key storage
Physical confirmation for transactions
Independence from third-party services
Strong long-term security
When used responsibly, hardware wallets are among the safest ways to manage digital assets.
Self-Custody Responsibility
Self-custody gives full control but also full responsibility:
No central authority can recover lost credentials
Proper backup and storage are essential
Planning ensures long-term access
Final Security Checklist
Before regular use:
Recovery phrase recorded and verified
Backup stored securely
PIN set and remembered
Test transaction completed
Device stored safely
Conclusion
Initializing a hardware wallet correctly establishes a strong foundation for secure cryptocurrency management. By safeguarding your recovery phrase, setting a robust PIN, verifying transactions, updating firmware, and remaining vigilant against scams, you significantly reduce risk.