Trézor.io/Start® — Starting Up Your Device | Trezor® (Official)
Launching a hardware wallet is the foundational step toward taking full control of your cryptocurrency. Hardware wallets store private keys offline, providing robust protection against online threats, malware, and phishing attacks. Proper initialization ensures that your funds remain fully under your control while enabling safe and efficient transactions.
This guide outlines the entire process: preparing your environment, activating your device, safeguarding recovery information, confirming transactions, and establishing ongoing security practices.
Understanding Hardware Wallet Security
Private keys are the cornerstone of cryptocurrency ownership. Whoever holds the keys can access and transfer funds. Hardware wallets enhance security by keeping these keys offline, isolated from potential online threats.
A proper startup guarantees:
Unique cryptographic key generation
Creation of reliable backup options
Activation of protective features like PIN codes
Safe transaction verification
Skipping proper initialization can expose your digital assets to unnecessary risk.
Step 1: Preparing Your Setup
Before beginning:
Use a personal and trusted computer
Ensure your operating system is up to date
Avoid public networks or shared devices
Work in a quiet, private environment
A controlled setup environment reduces the risk of interference from malware or unauthorized access.
Step 2: Inspect the Hardware Wallet
Prior to powering on:
Verify the packaging is intact and untampered
Confirm the device is unconfigured and new
Ensure no recovery phrase is pre-included
Hardware wallets are meant to generate your recovery phrase internally. Pre-existing phrases are a major security risk.
Step 3: Installing Official Companion Software
Hardware wallets work with official software for account management and transactions. The software allows you to:
Generate new accounts and addresses
Track balances and transaction history
Sign transactions securely
Update the device firmware
Always download the software directly from the official website. Avoid links in emails, ads, or social media to prevent phishing or malware attacks.
Step 4: Initializing Your Wallet
During first-time setup:
Select “Create New Wallet”
The wallet internally generates a cryptographic seed
A recovery phrase is displayed on the device screen
Key points:
Generated offline
Displayed only on the device
Essential for wallet restoration
Write down the words in the exact order shown and double-check for accuracy. Errors can prevent wallet recovery.
Step 5: Securing Your Recovery Phrase
Your recovery phrase is the ultimate backup. It allows wallet restoration if the device is lost, damaged, or reset.
Best practices:
Write the phrase clearly on paper
Store it in a secure, private location
Avoid digital copies or cloud backups
Never share it with anyone
For added durability, some users engrave the phrase on metal plates or use fireproof storage.
Step 6: Setting a PIN Code
After confirming the recovery phrase, create a PIN:
Protects against unauthorized physical access
Locks the device after repeated incorrect attempts
Adds a critical layer of security
Choose a PIN that is unique, hard to guess, and unrelated to personal information.
Step 7: Confirming Transactions on the Device
One of the strongest security features is on-device verification:
Transaction details appear on both the device and the software interface
Check recipient address, amount, and network
Physical confirmation ensures that no malware can manipulate transaction data.
Step 8: Performing a Test Transaction
Before transferring large amounts:
Send a small test amount
Confirm receipt in your wallet
Practice approving transactions
This ensures the wallet functions correctly and builds confidence in using it for larger transactions.
Step 9: Maintaining Firmware Updates
Firmware updates provide:
Security enhancements
Bug fixes
Performance improvements
Always install updates through official software. Avoid third-party tools and do not disconnect the device during updates.
Step 10: Avoiding Scams and Phishing
Even with a hardware wallet, human error is a major risk:
Never share your recovery phrase
Manually verify website addresses
Ignore emails or messages requesting urgent action
Legitimate services never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Step 11: Physical Storage Practices
After setup:
Store the device in a secure, private location
Keep recovery backups separate from the wallet
Avoid obvious hiding spots
Some users create multiple backup copies stored in different secure locations to reduce risk.
Step 12: Emergency Recovery
If the device is lost, stolen, or damaged:
Obtain a compatible replacement wallet
Select the recovery option
Enter your recovery phrase
Blockchain data ensures funds can be restored. Without the recovery phrase, restoration is impossible.
Common Setup Mistakes
Avoid:
Photographing or saving recovery phrases digitally
Skipping device verification screens
Rushing through initialization
Using untrusted computers
Most losses occur due to human error rather than hardware failure.
Advantages of a Hardware Wallet
Hardware wallets offer:
Offline key storage
Physical confirmation of transactions
Independence from third-party services
Enhanced long-term security
Responsible usage ensures safety and control over digital assets.
Responsibility in Self-Custody
Self-custody means full control over your funds—but also full responsibility:
There is no central authority to recover lost credentials
Secure backups are critical
Careful planning ensures long-term access
Final Security Checklist
Before regular use:
Recovery phrase verified and securely stored
PIN set and remembered
Test transaction completed
Device safely stored
Conclusion
Correctly starting up a hardware wallet forms the foundation for secure cryptocurrency management. Safeguard your recovery phrase, create a strong PIN, verify all transactions on-device, update firmware regularly, and remain alert to phishing attempts. Following these steps ensures your wallet and digital assets remain safe for years to come.