Complete setup & protection guide
Trezor.io/start is the first stop for preparing your hardware key. Begin on a device you trust and follow each step carefully. Below is a condensed, hands-on guide that covers initial activation, setting a strong access phrase, secure storage of your recovery seed, recommended daily habits, and quick troubleshooting.
1 — Prepare your environment
Use a clean, well-lit workspace free from distractions. Keep any personal keys and notes physically separate from devices you use to browse the web. Have a secure notebook or metal plate ready for your recovery words.
2 — Initialize the device
Power the device and follow the on-screen prompts at Trezor.io/start. Choose to create a new seed when prompted and never accept pre-generated seeds or instructions from unknown sources.
3 — Record recovery words securely
Write down the recovery words exactly in order. Store them in a safe, offline location. Consider redundancy (two secure locations) and a tamper-resistant medium for long-term protection.
4 — Add extra access protection
Set an access phrase if you want an additional layer beyond the recovery words. Treat that phrase like a second seed — it should be memorable only to you and stored safely.
5 — Validate and test
Perform a verification step provided by the setup flow to confirm the seed was recorded correctly. After setup, practice a small transfer to confirm all components behave as expected.
6 — Routine hygiene
Keep firmware updated when official updates are released, verify device prompts carefully before approving operations, and limit what you share in communications about your holdings.
Troubleshooting & best practices
If a prompt looks unfamiliar or asks you to reveal recovery words, stop and re-evaluate. Only use official resources from the company site and double-check addresses in your browser address bar. For recovery, always restore from your written seed on a device before trusting large transfers. If device firmware update is required, always confirm the update signature from within the official interface. Keep backups of recovery only in trusted, offline forms.
Quick fixes & FAQ
Q: What if I miswrote a word? A: Do not proceed. Re-initialize and re-record the seed carefully. Q: What if the hardware becomes inaccessible? A: With the recovery words you can restore on a compatible device. Q: How to keep my seed safe long term? A: Store in secure, geographically separated locations and avoid digital storage.