Welcome to your secure journey with the Trezor hardware wallet. In this guide, you will follow through the **io.start** setup process, ensuring your cryptocurrency assets remain protected from unauthorized access. The setup is straightforward, yet security-centric: from initializing your device, creating your seed, to verifying backups and enabling advanced protection features.
In an era where digital threats and phishing schemes are rampant, using a hardware wallet is one of the most important layers of defense. The Trezor / io.start secure setup ensures that your private keys never leave the device, that your recovery seed is stored safely, and that only you can authorize transactions. This walkthrough aims to provide clarity, step‑by‑step instructions, and confidence in your wallet setup.
The io.start process is the name given to the first-time initialization of your Trezor. It comprises several phases:
You’ll start by powering your Trezor and connecting it to your computer or mobile. Ensure that you're on the official Trezor site (verify the URL) and use a secure USB or detected interface. The device will show prompts to begin a new setup or restore from seed.
The wallet will generate a **recovery seed**, typically 12 or 24 words. You must write these words carefully, in correct order, and store them offline. This seed is your ultimate backup and key to access your funds if the device is lost or broken.
After writing them down, the device will quiz you to confirm a few random words. This ensures you recorded your seed correctly. Only when verified will the setup proceed.
Next, you’ll choose a PIN that protects local access to the device. Optionally, you can enable a passphrase (an extra word or phrase) that adds a “hidden wallet” layer. This passphrase is not stored on the device—you must remember it.
Your Trezor will check its firmware version and prompt updates if necessary. Always update firmware via the official interface to avoid malicious software.
Plug your Trezor into a trusted computer or mobile device. Open the official Trezor web app (verify TLS certificate). Choose “Create new wallet” or “Initialize.” Never share your screen with strangers during this.
The screen will show each word of your recovery seed, one by one. Copy them to the supplied recovery card or a dedicated notebook. Do NOT store them digitally (e.g., photographs, text files). Keep them offline and in safe places.
Once you finish writing, the device asks you to confirm a few random seed words. Select the correct ones in the correct order. If you make mistakes, the process restarts—you’ll need to write them again carefully.
Enter a secure PIN (ideally 6‑8 digits, non‑sequential). Re-enter to confirm. Optionally, you may enable a passphrase: this extra secret word or phrase acts as a “25th word.” Without it, your hidden wallet cannot be accessed. Be extremely careful: losing the passphrase means losing access.
The device may request firmware update. If so, do it only through the official Trezor interface. The device often includes a cryptographic check so that you can verify firmware authenticity. Once confirmed, your Trezor is ready.
Consider storing multiple backup copies of your recovery seed in geographically separated safe places (e.g. safe deposit box, trusted relative). Do not keep all backups in one place—this avoids loss via fire, theft, or destruction.
Never input your seed into a computer or mobile device. Always record by hand. If possible, manage especially sensitive tasks (like large transfers) in an **air‑gapped** environment (where the computer is never connected to the internet).
If you use a passphrase, treat it like a bank password. Don’t store it along with the seed. Use a memorable phrase or hint system. Because your passphrase is not recoverable by Trezor, loss of it means permanent loss of funds in that hidden wallet.
From time to time, verify that your recovery seed is still legible, not damaged, and that your backups remain intact. Do not expose the seed to moisture, fire, or sunlight.
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If your Trezor is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can recover access to your funds using your **recovery seed** (the 12 or 24 words) on a new compatible device. As long as you have recorded your seed and stored it safely, you will regain control.
No. The seed words are displayed only on the Trezor device itself, not in your computer. As long as you write them offline and avoid revealing them, no remote attacker can intercept them.
No, using a passphrase is optional. But it adds a powerful extra layer of security by creating a hidden wallet. If used carefully and memorized (or stored separately), it can significantly reduce risk.
You should update firmware whenever Trezor issues a new, official version that patches known vulnerabilities or adds new features. Always verify the firmware signature before applying updates to avoid malicious firmware.
Yes. The recovery seed can restore multiple cryptocurrency wallets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) that the Trezor supports. The seed is generic and underlies all supported chains, so you don’t need separate seeds for each blockchain.