Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device™

1. Introduction

This document acts as a comprehensive presentation-style guide for starting up a hardware device branded as Trezor.io/Start®. It is organized into clear sections: preparation, unboxing, first boot, firmware, wallet creation, security, recovery, troubleshooting, advanced tips and a word bank of new words and synonyms to enrich the content. The design uses mixed background gradients and color accents to make each section visually distinct while keeping readability top-of-mind.

This content is written as original guidance and creative educational material — adapt the instructions to actual product labels and official documentation when using for production.

2. What to prepare before you start

3. Unboxing

Carefully open the box and inspect packaging seals. A genuine device typically arrives with tamper-evident features; if anything looks compromised, stop and contact official support channels.

Contents checklist

• Device body (hardware wallet unit)
• USB cable (or USB-C cable depending on model)
• Quick start guide
• Recovery seed cards or wallet backup material
• Optional accessories such as carrying pouch or security stickers

If accessories are missing or packaging looks tampered with, don't proceed with setup — verify authenticity first.

4. First Boot — powering on and initial connection

1. Connect the device to your computer using the included USB cable.
2. Visit the official start page — in this document we refer to it as Trezor.io/Start — use a trusted browser and ensure the URL is correct and served over HTTPS.
3. Follow on-screen prompts to identify the device model and proceed.

At first boot, a prompt will often appear asking you to confirm device authenticity and to install or verify firmware. Always verify firmware using the device's built-in fingerprint or verification routine where available.

5. Firmware — verifying and updating

Firmware is the device's operating code. Ensuring it's official and up-to-date is critical for security. Follow these steps:

• Check the device's displayed firmware version against the version recommended on the official start page.
• If an update is required, download it only through the verified start page flow; do not install files obtained from third-party links or unsolicited emails.
• Confirm that the device displays the same verification fingerprint shown on the webpage before approving installation.

Firmware updates may require you to re-enter your PIN or perform additional confirmation steps on the device screen.

6. Creating your wallet

During the wallet creation flow you will be guided to generate a recovery phrase (also called seed words). This process creates the cryptographic keys that control your assets and must be protected.

Steps

• Choose create new wallet when prompted.
• Decide on whether to use an advanced passphrase (also called a seed passphrase) — this offers additional security but increases complexity and recovery requirements.
• Record the recovery words exactly in the order shown. Use the supplied cards or high-quality paper; ideally use a fire- and water-resistant metal backup.
• Confirm the words when asked to ensure accuracy.

Never take a screenshot of your recovery words or store them digitally in a plain file — this creates a high-risk vector for theft.

7. PIN, physical protection, and device lock

Set a strong PIN that you can remember but which isn't easily guessed (avoid birthdays, repeated sequences, or simple patterns). The device usually enforces a rate-limiting mechanism or increasing delays on incorrect attempts — this helps mitigate brute-force attacks.

Best practices

• Use a PIN length and complexity appropriate for your threat model (longer PINs are generally better).
• Enable any available screensaver timeout or auto-lock features for unattended devices.
• Keep the device physically secured when not in use — a locked drawer or safe is preferred.

8. Recovery phrase — backing up and protecting your seed

The recovery phrase is the single most important artifact. Anyone with access to these words can restore funds. Protect them with the utmost care.

Storage options

• Paper backups stored in a waterproof, fire-resistant container in a secure location.
• Metal backup solutions that engrave or stamp words for long-term durability.
• Split backups (shamir or manual splitting) kept in different secure locations — only recommended for advanced users who understand the tradeoffs.

When considering backups, think in terms of redundancy, durability, and secrecy.

9. Daily use and transaction signing

For routine use, connect the device, open the wallet interface in a browser or companion app, and verify transaction details displayed on the device screen before approving. The device's purpose is to keep signing keys offline so that confirmations must physically occur on the device to authorize movements of funds.

Verification checklist

1. Confirm the receiving address visually matches what you expect.
2. Check the amount and fees carefully — malicious overlays can try to modify values.
3. Review transaction details on the device screen and only press confirm if everything is correct.

10. Troubleshooting common issues

11. Advanced features and customizations

Advanced users may enable passphrases, configure multiple accounts, or explore integration with third-party wallets. Each additional customization adds both functionality and responsibility: keep detailed notes on decisions, particularly when using passphrases which become part of the recovery process.

Examples of advanced uses

• Using a hidden wallet with a passphrase for added deniability.
• Setting up multiple accounts for different asset classes or custody arrangements.
• Integrating with multisig setups for shared custody among multiple devices or participants.

12. Security best practices recap

• Always verify firmware and sources.
• Use durable, offline backups for recovery words.
• Never store recovery phrases digitally without strong encryption and multi-factor protections.
• Practice careful transaction verification on the device screen before approval.
• Keep software on your host updated to mitigate compatibility or security issues.

13. Glossary & Word Bank — new words and suggested synonyms

This word bank introduces fresh vocabulary, synonyms, and brief definitions to help diversify the phrasing in your documentation or presentations.