Start Securely — A practical guide to Trezor onboarding and best practices

Trezor.io/start — Your first steps to a secure hardware wallet

The phrase Trezor.io/start points to an important first destination for anyone beginning with a Trezor hardware wallet. When you receive a new device, that initial web page is more than just a tutorial — it’s the trusted anchor that ensures you follow authentic setup procedures. This article covers practical, security-focused steps you’ll take on that journey, why each step matters, and what to avoid. If you want confidence and security from day one, treat the process as both a technical setup and a security ritual.

First, always ensure you type the URL directly into the browser or use an official bookmark — avoid clicking links from messages or random searches. Phishing sites attempt to mimic setup pages and trick users into revealing their recovery seeds or downloading malicious tools. Visiting Trezor.io/start gives you the official guided setup, including verification of firmware, device pairing instructions, and clear explanations of what a recovery seed is and how to handle it safely. The site walks you through generating a new seed or recovering an existing one, and it highlights the difference between a device-managed seed (recommended) and importing sensitive material from other software wallets.

During the setup you’ll be prompted to create a PIN and securely write down your recovery seed. The PIN protects the device from unauthorized local use while the recovery seed is the cryptographic backup that restores your wallets. Never store the recovery seed digitally — no phones, photos, cloud drives, or encrypted notes. Instead, write it on paper or use a metal backup that resists water, fire, and corrosion. The import position on the official page warns you if you’re about to perform an operation that could expose the seed or private keys — that’s why a separate box or callout exists: deliberate separation reduces accidental mishandling.

Firmware verification is another critical step emphasized at Trezor.io/start. The official flow ensures your device runs authentic firmware matching the vendor signature. If the firmware on your device is not recognized, the site will instruct you to contact support and not to proceed. Skipping firmware validation is a common mistake that criminals exploit — inserting modified firmware can grant attackers stealthy access to transactions or seed export capabilities.

Once your device is initialized, you’ll learn to use wallet software in conjunction with the hardware. The site provides instructions for supported wallets, transaction signing, and secure habits: check addresses on the device screen before confirming, limit browser extensions that interact with web wallets, and always verify the receiving address displayed on the hardware when moving funds. Transactions are only secure when the hardware signs them offline and you ensure the signed details match what you expect.

If you’re migrating from another wallet, the import procedure is delicate. Importing a private key or a seed from a third-party wallet to your hardware wallet should be done only after you verify the source. Many users opt to create a new seed on the hardware device instead and then transfer funds. That method isolates the new seed from prior exposures and reduces risk from compromised software wallets. Where import is necessary, do it offline where possible and follow the step-by-step guidance on the official site — it will show you prompts and confirm the exact actions you’re taking.

Best practices extend beyond setup. Keep your recovery phrase physically secure and consider an additional sealed custody plan for high-value holdings (multi-sig or geographically distributed backups). Regularly check for firmware updates at the official resource and never allow third-party requests to 'help' by asking for your seed or a temporary access code. Legitimate support will never request your recovery phrase.

Finally, remember that security is a habit. Bookmark Trezor.io/start, keep your device firmware up-to-date, treat import actions as rare and high-risk, and use device confirmations as your truth source for addresses and transactions. When in doubt, pause and verify — the web page exists to help you make those choices safely and confidently.