Starting Up™ Your Trezor: The Definitive Initialization Guide
The moment you unbox a Trezor Safe 3, Safe 5, or Model T, you are holding the "gold standard" of cryptographic security. However, the Starting Up™ process is the most critical window for your long-term safety. Following the official protocol ensures that your private keys remain generated in a true "air-gapped" style environment.
Phase 1: The Physical Integrity Check
Before plugging in your device, perform a quick physical audit. Trezor uses ultrasonic welding and tamper-evident holographic seals on the USB port or box.
- The Rule: If the seal is broken or looks like it was reapplied, do not initialize the device. Contact official support immediately.
Phase 2: Secure Environment Preparation
"Starting Up" isn't just about the hardware; it’s about your surroundings.
- Private Space: Ensure no security cameras or curious eyes are behind you.
- Official Software: Only download the Trezor Suite App from the verified domain. Avoid using "web-only" browser extensions that claim to be Trezor unless they are linked directly from the desktop suite.
Phase 3: The Initialization Protocol
Once connected via the protected USB-C cable, the Starting Up™ sequence begins:
| Step | Action | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Firmware Install | Click "Install Firmware" in Trezor Suite. | Devices ship without firmware to ensure you get the latest, most secure version directly from the source. |
| 2. Create New Wallet | Select "Create New Wallet" (unless restoring). | This triggers the internal Random Number Generator (RNG) to create your unique keys. |
| 3. Backup (The Seed) | Write down your 12 or 24 words. | This is the only physical copy of your money. If the device breaks, this paper is your bank. |
| 4. PIN Protection | Enter a 4–5 digit PIN on the device. | Prevents physical theft from leading to an immediate loss of funds. |
Phase 4: Validating the "Starting Up" Success
How do you know you're ready to deposit? Look for these three green lights in your Trezor Suite:
- Firmware Verified: The app confirms the digital signature matches the hardware.
- Backup Confirmed: You have performed the "Check Backup" feature to verify your written seed matches what is stored on the chip.
- Account Discovery: Your Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Solana accounts are visible and "Empty" (ready for your first test transaction).
Pro Tip for 2026: When starting up, always send a small test transaction first. Once you see the "Pending" status turn to "Confirmed," you know your path is clear for larger transfers.
Critical Warnings for New Users
- The "Never" List: Never store your seed in Evernote, Google Drive, or a photo on your phone.
- The "25th Word": If you are an advanced user, consider the Passphrase feature during startup. It adds a hidden layer that even your 24-word seed cannot open without the extra password.