A colourful, step-by-step presentation format to get you securely started with your Trezor hardware wallet.
Overview
This presentation walks you through preparing, connecting, initializing, securing, and testing your Trezor hardware wallet using the official start page at trezor.io/start. It's designed for clarity, accessible colour contrast, and practical tips that protect your crypto holdings.
Key Reminder: Only use the official URL provided by Trezor (trezor.io/start). Never share your recovery seed with anyone. Trezor devices never ask for your complete seed via the web or phone.
1 — Prepare
Before anything else, set a clean, private workspace. Make sure your computer's OS is updated, you have a stable internet connection, and nobody can shoulder-surf your screen while you initialize the device.
Unbox the Trezor device. Check tamper-evidence packaging — if it looks opened, contact the vendor.
Keep a pen and paper ready for the recovery seed (do not use electronic notes).
Open a private browser window and visit trezor.io/start.
Tip: power the device only from trusted USB ports — public charging kiosks may be risky.
2 — Connect your Trezor
Plug your Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable. The device will show a welcome screen and a device model. Follow on-screen instructions.
Connect via USB. The device should display a Trezor logo.
On the website, choose your model and click "Connect".
Confirm the fingerprint on both the site and the device — they should match.
Pro tip: If the website asks to install firmware, allow it only if you are on the official site. Firmware updates are signed by Trezor.
3 — Initialize & Update Firmware
When starting a brand new device, you'll initialize it to create a seed and set a PIN. If the device needs firmware updates, the official site will guide you — approve updates on the physical device only.
Steps
Choose Create new wallet on the website or the device.
Set a PIN (use a PIN you can remember; make it long and avoid obvious patterns).
Write down the recovery seed exactly, in order, on paper. This is your backup.
Never type your seed into a computer or phone. Store at least two offline copies in separate secure locations.
4 — Recovery Seed: The Critical Backup
The recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words) is the only way to recover funds if the device is lost or damaged. Treat it like the keys to a vault.
Best Practices
Write the seed on the included card or high-quality paper.
Do not store seeds electronically or in photos.
Consider using metal seed-storage plates for fire/water protection.
Test recovery on a spare device to ensure the seed is correct — but do this carefully and offline when possible.
Warning: If anyone asks you for your recovery words, it's a scam. Trezor support will never ask you to provide the full seed.
5 — PIN & Optional Passphrase
Set a device PIN to protect access. For an additional layer, enable a passphrase: this acts like a 25th seed word and creates a hidden wallet.
Passphrase considerations
Passphrases must be memorized or stored offline. If lost, funds in that hidden wallet are irretrievable.
Use passphrases carefully — they increase security but add complexity.
If you enable a passphrase, treat it as sensitive as the seed itself.
6 — Add Accounts & Receive Funds
Using the Trezor web interface or supported wallet apps, add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other supported coins. Always verify the receive address on your Trezor device screen before accepting funds.
Select the cryptocurrency and "Receive".
Verify the address displayed on your computer matches the one on the device.
If addresses differ, do not send funds — reconnect and troubleshoot.
Never reuse addresses if privacy is important to you — modern wallets encourage one-time addresses per transaction.
7 — Sending Funds & Transaction Verification
When sending, review amount, fee, and recipient address on the Trezor device screen. Confirming on the device ensures the transaction data wasn't tampered with by malware on your computer.
Double-check: transaction amount, destination, and fee. If using QR or copy/paste, confirm the destination on-device.
8 — Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problems may include connectivity issues, browser extension conflicts, or a request to enter the seed (which should never occur). Use the official Trezor docs and community for verified guidance.
Quick fixes
Try a different USB cable or port.
Use a fresh browser profile without many extensions.
Advanced users may use multi-signature setups, air-gapped signing, or dedicated hardware for seed storage. Always follow documented best practices and understand the trade-offs.
Multi-sig: split control of funds across devices/persons.
Air-gapped signing: keep signing device isolated from the internet when possible.
Periodic audits: check small transactions and account balances occasionally to detect anomalies early.
Security is a process, not a one-time action. Update your knowledge as tools evolve.
10 — Glossary & New Words
Seed — A sequence of words that encodes a private key backup.
Passphrase — An additional secret added to the seed to create a hidden wallet.
Air-gap — Isolation of a device from networks to prevent remote attacks.
New (invented) words & concepts
cryptoshielding — (n.) The combined practice of hardware isolation, multi-sig, and distributed backup to reduce single points of failure.
seedvaulting — (n.) Storing recovery seeds in hardened metal vaults or geographically separated secure sites.
phishproofing — (v.) Actions to make accounts resistant to phishing (verification on-device, strict URL checks).
microverify — (v.) Performing a very small transaction to confirm complex flows or third-party integration before larger transfers.
sigchain — (n.) A chain of user confirmations and hardware signatures recorded as an audit trail for important transfers.
11 — Quick Security Checklist
Verify device packaging integrity.
Visit only trezor.io/start to initialize.
Write your seed offline; do not photograph.
Use strong PIN and consider passphrase.
Verify addresses on-device before sending/receiving.
Keep firmware updated via official channels.
12 — Example Prompts & Scripts
When teaching others or creating help text, these short, clear prompts help:
"Verify the address on your Trezor screen before you paste it anywhere."
"Write each recovery word slowly and check order — the order matters."
"If your browser asks for the seed, close the browser and contact support immediately."
"Use microverify: send $1 first to any new address you use."
These prompt-lines are ideal for training slides, FAQ pages, and support scripts.
13 — Printable Summary
Here's a short printable checklist to include in a pamphlet or quick reference card:
Visit trezor.io/start
Connect device & confirm fingerprint
Create new wallet & write seed on paper
Set PIN & optional passphrase
Verify addresses on-device for receive/send
Store seed offline — test recovery if possible
14 — Legal & Privacy Notes
This presentation is informational and not legal advice. Consider local regulations around custody, taxation, and reporting. Always consult a professional for regulatory compliance.
Privacy note: your device interactions are local; Trezor does not have access to your seeds by design. Use privacy-preserving best practices if you require anonymity.
Community guides, verified documentation, and hardware security literature.
Closing & Next Steps
You're ready to get started. Use this presentation for onboarding others, printing a compact checklist, or as a web-based guide. Security is a habit — keep learning and reviewing your setup.
If you want this exported to PDF-friendly format, or expanded into a multi-page printable guide, tell me which sections you'd like to lengthen and I will extend them now.