Trezor.io/Start® | Starting™ Up Your Device™ (H1)

Introduction

This document is crafted as a presentation-style HTML guide with mixed background colours and an accessible layout. It is intended to accompany the initial onboarding of a hardware wallet device and explains concepts, practical steps, security principles, and troubleshooting in a clear, user-friendly manner.

The title above — Trezor.io/Start® | Starting™ Up Your Device™ — is used here as the central heading (H1). The content below is written to be comprehensive and educational. While this is written as a standalone presentation, adapt or remove brand names as necessary for your use case.

Design and Color Format

The page uses layered gradients, glass-like cards, and accent strips to emphasize sections. Colors are intentionally mixed: jewel purples, aqua blues, warm oranges, and gentle rose tones. The design maintains contrast for readability while presenting an energetic, modern feel.

How to use this file

Open the HTML in any modern browser. You can print the sections to PDF or present it in a browser window. Each section contains explanatory text, step-by-step instructions, and checklists you can copy to a setup document or checklist app when preparing the physical device.

Quick Start — Step-by-step (Visual & Practical)

Security Principles & Best Practices

Security of a hardware wallet relies on both the device and the user's physical security practices. The hardware wallet keeps your private keys offline, but human factors can still compromise the assets. Below are layered principles that together form a robust security posture.

Principle 1: Keep the Seed Offline

The recovery seed is the ultimate key to your funds. Once created, do not photograph, screenshot, or store the seed digitally. The only safe forms of storage are physical — written on paper, stamped into metal, or engraved using trusted tools designed to withstand fire and water.

Principle 2: Use Strong, Memorable PIN Practices

Your PIN should be long enough to prevent rapid guessing and not easily guessable from personal information. Consider using a mix of digits that are memorable only to you, perhaps referencing a pattern on a keypad that you can re-create mentally but others can't guess.

Principle 3: Multi-layer Defense

Combine device PINs, seed backups, passphrases (if supported and used carefully), and physical security to create multiple layers an attacker must defeat. Each layer increases the difficulty and reduces attack success probability.

Principle 4: Keep Firmware Updated — Carefully

Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities. Only update firmware from official sources and follow the device vendor's verified update process. Avoid third-party firmware unless you fully understand the implications.

Principle 5: Watch Out for Social Engineering

Attackers often exploit human trust. Never reveal your seed. Be cautious of unsolicited messages claiming to help. Official support will never ask for your seed phrase. When in doubt, use official documentation and support channels listed on the vendor's site.

Recovery Deep Dive

Recovery is the process of restoring control when the original device is lost, damaged, or inaccessible. The typical recovery method uses the recovery seed words. The process varies slightly by device, but core steps remain similar.

Step A: Prepare a Safe Space

Perform recoveries in private, offline if possible, and with no cameras. If using a trusted recovery tool or device, ensure the environment is secure. If you practice recovery with a test wallet or testnet, be sure to avoid mixing test and mainnet seeds.

Step B: Enter the Seed Exactly

Carefully enter the words in the correct order. Mistakes in order, spelling, or missing words will prevent recovery. If a passphrase (25th word) was used, it must be provided exactly as before. Keep in mind passphrases are case-sensitive and exact.

Step C: Verify Balances & Addresses

After recovery, verify that derived addresses and balances match your expectations. Cross-check receive addresses shown on the device against those you recorded previously if you have them, keeping an eye out for any inconsistency.

Step D: Re-establish Redundancy

Once recovered, create a new backup routine: multiple physical backups, separate geographic locations, and documentation of recovery processes for trusted family members or a legal custodian if appropriate.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Problems can range from hardware power issues to confusion during seed entry. Below are common problems and practical, safe mitigations.

Device won't power on

Check the cable and power source. Try different USB ports or a verified power adapter. If the device shows signs of physical damage, contact support.

Display is garbled

A corrupted display could be hardware failure. Do not trust the device for transactions until inspected by official support. If the device displays unusual onboarding prompts, do not proceed — re-check packaging and contact support.

Seed words don't match

Seed word discrepancies usually indicate transcription mistakes. Re-enter the words carefully, consulting any original backup. If unsure, stop and seek help from official guides — do not distribute the seed to anyone claiming they can "recover" it for you.

Firmware update failed

If an update fails, follow the vendor's official recovery/update procedure. Some devices have a recovery mode or a specialized loader. Never install firmware from unverified sources.

Unexpected balance changes

Immediately cross-check transaction history on a blockchain explorer using the public receiving addresses (not private keys). If unauthorized transactions occurred, the seed may be compromised — move remaining funds to a new, secure wallet created with a new device and seed, and follow incident response steps listed in this document.

Advanced Tips & Optional Protections

For advanced users or high-value setups, consider the following additional protections that increase security at the cost of complexity.

Shamir Backup / Multi-part Recovery

Some systems support splitting the seed into multiple parts using Shamir's Secret Sharing. This ensures that multiple parties or locations are required to reconstruct the seed. Use this only if you understand the protocol and manage shares securely.

Passphrase (25th word) — Use with Caution

A passphrase adds an additional secret on top of the seed. It can create hidden wallets and protect funds, but if forgotten, funds are irretrievable. Use passphrases only if you have disciplined backup and recovery methods.

Air-gapped setups

For maximum safety, use an air-gapped computer for signing transactions, transferring only unsigned transactions via QR codes or USB drives. Air-gapped setups drastically reduce attack surfaces but require more technical knowledge.

Metal Backups & Environmental Hardening

Consider engraving or stamping your seed onto a corrosion- and fire-resistant metal plate. Combine with protective physical storage for long-term survivability of backup media.

Use Cases & Scenarios

This section explores real-world scenarios and how to apply the practices above in those contexts.

Single-user Personal Wallet

For a single user storing moderate funds, follow the quick start, keep two backups, and use a reliable PIN. Test small transactions before switching to larger amounts. Consider a metal backup for long-term security.

Family Inheritance Planning

Create documented recovery instructions and designate trusted custodians. Consider using Shamir shares across multiple trusted parties, and record the legal location of backups in a will or custody agreement.

Business or Treasury Management

Use multi-signature wallets, dedicated hardware for each signer, and regular audits. Limit the number of people with access to live signing devices and rotate keys periodically following a documented security policy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I store my seed on my phone?

A: No. Phones are regularly connected to networks and are susceptible to hacks, malware, and cloud backups. Always store the seed physically offline.

Q: How many backups should I keep?

A: At least two backups in geographically separate, secure locations is a pragmatic starting point. High-value holders should keep more, in diverse formats (paper + metal), and consider professional custodial services if needed.

Q: What if I forget my PIN?

A: Most devices will allow you to reset the device and then recover funds using the seed. If the seed is lost as well, recovery is impossible. Keep pins memorable yet secure, and store seed backups as a last resort recovery method.

Q: Are firmware updates mandatory?

A: They are strongly recommended for security patches, but only from official sources and with care. Avoid updating if you are in the middle of critical transactions unless necessary.

Glossary

Seed / Recovery Seed: A sequence of words that encodes the private keys for a wallet. The seed is the ultimate backup.

PIN: A personal identification number used to unlock the hardware device locally.

Passphrase: An optional extra secret added to a seed to generate different wallet trees.

Air-gapped: A device or computer physically isolated from networks to reduce exposure to remote attacks.

Shamir: Shamir's Secret Sharing, a cryptographic technique to split a secret into multiple parts requiring a quorum to reconstruct.

Appendix A — Checklist

1) Unbox and inspect for tamper evidence
2) Power on and verify device logo
3) Create a new wallet on the device
4) Choose and confirm a secure PIN
5) Write down the recovery seed on supplied paper
6) Make at least one additional physical backup
7) Test a small transaction
8) Store backups in separate secure locations
9) Register device serial and firmware version (for your records)
10) Plan for inheritance or trusted recovery procedures
            

Appendix B — Example Recovery Script (illustrative)

# This pseudocode shows a safe-minded recovery checklist flow, not runnable code
- verify_environment_offline()
- unlock_recovery_device()
- enter_seed_words_one_by_one()
- verify_addresses_and_balances()
- re-create_physical_backups()
- if(balance_matches_expected): document_and_store()
- else: escalate_to_official_support()
            

Appendix C — Incident Response for Compromise

If you suspect your seed or device is compromised:

1. Do not use the possibly-compromised device for further transactions.
2. Create a new wallet on a new, trusted device with a new seed.
3. Transfer remaining funds to the new wallet using small test transfers first.
4. Record and secure the new seed using hardened backups.
5. Contact official vendor support and, if applicable, legal counsel.