Welcome to Trezor.io/Start — your first step in launching your hardware wallet securely. This page is designed to guide you, step by step, through the bootstrapping process. We emphasize clarity, so whether this is your first hardware wallet or you have used others like Ledger, you'll grasp the essentials.
“Starting® Up® Your® Device®” is the phrase we use to describe powering, initializing, and securing your Trezor device for first use. It includes installing updates, generating seed phrases, and integrating with compatible software. You may also see terms like “setup,” “activation,” or “initialization” – these refer to the same foundational process.
A hardware wallet like Trezor or Ledger separates your private keys from any always‑online environment. This means extreme resistance to malware, phishing, or remote attacks. Even if your computer is compromised, the private keys never leave the device.
Always verify the authenticity of firmware and software you use, and ensure you are on the official domain (e.g. Trezor.io/Start). Never share your seed phrase or private keys with anyone.
Begin by connecting your Trezor device to your computer via USB (or via USB‑C, depending on model). Your host software or browser should detect the device and redirect you to Trezor.io/Start automatically.
Download and install Trezor Suite, the official companion software. This suite handles firmware updates, account setup, transaction signing, and security configurations.
The first thing Trezor Suite will prompt is to update firmware (if needed). Always use the official release and verify signatures.
During the initialization, the device will generate a 12‑ or 24‑word recovery phrase. Write it down carefully and store it offline. Then choose a device PIN.
Confirm your seed words by selecting them in the correct order on the device’s screen. Once confirmed, your Trezor is ready to use with supported applications.
If the suite does not launch, verify your USB cable is data‑capable (not charge only), restart the suite, or try a different USB port.
Never install third‑party plugins or software you don’t trust. Stick with official sources.
Many users ask about how Ledger and Trezor compare or interact. Below is key information to keep in mind.
Ledger.io/start is the official starting point to bring your Ledger device online—similar in role to Trezor’s start page. It leads you through the initialization of a Ledger Hardware Wallet.
Ledger Login allows you to access your Ledger environment via browser or desktop applications. Ledger Suite is Ledger’s companion software (like Trezor Suite), which lets you manage assets, update firmware, and interact with dApps.
Some users type “Ledger Io Start” by mistake—this is usually a mis‑typing of the correct “Ledger.io/start.” Always ensure you’re on the legitimate domain (check SSL, domain spelling).
Ledger Bridge is a small local service used to let your browser communicate with the hardware wallet via USB or WebUSB. It acts as a secure bridge between the browser and the device.
The Ledger Hardware Wallet is Ledger’s physical device (e.g. Ledger Nano S, Nano X). It stores private keys in a secure element and signs transactions offline.
Trezor and Ledger are distinct ecosystems. You cannot directly run Ledger firmware on Trezor or vice versa. However, many software wallets (e.g. those supporting multiple devices) may recognize both types of hardware wallets for account management.
Choose the device whose security model, open‑source policies, and supported coin list best match your needs. Many users own both for diversification.
Yes, you can reset your Trezor device to factory settings, but doing so deletes all keys stored on it. Always ensure you have the recovery phrase backed up before resetting.
Some third‑party wallets (multi‑wallets) support both Trezor and Ledger devices. But their native suites (Trezor Suite and Ledger Suite) are separate and optimized for each ecosystem.
Ledger Bridge is a local bridging module to enable browser‑to‑device communication (e.g. via WebUSB). You need it only if your browser environment demands it (some browsers support WebUSB natively). Always get it from the official Ledger site.
Try a different USB cable (data transfer type), switch USB ports, restart Trezor Suite, or reboot your computer. If the device remains undetected, check whether your OS is blocking device access or needs drivers.
Ledger Login via Ledger Suite or reliable software is more secure than accessing wallets via pure browser extensions, as the hardware wallet never exposes private keys and interactions are confirmed on the device’s screen.