Below are common questions new and experienced users ask about device startup, security, and day-to-day usage. Each question includes a concise, practical answer. Where further device-specific nuance exists, consult Trezor.io/start.
Q1 — What is Trezor.io/start and why should I use it?
A: Trezor.io/start is the official starting page provided by the manufacturer with verified downloads, step-by-step setup guidance, and device-specific instructions. Always use it instead of third-party pages to avoid fake installers or phishing.
Q2 — Where should I write my recovery seed?
A: Write your recovery seed on the provided recovery card or a durable, fire-resistant medium such as a metal backup plate. Do not store the seed digitally (photos, cloud, email). Store at least one copy off-site (bank safe deposit or trusted alternate location).
Q3 — Can I type my seed into a computer to store it?
A: No — typing the seed into a computer or phone creates a digital copy that can be exfiltrated by malware. Always keep the seed offline and physical.
Q4 — What if my device asks me to enter a seed during setup?
A: The device should generate the seed. If the device or software asks you to enter a seed on a computer, stop immediately. Only restore from a seed if intentionally performing a recovery; generating a seed on the device is the secure default. For details, see Trezor.io/start.
Q5 — What length of seed (12 / 24 words) should I choose?
A: 24 words provides stronger entropy and is recommended for high-value custody. 12 or 18 words are commonly used and still secure for most users. Follow the device prompts and consider your backup strategy; longer seeds means more words to reliably store and copy.
Q6 — How do I know the software I download is authentic?
A: Download from Trezor.io/start, verify checksums or digital signatures when provided, and follow official verification steps. If unsure, contact official support channels.
Q7 — My device is not recognized by the computer. What should I do?
A: Try a different USB cable or port, avoid USB hubs, restart the host computer, and ensure official drivers are installed if required. If the problem persists, consult troubleshooting sections on Trezor.io/start.
Q8 — What if I forget my PIN?
A: If the device locks you out with repeated incorrect PIN attempts and requires a reset, you can restore from your recovery seed onto a new device or the same device after resetting. Only reset if you have the correct recovery seed written down.
Q9 — Is it safe to use the device on a public computer?
A: It's best to avoid using a public or untrusted computer for sensitive wallet operations. If you must, verify addresses on-device and avoid entering your seed or passphrase into the host.
Q10 — How should businesses handle custody?
A: Use multi-signature setups with documented SOPs, rotate keyholders as appropriate, store backups in secure off-site locations, and consider hardware security modules (HSMs) or professional custody services for scale. The enterprise section at Trezor.io/start has additional guidance.
Q11 — Can I reuse a seed across devices?
A: Technically yes, but reuse increases attack surface. If you must move to a new device, consider generating a fresh seed and transferring funds via transactions to minimize risk.
Q12 — How do passphrases work and are they recommended?
A: A passphrase is an optional additional string that augments your seed to create a distinct wallet. It provides plausible deniability and extra security but complicates backups: losing the passphrase means losing access. Only use passphrases if you understand how to store them securely.
Q13 — What is the safest way to transfer funds to a new address?
A: Generate addresses on-device and verify them visually on the device screen before sharing. For important transfers, send a small test amount first.
Q14 — How often should I update firmware?
A: Check for firmware updates regularly; apply updates from the official source when they address security or reliability. Always confirm update origin and follow the device prompts.
Q15 — Where can I find more detailed guidance?
A: Start at Trezor.io/start for official documentation, tutorials, and downloads. For advanced topics, seek community resources cautiously and always cross-check with official documentation.