How to Access Trezor.io/Start Offline

Trezor hardware wallets are built for maximum security. For the most cautious users, this includes the desire to perform wallet setup or management offline, avoiding unnecessary exposure to online risks. So how do you access Trezor.io/Start — the gateway to setting up your Trezor device — in an offline environment?

While Trezor.io/Start is a website that guides you through the initial setup, the actual device management happens through Trezor Suite, which can be used fully offline. Let’s walk through how to set up and manage your Trezor safely without relying on an internet connection after initial preparations.

What Is Trezor.io/Start?

Trezor.io/Start is a web-based onboarding portal that directs users to download Trezor Suite and guides them through the steps to:

  • Install the Trezor Suite desktop application
  • Connect their device
  • Install firmware
  • Create or recover a wallet
  • Learn safety and recovery best practices

However, relying on a web portal isn’t ideal for everyone, especially those concerned with advanced security or air-gapped setups.

Can You Use Trezor Offline?

Yes — Trezor devices and Trezor Suite Desktop can be used offline for most operations, such as:

  • Generating a new wallet
  • Viewing balances (if previously synced)
  • Signing transactions created elsewhere
  • Managing addresses and backup phrases (with caution)

However, you cannot install firmware or update your device without going online. These steps require internet access at least once.

Step-by-Step: Using Trezor.io/Start Offline

Step 1: Prepare on an Internet-Connected Device

On a trusted device with internet access:

  • Download the Trezor Suite Desktop App from the official source
  • Save the installation file to a USB flash drive
  • Optionally, download the Trezor Bridge installer if you plan to use a browser environment

Also download these (if needed):

  • Latest Trezor firmware file for your model
  • Security resources or guides (PDFs) to study offline

Step 2: Move Files to the Offline Device

Transfer the installers and files from your USB drive to your offline computer (ideally air-gapped or never connected to the internet). Install Trezor Suite Desktop from the offline installer.

Avoid inserting the USB drive into any untrusted or internet-connected systems after the transfer.

Step 3: Initialize the Trezor Device Offline

Once Trezor Suite is installed on your offline machine:

  • Launch Trezor Suite
  • Plug in your Trezor device via USB
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to set up a new wallet
  • Create and write down your 24-word recovery seed
  • Add a passphrase if you wish to use one
  • Confirm security steps directly on the Trezor device

All wallet generation and seed handling happen on the device itself, not the computer — meaning you're still protected even when working offline.

Step 4: Operate in Watch-Only or Signing Mode

Offline usage is ideal for:

  • Creating watch-only wallets
  • Signing unsigned transactions prepared on another system
  • Managing cold storage assets

To send a transaction, you can:

  1. Build the unsigned transaction on another device
  2. Transfer it to your offline system
  3. Use Trezor Suite to sign it
  4. Transfer the signed transaction back to an online system for broadcasting

This “offline signing” method minimizes exposure to the internet.