trezor.io/start — Official Trezor® Setup & Quickstart Guide

Your journey to ultimate crypto security begins here. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to initialize your new hardware wallet and secure your digital assets.

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1. Unboxing, Verification, and Physical Security

The absolute first step in setting up your Trezor is a meticulous physical inspection. Hardware wallet security begins before you even power on the device. **Do not rush this step.** Start by examining the packaging. For all Trezor models, look for tamper-evident seals. For the Trezor Model One, this is a distinct hologram seal over the USB port. For the Trezor Model T, the packaging utilizes robust ultrasonic welding for a permanent seal. If the packaging appears compromised, resealed, or damaged, you must contact Trezor support immediately.

Next, verify the contents. Your package should contain the Trezor device itself, a USB cable for connection (USB-C for Model T, Micro USB for Model One), a set of Recovery Seed cards for writing down your backup phrase, and a quick-start manual. Familiarize yourself with the device. The Model T has a full-color touchscreen, while the Model One has two physical buttons. Ensure there are no suspicious attachments or modifications to the device itself. A legitimate Trezor hardware wallet will never require you to enter your seed phrase on a computer screen during the initial setup—this is a critical anti-phishing safeguard.

**Security Principle:** The goal of this initial verification is to confirm that the device is pristine and has not been intercepted or tampered with by a malicious third party. Never purchase a Trezor from an unofficial source like eBay or other secondary marketplaces; always use the official Trezor website or verified resellers. This due diligence forms the foundational layer of your security architecture, preventing supply chain attacks.

2. Download and Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official, modern application for managing your crypto assets with your Trezor device. It is designed to be user-friendly while maintaining the highest security standards. **Do not use outdated browser extensions or third-party web wallets for initial setup.** Navigate directly to the official download page (trezor.io/suite). Always double-check the URL to prevent phishing attempts.

Download the native application for your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux. Using the native desktop application provides a higher level of security by isolating your wallet interaction from the browser environment, which is more susceptible to malware and extensions that could potentially capture data. Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. The installation process is straightforward, but it is essential to ensure you are downloading from the official source.

**System Check:** Before connecting, ensure your operating system is up-to-date. Trezor Suite supports the latest versions of Windows 10/11, macOS (10.11 and later), and major Linux distributions. While Trezor Suite can run in a web environment, the desktop application is the recommended starting point for new users due to its robust security features and seamless interaction with the hardware device. After installation, launch Trezor Suite. You may be prompted to connect your Trezor device.

**Connection Protocol:** Connect the device to your computer using the original USB cable provided in the box. The computer should recognize the device. If prompted, the device will immediately begin its internal initialization check, which verifies the hardware integrity and ensures the operating system is ready for the firmware installation—the next critical step in securing your device.

3. Firmware, PIN Creation, and Recovery Seed Backup (Critical)

**Firmware Installation:** Upon first connection, Trezor Suite will prompt you to install the latest official firmware. Firmware is the operating system for your Trezor. This is a mandatory step. Click 'Install Firmware' and wait for the process to complete. **Important:** If your device came with pre-installed firmware, Trezor Suite will still verify its authenticity. If you receive a warning about non-official firmware, immediately stop and contact support, as this is a strong indication of a tampered device. The firmware installation typically takes only a few minutes.

**Creating Your PIN:** The PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access. When prompted, create a strong PIN. For the Model One, the Trezor screen displays a jumbled keypad, and the corresponding number positions are shown on your computer screen. You use your mouse to click the numbers on the computer that match the positions on your Trezor's physical screen. This ensures your key presses are never recorded by keyloggers. For the Model T, you enter the PIN directly on the touchscreen. A PIN length of 6-8 digits is recommended.

**The Recovery Seed (Your Master Key):** This is the single most important part of the entire setup. Your Recovery Seed (usually 12 or 24 words) is the master key to all your crypto. If your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can use this seed to recover your entire wallet and all your funds onto a new device. Trezor Suite will present the words one by one on your *device screen* (never the computer screen).

  • **Write Down Safely:** Use the provided Recovery Seed cards and write down the words clearly and in the correct order. Do not take photos, store it digitally (not even encrypted), or type it into any device connected to the internet.
  • **Verification:** Trezor Suite will then ask you to confirm a few words (e.g., word 5 and word 18) to ensure you have recorded them correctly.
  • **Storage:** Store the physical copy of your Recovery Seed in a secure, fireproof, and private location, such as a safe deposit box or a personal vault. **The security of your seed phrase is the security of your entire fortune.**

Once the seed phrase is verified and safely stored, your Trezor is fully initialized and protected by both the hardware security and your chosen PIN and Recovery Seed. You can now name your wallet and start adding accounts.

4. Wallet Interaction, Passphrase, and Ongoing Security

With your device set up, you can now use Trezor Suite to manage your assets. The interface allows you to view balances, generate receiving addresses, and send transactions. For every outgoing transaction, your Trezor device will display the details on its screen, and you must physically confirm the transaction using the device's buttons or touchscreen. This physical confirmation prevents remote attackers from approving unauthorized transfers.

**The Passphrase (25th Word) - Advanced Security:** For users who require an extreme level of security, Trezor offers the Passphrase feature. This is an optional, user-chosen word or sentence that acts as a 25th word in your seed phrase. **It is not written down with your 12 or 24 words.** Entering a passphrase creates a *hidden wallet* associated with your device. If a thief obtains your device and your 24-word seed, they will only access the standard (or "decoy") wallet. They must know the passphrase to access your primary, protected funds.

  • **Warning:** If you forget your passphrase, your funds are permanently lost, even if you still have your 12/24-word recovery seed. Only use this feature if you are confident in your ability to memorize or securely store the passphrase itself.
  • **Storage Strategy:** Many users employ a "duress" or "decoy" strategy, keeping a small amount of funds in the non-passphrase wallet and the majority in the passphrase-protected hidden wallet.

**Regular Updates and Hygiene:** Ensure you regularly update your Trezor Suite application and firmware when prompted. Trezor's security team continuously releases updates to enhance functionality and patch vulnerabilities. Always perform these updates through the official Trezor Suite. Never approve a firmware update from an unknown source or website. Your Trezor device is designed to be air-gapped from your computer's potentially compromised environment, but you must maintain good security hygiene for your host PC as well.

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Quickstart Checklist

  • Verify physical seals on package.
  • Download and install Trezor Suite from the official source.
  • Install official Trezor firmware.
  • Create and verify a strong PIN (entered on the device).
  • **CRITICALLY:** Write down and securely store your Recovery Seed.