Trezor.io/Start®

The Foundation of Digital Sovereignty

You've taken the essential step toward becoming your own bank. The Trezor device in your hand is not merely a piece of hardware; it is the cryptographic vault for your digital wealth. Unlike assets held on exchanges, which are vulnerable to hacks, regulatory changes, or institutional failure, your Trezor grants you **absolute control and ownership**. The primary function of the Trezor device is to store your private keys offline, in an 'air-gapped' environment, ensuring they are never exposed to internet-connected malware or viruses. The `Trezor.io/Start®` process is designed to be straightforward, walking you through the critical steps of firmware installation and wallet generation with maximum security in mind. This setup ensures that your sensitive data remains physically isolated, making remote theft practically impossible.

Phase 1: Authenticity and Preparation

Before connecting your device, **physical inspection is mandatory**. Check the packaging for any signs of tampering, especially the security seals near the USB port. If anything seems amiss—if the seals are broken, damaged, or appear re-glued—**do not proceed** and immediately contact Trezor support. Once verified, the next crucial step is downloading the official Trezor Suite software. The Suite is your secure, intuitive interface for managing your assets, and it is the only application you should use for setup. **Never use third-party links or browser extensions for initialization**. After downloading and running Trezor Suite, connect your device using the provided USB cable. The Suite will guide you through the initial connection and firmware installation. Firmware is the operating system of your Trezor; since new devices are shipped without it, this first step ensures you are running the latest, most secure version authenticated by SatoshiLabs.

Phase 2: Creating Your Wallet Backup (The Recovery Seed)

This is arguably the single most important action you will take in your cryptocurrency journey. Your **Wallet Backup**, often referred to as a Recovery Seed, is a sequence of 12, 20, or 24 English words generated by your Trezor device. These words are the master key to your entire crypto fortune. They are a human-readable representation of your private keys and are the **only way to restore your access** if your physical Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

When prompted by Trezor Suite, your device's screen will display these words one by one. You **must manually write them down** on the provided recovery card or stamp them into metal—**never take a picture, store them digitally, or input them into your computer**. They must remain **permanently offline**. Trezor Suite will then ask you to confirm a few of these words to ensure you recorded them correctly. Pay close attention to the order and spelling, as a single error makes recovery impossible. Once confirmed, store this backup card in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location, separated from the device itself.

Phase 3: PIN Protection and Advanced Security

With your wallet backup safely recorded, the next layer of physical security is setting a **PIN**. The PIN protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access if it falls into the wrong hands. On the Trezor Model One, you enter the PIN using the corresponding numbers shown on the device screen (the layout changes for every entry). On touch-enabled models like the Model T or Safe 5, you enter it directly on the device. We recommend using a PIN of at least 8 digits for maximum protection.

For the most advanced users seeking the ultimate defense, Trezor offers the **Passphrase** feature. The passphrase is an *additional* word or phrase that works with your existing recovery seed to create a *hidden* wallet. The passphrase is **never stored** on the device or in Trezor Suite. If you forget it, the funds secured by it are lost forever. This feature provides defense against sophisticated attacks (like the '$5 wrench attack') because you can present the standard, less-funded wallet, while your primary assets remain secured by a secret phrase only you know. When you use a passphrase, you are creating a wallet that is uniquely yours, providing a security layer that is virtually impenetrable when managed correctly. The entire Trezor setup experience, facilitated through the Trezor Suite, is built to give you the confidence and tools necessary to manage your assets securely and autonomously.

Finalizing Your Setup and Next Steps

After setting your PIN, you will be directed to the Trezor Suite Dashboard. You can now name your device and optionally enable the cryptocurrencies you plan to manage. Remember, Trezor supports thousands of coins and tokens. Take a moment to explore the Trezor Suite interface—it’s where you will send, receive, swap, and track your portfolio. Always confirm transaction details on the **Trezor device screen** before pressing the confirmation button. This "trusted display" is the final, non-hackable safeguard against man-in-the-middle attacks. Congratulations, your Trezor is now set up. You are the sole guardian of your digital assets. Embrace the power of decentralized finance with the industry's most trusted hardware protection. **Welcome to security without compromise.**