Trezor.io/Start

Phase 1: Unboxing and Verification (The First 5 Minutes)

Congratulations on acquiring your Trezor device. The initial phase is all about verifying the physical security of your purchase. Your Trezor arrives in tamper-evident packaging. **Before you connect anything,** carefully inspect the box. The hologram seal or packaging integrity must be completely intact, with no signs of tampering, tears, or prior opening. This physical check is the first layer of trust in securing your financial future. If the packaging appears compromised in any way, **do not proceed** and contact Trezor support immediately. Trust the device, but verify the package.

**Security Note:** Genuine Trezor devices are shipped without pre-installed firmware. When you first connect it, your computer will not recognize it as a functioning wallet yet. This is normal and serves as an additional security feature, preventing supply chain attacks. You will install the latest official firmware in the next step.

Phase 2: Installing Trezor Suite (Your Digital Interface)

The modern Trezor experience is managed through **Trezor Suite**. This is a dedicated, desktop-based application—or a web-based version accessed through the official Trezor website—that provides the safest and most intuitive environment for managing your coins, sending transactions, and interacting with services like integrated exchanges. **We strongly recommend using the desktop application** for the highest level of security and performance.

Steps for Software Installation:

1. **Download Only from Official Source:** Navigate to the official Trezor website and download the Trezor Suite desktop application. Never rely on third-party stores or direct search results for the download link.
2. **Install and Launch:** Follow the standard installation process for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Launch the Trezor Suite application.
3. **Connect Your Device:** Use the provided cable to connect your Trezor device to your computer. The Trezor Suite will automatically detect the device and guide you through the initial firmware installation.
4. **Install Firmware:** The Suite will prompt you to install the latest official firmware. Confirm the action both on your computer screen and directly on your Trezor device's screen. This ensures the device is running trusted, up-to-date software.

The Trezor Suite acts as your gateway. It's designed to be a clear, simple dashboard that simplifies the complexity of blockchain technology while ensuring every critical step—like approving a transaction or entering your PIN—is done directly on the disconnected hardware wallet itself. This separation of concerns is fundamental to Trezor's security model.

Phase 3: The Recovery Seed Phrase (The Key to Everything)

This is the most crucial step of your entire setup. The **Recovery Seed Phrase** (typically 12, 18, or 24 words) is the ultimate, unencrypted backup of all the private keys governing your cryptocurrency. If your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this seed phrase is the only way to recover access to your funds on a new device.

🚨 Critical Rules for Your Seed Phrase:

• **Never Digitalize:** Do not type your seed phrase into your computer, phone, email, or any cloud storage. Do not take photos of it. The moment it touches an internet-connected device, it is no longer secure.
• **Use Physical Medium Only:** Use the provided recovery cards (or other durable, non-digital material like steel). Write the words down clearly and verify the spelling immediately.
• **Secure Storage:** Store your physical backup in a hidden, secure location (e.g., a safe, bank vault, or other fire-proof container). You need only one person (you) to access it, and it must be protected against physical damage (fire, water).
• **Trezor Never Knows It:** Trezor, as a company, never knows your seed phrase. It is generated offline, inside the device, and displayed to you *only once* during the initial setup.

Think of the seed phrase as the master password to your digital vault. Loss of the seed phrase combined with damage to your device means permanent loss of funds. Perfect security rests entirely on your ability to protect these words. Take your time during this step; it determines the longevity of your self-custody.

Phase 4: Setting the PIN and Passphrase (Layered Protection)

Once the seed is backed up, the Trezor Suite will guide you to set up your PIN and, optionally, a Passphrase. These two features add crucial layers of protection against unauthorized physical access.

The PIN (Physical Access Layer)

The PIN (4 to 9 digits) is used to protect your device from someone who physically finds or steals it. The PIN must be entered on your computer using a randomized number pad displayed on the Trezor screen. This ingenious design prevents malware on your computer from keylogging your entry. **Always enter the PIN by matching the positions displayed on the Trezor screen, not the computer screen.**

The Passphrase (The Hidden Wallet Layer)

The Passphrase (also known as a 25th word) is an optional, yet highly recommended, advanced security feature. It acts as an **additional password** that creates a **new, unique 'hidden' wallet** tied to the same 24-word recovery seed. Without the exact passphrase, your funds are completely inaccessible. This protects you even if an attacker gains access to your 24-word seed phrase. **Always back up and memorize this passphrase**—it is never displayed or stored on the device. Losing the passphrase means losing access to the hidden wallet permanently.

**Congratulations!** With the firmware, PIN, and seed phrase secure, your Trezor is ready. You can now use Trezor Suite to receive, send, and manage your digital portfolio with confidence. Remember to always double-check the recipient address directly on your Trezor device before confirming any transaction.