Trézor.io/start | Getting Started

Introduction: The Necessity of a Hardware Wallet

The Trezor hardware wallet represents the gold standard in self-custody for cryptocurrencies. It’s a physical device designed to keep your private keys isolated from the internet, protecting your digital assets from software vulnerabilities, malware, and phishing attacks common on desktop or mobile devices. The process of starting your journey begins at Trezor.io/Start. This official gateway ensures you download the correct software and follow the necessary security protocols, preventing supply chain attacks or accidental downloading of malicious clones. Never use a search engine to find the setup page; always type the address directly into your browser.

Trezor supports thousands of coins and tokens, including major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin, making it a versatile tool for any serious crypto holder. This initial setup is the most important step in securing your wealth, and requires undivided attention and diligence. Treat the setup phase with the seriousness of setting up a new bank vault—because that's essentially what you are doing.

Step 1: Connecting and Trezor Suite Installation

Upon navigating to Trezor.io/Start, you will be prompted to connect your new device. The first step involves installing the official **Trezor Suite** desktop application. This software acts as the secure interface between your physical device and the blockchain. It is crucial to download and install this software from the official source link provided on the /Start page. After installation, launch the Suite and connect your Trezor device using the provided USB cable.

The Suite will immediately check for the latest firmware. Firmware is the operating system of your wallet, and keeping it up-to-date is vital for security and functionality. If a new version is detected, you must confirm the fingerprint shown on your computer screen matches the one displayed on your physical Trezor device screen. This mandatory verification step prevents malicious firmware installation. Only proceed once both fingerprints match exactly. Once confirmed, the firmware installation will begin.

Action Required: After firmware installation, you will be prompted to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. For a brand new device, select "Create New Wallet."

Step 2: Setting up a Strong PIN

The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the local security layer for your device. It prevents unauthorized access if someone physically steals your Trezor. When setting the PIN, the numbers will appear shuffled on the device screen. You use your computer mouse to click the corresponding position on the Suite interface. This unique input method is designed to thwart keyboard loggers and screen capture attempts, as the pattern is never displayed on the computer screen.

A strong PIN should be between 4 and 9 digits. While a longer PIN offers more security, remember that you must input it every time you want to access or send funds. The device employs exponential backoff—meaning the waiting time between incorrect PIN attempts increases exponentially, making brute-force attacks physically impossible. Choose a unique PIN that you have never used elsewhere and write it down securely.

Once set, the PIN must be confirmed by entering it a second time. This process solidifies your device’s local access control before moving on to the final, most crucial step: the recovery seed.

Step 3: The 12/24 Word Recovery Seed

The **Recovery Seed**, also known as the BIP39 seed phrase, is the master key to your entire crypto wealth. It is the only backup of your private keys. The Trezor Suite will guide you through writing down either 12 or 24 words, displayed sequentially on the physical Trezor screen. This process *must* be completed offline, without any camera or digital recording device nearby. Use the provided paper card or a material designed for long-term storage (like metal).

WARNING: If your device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this seed phrase is the ONLY way to recover your funds onto a new device. Conversely, if anyone gains access to this seed, they gain complete access to your funds, regardless of whether they have your physical Trezor or PIN. **Never digitize it, store it online, or take a photograph of it.**

After writing the words down, the Suite will ask you to confirm a subset of the words to ensure you recorded them accurately. Once confirmed, your Trezor setup is complete! You can now use the Trezor Suite to manage your assets securely, knowing your private keys remain isolated and protected by the robust architecture initiated at Trezor.io/Start.