Welcome to true financial independence. Let's start securely.
You are on the official Trezor startup portal. The process of initializing your hardware wallet is the most crucial step you will ever take toward digital self-custody. We will guide you through the **authenticity check**, **firmware installation**, the generation of your **Recovery Seed**, and the setting of your **PIN**. Read this entire guide carefully, as security rests on your careful execution of these steps.
Phase 1: The Essential Integrity Check and Software Download
Before anything else, you must establish trust. The security of your entire crypto portfolio hinges on the **authenticity of your device**. Begin by closely inspecting the physical packaging. Trezor devices are sealed for tamper-evidence. Look specifically for **holographic seals** or other security markers. These seals must be intact, untouched, and show no signs of tearing, re-gluing, or attempted removal. If the packaging seems compromised in any way—stop immediately and contact official Trezor support. A secure setup starts with a secure device.
Next, you need the official interface: the **Trezor Suite**. It is absolutely critical that you download this application *only* from the single, verified source: trezor.io/suite. Never trust a link from a search engine advertisement, an unsolicited email, or a third-party app store. Malicious software can mimic the Suite to steal your Recovery Seed. Once the official Suite is installed and running, you can connect your physical Trezor device to your computer via the provided USB cable. Your computer is merely a window; the true security operations happen entirely **inside the isolated chip of your Trezor**.
Phase 2: Installing Certified Firmware and Creating the Wallet
New Trezor devices ship without pre-installed firmware. This is a deliberate security measure to prevent supply chain attacks. Upon connecting the device, the Trezor Suite will detect this and guide you through the installation of the latest, official **firmware**. This firmware is cryptographically signed by SatoshiLabs. Follow the on-screen instructions to confirm the installation. The device screen will also ask for confirmation, providing the final layer of physical verification. This process effectively loads the device's operating system, preparing it for the generation of your secret keys.
Once the firmware is installed, the Suite will present you with two options: **"Create new wallet"** or "Recover wallet." Since this is a new device, you must select **"Create new wallet."** This command initiates the process of generating a brand-new set of private keys, the foundation of your digital wealth. If the device attempts to guide you to anything else, or if it skips the firmware step, immediately consult the official support pages.
Phase 3: Generating and Securing the Recovery Seed (Master Key)
This is the **most critical moment** of your entire setup. Your Trezor will now generate your **Recovery Seed**, typically 12, 18, or 24 words (following the industry standard BIP39 or the advanced SLIP39). These words are the **master key** to all your crypto assets. The words are generated using a random process that is entirely contained within the Trezor’s secure environment, meaning **they never leave the hardware wallet** and are never exposed to your internet-connected computer.
Your sole task is to **manually write down** this sequence of words onto the provided Recovery Cards. Use a reliable pen that won't bleed or fade. **DO NOT** take a photograph, save the words on your phone, type them into a computer file, or use any digital means whatsoever. The Seed must remain **permanently offline** to be secure. The security of your entire portfolio will be no better than the security of these physical cards. Once recorded, the Trezor Suite will prompt you to **verify** a select number of words, ensuring you transcribed them correctly. Only after successful verification is the process complete. Store the cards in a secure, fireproof, and hidden location, separate from your Trezor device. This separation is crucial: one protects against physical theft of the device, the other protects against disaster (like fire or flood).
Phase 4: Setting the PIN and Finalizing Security
The final step is setting your **PIN** (Personal Identification Number). The PIN provides local protection for your physical Trezor device, preventing casual theft access. When prompted, you will enter the PIN by looking at the random 3x3 grid displayed on your computer screen and using the physical buttons or screen on your Trezor device. This method, where the numbers shift position, protects you from keystroke loggers and screen-scraping malware. We recommend a PIN of at least **6 to 9 digits** for robust security.
For those with high-value assets, Trezor offers the **Passphrase** feature. This advanced layer adds a custom word or phrase *on top* of your Recovery Seed, creating a virtually impenetrable "hidden wallet." The passphrase is **only stored in your memory**, never on the device. It is optional, but it provides the highest level of security. Once the PIN is confirmed, your Trezor is initialized, protected, and ready to use. You can now access the Trezor Suite dashboard, confidently knowing that your device has been started correctly, following the highest standards of hardware security.