Trezor.io/start — Get Started with Your Trezor Device

A comprehensive guide to safe and secure cryptocurrency self-custody.

1. The Self-Custody Imperative

In the world of digital assets, the mantra **"Not your keys, not your coin"** is paramount. Your Trezor device is the ultimate tool for achieving true self-custody. It isolates your private keys from vulnerable online computers, ensuring that even if your PC is compromised, your funds remain secure. This process, starting at **Trezor.io/start**, is your first step towards becoming your own bank.

Unboxing Checklist: What You Need

Verify the holographic seal on the device itself. If the seal is broken or shows any signs of manipulation, **do not proceed** and contact Trezor support immediately.

2. Trezor Suite Installation

The Trezor Suite desktop application is the official interface for managing your assets, securely interacting with the hardware wallet. This software must be downloaded directly from the official link provided on **Trezor.io/start** to avoid phishing attempts.

Downloading and Verification

After connecting your Trezor to your computer using the supplied USB cable, your browser will typically redirect you or instruct you to download the Trezor Suite app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Always double-check the URL in your browser's address bar to confirm you are on the legitimate Trezor website before downloading any software. The app provides a dedicated, safer environment than a web interface.

3. Essential Device Configuration

Firmware Installation (The Operating System)

Upon launching Trezor Suite, the first step for a new device is installing the official Trezor firmware. The firmware is the operating system for your wallet. It's automatically verified by the Suite to ensure its authenticity. This process might take a few moments and must not be interrupted. **Crucially, the firmware is the final security layer against malicious code being loaded onto the device.**

Setting Your PIN

The PIN is your first line of defense against physical theft. It's entered on the computer screen, but the number layout is displayed randomly on the Trezor screen. This ingenious design, known as **"Blind PIN Entry"**, prevents keyloggers on your computer from recording the actual numbers you press. Choose a strong PIN (6 to 9 digits is recommended) and memorize it. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized local access.

4. The Recovery Seed: Your Ultimate Backup

***This is the most critical step. Get this wrong, and your funds may be lost forever.***

Your Recovery Seed (a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words) is the cryptographic master key that backs up all your wallets and private keys. If your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this seed is the only way to recover your funds onto a new device.

The Generation and Writing Process

  1. **Generate:** The Trezor device will display the words one by one on its screen.
  2. **Write Down:** Use the provided official seed cards and write the words down *in order*, clearly and legibly.
  3. **Verify:** The Trezor Suite will prompt you to verify a few words from the sequence to confirm you wrote them correctly.
  4. **Crucial Rule:** **NEVER** digitize this seed. Do not take photos, store it on a computer, email it, or type it into any website. It must remain *offline* (air-gapped) and *physical*.

Securing the Seed

Store your physical Recovery Seed in a safe location, separated from the Trezor device itself. Consider fireproof or waterproof solutions, such as metal engraving plates, for long-term protection against environmental hazards. If anyone gains access to your seed, they gain access to your entire cryptocurrency portfolio, regardless of your PIN.

5. Managing Assets with Trezor Suite

Once setup is complete, the Trezor Suite becomes your daily interface. You can now use the app to generate wallet addresses and start receiving cryptocurrency.

Sending and Receiving Funds