TREZOR.IO/START® — STARTING UP YOUR DEVICE | OFFICIAL TREZOR® GUIDE

Phase 1: Verifying Authenticity and Installing Trezor Suite

The first critical step in securing your digital assets is to ensure you are interacting with authentic software and hardware. By strictly navigating to Trezor.io/Start, you confirm you are downloading the official **Trezor Suite** application. This desktop application is mandatory for Trezor device management and provides an isolated, secure environment for all transactions.

The Trezor philosophy is built upon the principle that your **private keys** must never leave the hardware device. **Trezor Suite** facilitates communication with your **Trezor device** (Model One or Model T), allowing you to manage accounts and view your portfolio, without ever holding or accessing your sensitive cryptographic data. Trust begins with the official source.

The Essential Security Protocol Before Setup

• **Device Integrity Check:** Before connecting, closely examine the seals and packaging of your **Trezor hardware wallet**. Any sign of tampering, damage, or prior opening means the device should not be used. Contact Trezor Support immediately.
• **Official Download:** Download and install **Trezor Suite** exclusively from Trezor.io/Start. Beware of malicious copies distributed through search engine advertisements or unofficial stores.
• **Preparation of Materials:** Gather the provided blank **Recovery Seed** cards and a reliable pen. These physical materials are irreplaceable.
• **Private Environment:** Ensure your setup location is private, quiet, and free from any cameras, observers, or recording devices. The upcoming steps are highly sensitive.

Once **Trezor Suite** is installed, launch the application. Connect your **Trezor device** via USB. The Suite will recognize your device and prompt you to begin the initialization process by selecting **"Create new wallet"**.

Phase 2: Generating and Securing Your Recovery Seed and PIN

This is the definitive, irreversible moment of establishing **self-custody**. The **Trezor device** will generate your **Recovery Seed**—a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 random words, compliant with the BIP-39 standard. This seed is your **master backup** and the cryptographic key to your entire digital fortune. It must be created and recorded while the device is offline.

The Trezor Offline Initialization Steps

1. **Firmware Installation:** If required, **Trezor Suite** will guide you to install or update the latest Trezor firmware. This is essential for the highest level of **crypto security**.
2. **Generate Recovery Seed:** The device screen will instruct you to generate a new **Recovery Seed**. The words will be displayed sequentially on the **Trezor device's screen** (the device's trusted display). **You MUST meticulously write down every single word, in the exact order, on your Recovery Seed card.**
3. **Set PIN Code:** Set a strong **PIN code** (up to 9 digits for Model One, up to 50 characters for Model T). This PIN is your daily access lock and prevents physical theft from being effective.
4. **Backup Verification:** To prevent transcription errors, **Trezor Suite** and the device will require you to confirm random words from your written **Recovery Seed**. This mandatory step verifies the accuracy of your physical **backup**.
5. **Secure Storage:** Once initialization is complete, store the physical **Recovery Seed** cards in a highly secure, private, and durable location (e.g., a metal backup solution, fireproof safe). **Never digitize or photograph this seed.**

Your **Recovery Seed** is the core of your security. If you lose the device, the **Recovery Seed** allows you to recover your funds on a new Trezor or any other compatible wallet. If anyone else gains access to the seed, they gain access to your funds. The responsibility for its protection rests solely with you.

Phase 3: Trezor Suite Mastery and On-Device Transaction Approval

With your **Trezor hardware wallet** fully initialized, the **Trezor Suite** application becomes your daily management tool. The security of the system lies in the fact that every critical action—sending funds, swapping crypto, or enabling advanced features—requires physical confirmation on the secure screen of your Trezor device.

Core Security Features and Workflow

• **Account Management:** Use **Trezor Suite** to easily add and manage various crypto accounts supported by your Trezor device, keeping all your digital assets organized in one secure place.
• **Secure Receiving Address Verification:** When generating a receive address in **Trezor Suite**, you will always be prompted to **verify the address on your Trezor device's screen**. You must visually match the address shown on your computer to the address on the device. This defends against clipboard hijacking and address-swapping malware.
• **Transaction Signing (Clear Signing):** This is the ultimate defense. For any transaction that moves value, **Trezor Suite** sends the unsigned data to the device. You must **physically review the recipient address, amount, and fees** on the device's secure screen. Only when the details are verified and correct do you press the physical button(s) to sign the transaction, guaranteeing that "What You See Is What You Sign."
• **Passphrase (25th Word):** **Trezor Suite** allows users to enable the advanced Passphrase feature. This optional extra word acts as a secret multiplier for your **Recovery Seed**, creating a "hidden" wallet for enhanced protection against sophisticated threats or coercion.

By following the authoritative guide found at Trezor.io/Start, you have successfully deployed a sophisticated, hardware-based security solution. You have eliminated third-party risk, secured your **private keys** offline, and empowered yourself with the confidence that comes with true **crypto self-custody**.