Welcome to Trezor: Your Path to Self-Sovereignty

Step 1: Inspect the Package

Before you even connect your Trezor device, it is crucial to inspect its physical packaging. Trezor devices are shipped with a tamper-evident seal on the box. This is a special, holographic seal that should be intact and undamaged. If the seal is broken, peeled, or shows any signs of tampering, do not use the device. Immediately contact Trezor support. This physical security measure ensures that the device has not been compromised between the factory and your hands. For Trezor Model T, the seal is a small sticker over the USB port. On the Trezor Model One, the sticker is on the box itself. Verifying this seal is the first line of defense against supply chain attacks.

Step 2: Connect Your Trezor

Use the provided USB cable to connect your Trezor hardware wallet to your computer. The Trezor device will power on and display a message, typically a lock icon and a URL like "Trezor.io/start." This message is a vital security feature, as it confirms that the device is running the original Trezor firmware and is prompting you to visit the official setup page. It also ensures your device is not a counterfeit. When you see this message, you can proceed with confidence to the next step.

Step 3: Download & Install Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the official desktop application for managing your wallet. It's the safest way to interact with your Trezor. Unlike web-based interfaces, which can be susceptible to phishing, Trezor Suite runs locally on your computer, creating an isolated and secure environment. Go directly to `Trezor.io/start` and click the prominent download button.

• Download the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
• Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Once installed, launch Trezor Suite. The application will guide you through the remaining setup steps.

Important: Do not trust third-party websites or direct download links found in search results or emails. Always start your journey at Trezor.io/start.

Step 4: Firmware Installation

When you first connect your Trezor, Trezor Suite will likely prompt you to install the latest firmware. This is a critical step. The firmware is the operating system of your Trezor device. The device will be in a "bootloader" state, a read-only mode, and will only accept official firmware signed by SatoshiLabs. Follow the prompts in Trezor Suite, and a progress bar will appear. The firmware is downloaded and installed directly from Trezor’s servers, ensuring its authenticity. Do not disconnect your device during this process.

Step 5: Your Recovery Seed - The Master Key

This is the single most important step in your entire cryptocurrency journey. Your Trezor will generate a unique 12- or 24-word "recovery seed." This seed is the mathematical representation of all your private keys and is your ultimate backup. You must treat it with the utmost care, as anyone who has access to this seed can gain full control of your funds.

• Prepare Your Recovery Card: Trezor comes with a blank recovery card for you to write your seed on. Get it ready, along with a pen.
• Write Down Each Word: Your Trezor device's screen will display the words of your recovery seed one by one. Do not look at your computer screen during this process. Write each word down carefully and clearly on the recovery card.
• Double-Check Everything: Once all words are written down, Trezor Suite will guide you through a verification process where you'll be asked to re-enter a few words in a random order to confirm you wrote them down correctly.

Crucial Rule: Never take a photo of your recovery seed. Never store it on your computer, in the cloud, or in a password manager. It is meant to be a physical, offline backup. Store it in a safe, secure, and private place away from fire and water.

Step 6: Setting Up a PIN

Your PIN is an extra layer of protection for your Trezor device. It prevents unauthorized physical access. Trezor uses a unique PIN entry method to protect against keyloggers.

• The Trezor screen will display a randomized grid of numbers.
• Your computer screen will show a blank keypad.
• To enter your PIN, you will click the positions on your computer's blank keypad that correspond to the numbers on your Trezor's screen. For example, if the number '7' is in the top-left corner on your Trezor's screen, you would click the top-left position on the computer screen to enter a '7'.

This method ensures that your PIN is never typed directly on your keyboard, making it immune to keylogging malware. Remember your PIN, as you will need it every time you connect your Trezor.

Step 7: Using Your Wallet for the First Time

Once the setup is complete, you'll be taken to the Trezor Suite dashboard. This is your command center. You'll see a list of supported cryptocurrencies and an overview of your portfolio. To receive your first funds, navigate to a specific coin (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum) and click the "Receive" tab. Trezor Suite will display an address and a QR code. The most important security step is to verify this address. Trezor Suite will ask you to confirm that the address displayed on your computer screen matches the one on your Trezor device. This prevents "address substitution" malware from tricking you.

Once you've verified the address on both screens, you can copy it and send it to the person or exchange that will be sending you funds. The funds will be secured by your Trezor as soon as the transaction is confirmed on the blockchain. When you need to send funds, you will enter the recipient's address and amount in Trezor Suite, and your device will again prompt you to physically verify the details and sign the transaction by pressing a button. This simple, physical act is what makes your Trezor wallet so secure.