Welcome to the world of true self-custody. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to initialize your new Trezor hardware device and secure your digital assets.
Your Trezor device is the ultimate vault for your digital wealth. Unlike traditional custody solutions, it places you firmly in control. The setup process is designed for maximum security, requiring you to interact directly with the device itself to handle the most sensitive information. We recommend dedicating a distraction-free 15-20 minutes to complete this initial safeguarding ritual.
Before connecting your device, thoroughly inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering, unauthorized opening, or damage. Your hardware device is shipped with protective seals—ensure these are perfectly intact. If anything seems suspicious, do not proceed. Contact Trezor support immediately for assistance and a replacement.
You will need your Trezor device, the provided USB cable, a reliable computer, and the **wallet backup** card (or cards) and a pen. Critically, ensure your environment is private and secure before starting. No cameras, no onlookers, and certainly no screenshots of your screen should be taken.
To ensure you have the most secure experience, navigate directly to **Trezor.io/start** and download the official Trezor Suite application for your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). While a web version exists, the dedicated desktop application offers enhanced privacy and reliability. Once downloaded, install and open the software to begin the guided setup flow.
Open Trezor Suite and connect your device to your computer using the supplied cable. The Suite application will automatically detect the device. The initial interaction will involve a quick security check to ensure your device is genuine and ready for setup.
Your Trezor is shipped without operational software to prevent supply chain tampering. The Suite will prompt you to install the latest official firmware. This critical step must be performed using the Trezor Suite exclusively. Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm the installation on your device's screen or button(s) when prompted.
Once the firmware is installed, Trezor Suite will present you with the choice to either 'Create new vault' or 'Restore existing vault.' As a new user, select **'Create new vault'** to generate a completely new, mathematically unique set of cryptographic keys for your assets. This is the foundation of your security.
This is the most crucial part of the setup. Your **wallet backup** is the key to recovering your funds if your Trezor device is ever lost, damaged, or stolen. Treat this information as you would physical gold.
The Trezor Suite will guide you to begin the backup process. Your device will now generate and display a series of unique words (typically 12 or 24 words, depending on the model and chosen method) on its trusted, physical screen. This word list will only ever be shown on your device's secure display.
Carefully write down each word, in the correct numerical order, on the designated, provided backup card. Do not use any digital method—no photos, no typing, no cloud storage. Once recorded, the Suite will prompt you to confirm a few of the words (in a random order) back into the device to ensure your manual record is accurate. Do not proceed until you have verified your copy is 100% correct.
After successful verification, store your physical wallet backup card in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location, separated from the Trezor device itself. This separation is key to maximizing security against physical threats.
The final layer of device protection is your Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will be prompted to set a strong, numeric PIN using the randomized grid shown on the computer screen and confirmed directly on the Trezor's physical interface. This PIN prevents unauthorized physical access to your device. We recommend a length of 6 to 12 digits. Never share this number, and consider recording it securely (separate from your wallet backup).
With your wallet backup secured and your PIN set, you can finalize the setup within Trezor Suite. You will be able to name your device and select which digital currencies you wish to activate for immediate use. You are now ready to begin receiving and sending assets, managing your digital portfolio with the superior protection offered by your Trezor hardware device.
Absolute Security Warning: Never enter your wallet backup words into any computer, phone, or website, even if it appears to be a prompt from Trezor. Your physical device is the only trusted display for these words. Anyone who possesses your wallet backup has full access to your assets.
Your journey into self-custody is complete. Remember to check for software updates only through the official Trezor Suite, and to always confirm transaction details like receiving addresses and fees on the trusted screen of your hardware device before approving any movement of your assets. Welcome to total control.