Trézor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device

Starting your new Trézor device is the single most important action you will take to secure your digital assets. This process involves not just physical connection, but the establishment of a robust, layered defense mechanism against both digital and physical threats. The first step involves connecting your device to your computer and installing the official Trézor Suite software, which acts as the trusted interface for all future interactions. Always download this Suite directly from the official Trézor.io domain to mitigate the risk of malicious software interception. Once connected, the Suite will guide you through firmware installation, a crucial step that ensures your device's internal operating system is up-to-date and verified as authentic. This verification process prevents supply chain attacks, providing confidence that your device is running certified code from the manufacturer.

The heart of your device’s security lies in the generation of your unique recovery seed. This sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words is mathematically linked to every private key the wallet will ever hold. The seed is displayed on the device's screen—never on your computer—to shield it from keyloggers or screen scrapers. You must carefully transcribe this seed phrase onto the provided recovery card. It is a mandatory security protocol to treat this paper backup as the most valuable asset you own. Losing the physical device is a minor inconvenience if you have your seed; losing your seed, or having it compromised, means losing your funds forever. Reviewing and confirming the transcribed seed back to the device is essential before proceeding, locking the seed away securely, and never digitizing it.

Following the seed backup, you will be prompted to set a strong Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN serves as a physical access password, required every time you plug in and use the device. The PIN input mechanism utilizes a randomized number pad displayed on the computer screen, corresponding to a fixed grid shown on the Trézor screen. This innovative method, known as a 'blind PIN entry,' defeats screen recording and mouse tracking malware, ensuring your PIN remains private even on a compromised computer. Choose a PIN of at least 6 digits for optimal security, and memorize it. While the recovery seed can restore your account if you forget the PIN, the PIN protects your funds from immediate theft if the device is momentarily unattended or lost.

The final step involves naming your device and familiarizing yourself with the Trézor Suite dashboard. The dashboard is your operational hub, allowing you to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, send and receive transactions, and manage advanced security features like Passphrases (optional, but highly recommended for expert users). After completing these steps, your Trézor is initialized, verified, and ready for use. By following this meticulous process, you have established a secure, offline, air-gapped environment for your private keys, providing you with true ownership and control over your digital wealth. You are now ready to begin securely transferring assets to your new wallet addresses.