Welcome to the world of self-sovereignty! Setting up your new Trezor hardware wallet is the most crucial step on your journey to taking full, secure control of your digital wealth. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire initialization process, from unboxing to securing your very first transaction, all starting at the official Trezor start page.
Before you begin the digital setup, ensure you have the necessary components and a dedicated, private space to complete the process without interruption. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Navigate directly to the official Trezor.io/start in your web browser. This page will prompt you to connect your hardware wallet via the supplied USB cable. It will then direct you to either download the dedicated Trezor Suite desktop application or to proceed with the web version. We highly recommend the desktop application for the best experience and security practice.
The first steps involve verifying the device's authenticity and installing the necessary, official operating software (firmware) to make your Trezor fully functional.
Your Trezor device ships without the core operating firmware. The Trezor Suite application will recognize this and prompt you to Install firmware. Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm the action on your physical Trezor screen. This ensures you have the latest, verified software from Trezor.
Once the firmware installation is complete, you will be given two options: Create new wallet or Restore wallet. As a first-time user, select Create new wallet. Your Trezor device will then internally generate your unique, secret sequence of words—your Wallet Backup.
The Wallet Backup (also known as a recovery phrase or seed) is the master key to your digital assets. It is the ONLY way to recover your funds if your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged. This step must be performed with absolute focus and precision.
The Trezor screen will display a series of 12, 18, or 24 words in a specific, sequential order. **Crucially, you must write these words down accurately on the provided physical backup cards.** Confirm each word on the device as prompted by the Suite software. Do not rush this process.
ABSOLUTE SECURITY MANDATE: Never, under any circumstance, digitize your Wallet Backup. Do not take photos, save it on a computer, email it, or store it in any cloud-based application. It must remain **offline** and **physical** at all times.
With your Wallet Backup safely recorded, the next step is to set up your primary defense mechanism against unauthorized physical access: your Personal Identification Number (PIN).
You will be prompted to set a PIN. The number entry is performed by viewing a randomly shuffled number grid on your Trezor device's screen and clicking the corresponding position on the Trezor Suite interface. This unique input method prevents key-logging software from capturing your code.
Personalize your Trezor by assigning a unique device name. This helps you easily identify it in the Trezor Suite. You can also select the digital assets you wish to see and manage within the Suite. Once named, click Complete Setup, and your Trezor is now initialized and ready for use!
Your hardware wallet is now the vault for your private keys, but true security involves using best practices when managing your digital portfolio.
When you are ready to move digital assets to your Trezor, you will generate a receiving address in the Trezor Suite. **Always, and without exception, verify that the address displayed on your computer screen matches the one shown on your physical Trezor device’s screen.** This step defends against address-substitution malware.
For an unparalleled layer of security, Trezor offers an optional **Passphrase** feature. This acts as a 25th word (if you have a 24-word backup) that creates a 'hidden' digital wallet. If an attacker gains access to your Wallet Backup, they still cannot access your funds without this secret passphrase. However, if you forget your passphrase, your funds are permanently inaccessible. Use this feature only after you fully understand its implications.
Congratulations! You have successfully taken a major step toward financial independence and security. With your Trezor initialized and your Wallet Backup safely stored offline, you are now the sole custodian of your digital wealth.
**Welcome to Trezor: The standard for self-custody.**