Trezor Setup

Welcome to Security: Official Trezor Activation Guide

Follow these essential steps to securely activate your new **Trezor hardware wallet** and begin your journey into safe **cold storage**.

Start Your Trezor Setup Now

Step 1: Physical Verification and Anti-Tampering Check

Before connecting your device, the single most critical step is ensuring your Trezor arrived safe and sound. Trezor uses multiple layers of physical protection to guarantee the device has not been tampered with in transit. This is fundamental to **Trezor security**.

  • For Trezor Model T:

    • The package must have a holographic seal covering the USB port. The hologram should be perfectly intact. If it appears scratched, peeled, or damaged in any way, **DO NOT PROCEED**. Contact Trezor support immediately.

  • For Trezor Model One:

    • The device comes with a security sticker applied over the connector. This sticker should be flawless. Once you peel it off, the word "VOID" will appear, indicating it has been opened. If "VOID" is visible before you open it, **STOP** and contact support.

**Action:** Once verified, connect your device to your computer using the original USB cable. It will display a simple message like "Go to trezor.io/start."

Step 2: Download and Install Trezor Suite

The official **Trezor Suite** is the dedicated desktop application required for seamless device activation and **crypto management**. While a web version exists, the desktop version offers greater security by running locally on your computer, minimizing browser-related risks.

  • **Official Source is Key:** Always navigate directly to suite.trezor.io to download the software. Never follow links from emails, social media, or search ads.
  • **Compatibility:** Trezor Suite supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. Download the version corresponding to your operating system.
  • **Open the App:** Once installed, launch the application. It will automatically detect your connected Trezor device and initiate the **Trezor setup** process.
Mockup of the official Trezor Suite download page.

Step 3: Installing Firmware and Creating Your PIN

A. Firmware Installation

The Trezor Suite will prompt you to install the latest official firmware. This process is automatically verified by the Suite to ensure cryptographic authenticity. Follow the on-screen instructions, which will guide you through confirming the installation on the Trezor device's screen itself. This step ensures your device is running the most recent and secure version of the Trezor operating system.

B. Creating Your Security PIN

Your PIN is the primary protection against unauthorized physical access to your device. When prompted, you will enter the PIN by clicking on the corresponding numbers on your computer screen, based on the grid pattern displayed **on your Trezor screen**. The numbers randomize every time, preventing screen-scraping malware from tracking your input. Choose a strong PIN, ideally 8 digits or longer, and **never share it**.

Step 4: The Recovery Seed – Your Absolute Backup

The **Recovery Seed** (or mnemonic seed) is a list of 12, 18, or 24 random words that acts as the master key to all your cryptocurrency funds. If your Trezor device is lost, stolen, or damaged, this seed is the only way to recover your wallet on a new device. This step is the most critical part of the entire **Trezor onboarding** process.

The Backup Process

  • The Trezor will display the words one by one (or all at once on the Model T screen).
  • **Crucially:** Write the words down *only* on the provided physical **Recovery Seed Card**.
  • Do not take pictures, store the words on a computer, or email them to yourself. This defeats the purpose of cold storage.
  • Verify the words one more time when prompted by the Suite.

Recovery Seed Safety Rules

  • **Storage:** Store the physical card in a secure, fireproof, and waterproof location (e.g., a safe or safety deposit box).
  • **Privacy:** Ensure no one observes you writing down or confirming the words.
  • **The Golden Rule:** The recovery seed is not password-protected. Anyone who finds it can take your funds. Guard it like physical cash.

Completion of this step confirms your wallet is now secured against physical device loss.

Step 5: Advanced Security (The Passphrase) and Finishing Setup

Enable the Passphrase (25th Word)

For users with significant holdings, the Passphrase feature offers an advanced, optional layer of security. This is an additional word or phrase that you memorize and enter into **Trezor Suite** every time you unlock your device. It creates a "hidden wallet," making your primary wallet appear empty if someone were to steal your Trezor and know your PIN, or even find your recovery seed.

**Warning:** If you forget your passphrase, your funds are permanently lost, even if you have the recovery seed. Use this feature only if you are confident you can memorize it perfectly.

6. Name Your Device

Personalize your Trezor within the Suite for easy identification.

7. Check Firmware Status

Ensure the Suite confirms "All good!" or "Device is Genuine."

8. Ready to Transact

You are now ready to send your first transaction into **cold storage**.

Congratulations! Your **Trezor hardware wallet** is fully activated, backed up, and secured. The final step is to send a small test transaction to confirm everything works as expected before transferring your main holdings. Always double-check the recipient address on both the **Trezor Suite** screen and your physical Trezor device.