TREZOR.IO/START | GETTING STARTED WITH YOUR TREZOR® HARDWARE WALLET

🔗 Section 1: The Secure Start — Accessing Trezor Suite and Firmware

Welcome to the world of secure self-custody. The setup process for your Trezor hardware wallet begins by accessing the official Trezor interface and installing the latest firmware. This initial phase is crucial for ensuring the authenticity and integrity of your device.

1.1 Mandatory Official Entry Point

To avoid phishing and malware, you must only access the setup process through the official, verified URL. Trezor uses **Trezor Suite**, the official application interface, to manage your device and assets.

1. **Manual URL Entry:** Open your web browser and manually type the starting URL: https://suite.trezor.io/web/.
2. **Trezor Suite:** Trezor Suite (available as a desktop application or a web interface) is the essential software for connecting, setting up, and managing your Trezor device.
3. **Connect Device:** Connect your Trezor device (Model One or Model T) to your computer using the supplied USB cable.

Your Trezor device will initially display a lock screen or a message prompting you to visit trezor.io/start, which redirects you to the Trezor Suite download/access page.

💾 Section 2: Firmware and Device Integrity Check

The first interaction between Trezor Suite and your device is the installation of the firmware. This is a critical security step designed to prevent the use of compromised or uninitialized devices.

2.1 Trezor Integrity Verification

A brand new Trezor device will not have firmware installed. Trezor Suite will detect this and prompt you to install the latest official firmware. This process is secure because the firmware package is cryptographically verified by Trezor before installation.

• **Automated Prompt:** Trezor Suite will offer to install the firmware. Click "Install Firmware."
• **Verification:** The Trezor device screen will display the official Trezor fingerprint or signature. **You must visually confirm** that this fingerprint matches the one displayed in the Trezor Suite software before proceeding. This confirms the firmware is genuine.
• **Installation:** The firmware is installed. The device is now ready for setup.

2.2 Resetting vs. Recovering

Trezor Suite will next offer two choices: **Create New Wallet** or **Recover Wallet**. For a new device, you must choose **Create New Wallet** to generate a fresh, secure set of private keys.

📜 Section 3: The Recovery Seed Protocol — The Master Key

The Recovery Seed (12, 18, or 24 words) is the unencrypted, absolute backup of your entire Trezor wallet. This phase requires your full, focused attention and must be performed offline.

3.1 Generating the Seed and Setting the PIN

1. **PIN Setup:** Trezor Suite will first prompt you to set up a **PIN code** (4 to 9 digits). You enter the PIN on the computer screen using the randomized key layout displayed on your physical Trezor device.
2. **Seed Generation:** The 12, 18, or 24 words are displayed **EXCLUSIVELY on your Trezor device screen**, one by one.
3. **Handwritten Backup:** Use the supplied paper card(s). Write the words down clearly, in the correct numerical order, without making any spelling errors.
4. **Absolute Isolation:** **The seed phrase must never be typed into your computer or mobile phone.** The purpose of the hardware wallet is to keep this key offline.

3.2 Verifying and Storing the Seed

After writing down the seed, Trezor Suite will prompt the device to perform a verification check, where you will be asked to re-enter a few specific words (e.g., words 4, 12, and 20) using the Trezor device screen and the randomized layout. Once verified, store the physical backup securely, separate from your device.

💼 Section 4: Daily Crypto Management with Trezor Suite

Trezor Suite is the secure, unified desktop or web application used for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio and interacting with your Trezor device day-to-day.

4.1 Portfolio View and Account Setup

Trezor Suite allows you to create separate accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other cryptocurrencies. It provides a real-time, consolidated view of your portfolio value by securely deriving your public addresses and syncing blockchain data.

4.2 Transaction Signing Protocol (On-Device Verification)

The core security of Trezor relies on the **"Trust only the Trezor screen"** principle for every action:

• **Receiving Addresses:** When generating an address to receive funds in Trezor Suite, the address is simultaneously displayed on the small Trezor screen. You **must visually compare and confirm** the address on the device matches the address in the software.
• **Sending Transactions:** When sending funds, Trezor Suite prepares the transaction, but the final details (recipient address, exact amount, and network fee) are pushed to the Trezor screen. You **must physically review these details** on the device before pressing the physical confirmation button.

4.3 Advanced Security: Passphrase (25th Word)

Trezor Suite offers an optional advanced security feature called the **Passphrase** (or 25th word). This feature creates a hidden, entirely new wallet derived from your original 24-word seed plus a password of your choosing. This provides extreme protection against physical compromise of your 24-word seed.

**Passphrase Note:** If you use a Passphrase, Trezor Suite will ask for it every time you connect. If you forget your Passphrase, your funds are permanently lost, as it is never stored anywhere, not even on the device.

✅ Section 5: Maintenance and Safe Practices

Congratulations, your Trezor device is set up. Maintaining security requires vigilance and ongoing adherence to best practices.

1. **Secure Seed Storage:** Ensure your Recovery Seed is protected from fire, water, and theft. Consider a metal backup solution.
2. **Software Updates:** Keep the Trezor Suite application and your device firmware updated to the latest versions. Trezor Suite will notify you automatically.
3. **Phishing Awareness:** Be acutely aware that Trezor Support will **never** contact you first and **never** ask for your Recovery Seed.
4. **Use Verified Ecosystem:** Utilize Trezor Suite for all transactions rather than external software when possible, as Trezor Suite provides a fully vetted, secure environment.