You've taken the first, most important step toward **financial freedom** and **true ownership** of your digital assets. Your new Trezor is the world's original hardware wallet, designed to keep your private keys—the secret to your crypto—completely isolated from the internet and protected from online threats. This guide will walk you through the essential setup process.
🚨 Important Security Check: Before connecting your device, inspect the packaging. Check for any signs of tampering, such as damaged seals, opened boxes, or scratches on the device itself. **If you notice anything suspicious, DO NOT use the device.** Contact Trezor Customer Support immediately for a replacement.
âś… The 4 Steps to Secure Setup
Setting up your Trezor is a fast, 15-minute process conducted entirely within the **Trezor Suite** application. This is the official desktop and web app for managing your Trezor device and your crypto portfolio.
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**Step 1: Download and Install Trezor Suite**
The Trezor Suite application is your secure interface for interacting with your hardware wallet. For the best experience and highest level of security, we recommend the **Desktop App** over the web version.
- Download the latest version from the official link provided above or on the Trezor website.
- Install the application on your computer.
- Open Trezor Suite and connect your Trezor device with the USB cable provided.
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**Step 2: Authenticate and Install Firmware**
When you connect a brand new Trezor, it arrives without its operating system (firmware). This is a crucial security feature. Trezor Suite will guide you through the following:
- **Device Authenticity Check:** This step confirms your Trezor is genuine and manufactured by SatoshiLabs.
- **Firmware Installation:** Click the 'Install firmware' button. The firmware will be downloaded, verified, and installed onto your Trezor. **Never download firmware from a source other than Trezor Suite.**
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**Step 3: Create Your Wallet and Write Down Your Backup**
This is the **most critical part** of the entire setup. Your Trezor will generate a unique sequence of words—your **wallet backup** (also known as a recovery seed). This backup is the master key to your crypto, and only you should ever know it.
- Select **"Create new wallet"** within Trezor Suite.
- Your Trezor screen will display the words, one-by-one, in a specific order. You **must** write these words down on the provided **Recovery Seed Card**.
- **Crucially, do not take a photo of the words, type them on your computer, or store them online.** They must remain offline and secure.
- You will be prompted to confirm your backup to ensure you've written it down correctly.
**⚠️ Never Enter Your Backup Online:** Your wallet backup should ONLY be entered on the physical Trezor device itself (for Model T/Safe 5) or via the scrambled display pattern (for Model One) during a recovery process. **A legitimate Trezor application will NEVER ask you to type your backup words into your computer.** Any app that asks for this is a scam. -
**Step 4: Set Your PIN and Complete Setup**
Your **Personal Identification Number (PIN)** protects your Trezor from unauthorized physical access.
- Select **"Set PIN"** in Trezor Suite.
- You will be instructed to set your PIN using the device screen (Trezor Model T/Safe 5) or by matching the pattern displayed on your computer to the device's screen (Trezor Model One). **The PIN is entered securely on your device, not your computer keyboard.**
- Choose a strong, unique PIN (a minimum of 4 digits, but the longer the better).
- Once the PIN is set, you can customize your wallet, choose which coins to activate, and complete the setup.
Explore Trezor Suite and Wallet Features
Once setup is complete, you will be taken to the **Trezor Suite Dashboard**. Your Trezor is now initialized and ready to secure your assets. You can begin transferring cryptocurrencies from exchanges or software wallets to your Trezor addresses.
Core Security and Functionality
- **Self-Custody:** You hold the keys. No third party (like an exchange or bank) can freeze, seize, or lose your funds.
- **Secure Transaction Verification:** All transaction details (send address, amount) are displayed on your Trezor's screen. You must physically confirm them, preventing hackers from tampering with transactions on your computer.
- **Passphrase (Advanced Security):** For an expert-level of security, you can enable a Passphrase. This is an extra word or phrase that creates a **hidden wallet** tied to your main backup. It adds an impenetrable layer of protection against physically compromised backups.
- **Integrated Crypto Operations:** Within Trezor Suite, you can securely **Buy, Swap, and Stake** many cryptocurrencies without exposing your private keys.
- **dApp and DeFi Access:** Connect securely to decentralized applications (dApps), DeFi platforms, and NFT marketplaces using Trezor's support for protocols like **WalletConnect**.
Your financial independence starts now. With your Trezor set up and your wallet backup safely stored offline, you are now a sovereign individual in the world of digital finance. Welcome to a higher standard of security.