Trezor.io/Start Setup

Before connecting your new device, performing a thorough **Trezor unboxing security check** is mandatory. True **cold storage security** begins with verifying the physical integrity of the packaging. Look carefully for any signs of tampering, such as damaged holographic seals (for Trezor One) or compromised adhesive stickers (for Trezor Model T). If you detect any irregularities, contact official Trezor support immediately. The device itself should never come with pre-installed firmware or a pre-generated **recovery seed backup** phrase. If it does, it is compromised and must not be used. This foundational step is crucial to mitigate supply chain attacks and confirm you are starting with a secure base.

After confirming the package integrity, connect your Trezor device to your computer using the supplied USB cable. The device screen should light up (on Model T) or simply connect (on Trezor One). At this stage, your computer operating system may attempt to install drivers; allow this process to complete. The device is now physically ready for the next step: installing the necessary software to begin the **Trezor initial setup**. Remember, your private keys have not been generated yet, so the device is currently harmless and safe to handle.

The centerpiece of the **Trezor initial setup** is **Trezor Suite**. This dedicated desktop application or web interface (when used with Trezor Bridge) guides you through every remaining step. Navigating directly to **Trezor.io/Start** is the safest way to download the official software. Once downloaded, install the Trezor Suite. This software will automatically prompt you to install or update the latest official Trezor firmware. It is imperative that you **always confirm firmware updates** directly on your Trezor device screen, not just on your computer screen. This vital security step prevents your host computer from pushing malicious firmware onto the device.

The combination of the secured physical hardware and the Trezor Suite software forms a complete, protected environment for **digital asset management**. The firmware installation process will take a few minutes. If you are setting up a Model T, the update is performed directly on the device’s secure chip. For the Trezor One, the process is equally secure. Always ensure your USB connection is stable during this critical phase. Once the firmware is confirmed and your device is named, you are ready for the most important step: setting up your private key protections.

The first layer of defense is the PIN. The Trezor Suite will prompt you to **set a unique PIN**. This PIN prevents unauthorized physical access to your device. On the Trezor Model T, you enter the PIN directly on the touchscreen. For the Trezor One, you enter the PIN using the randomized grid shown on your computer screen, mapping the numbers to the position on the device. Never enter your PIN on your computer's keyboard or mouse clickpad; this protection against keyloggers is central to **Trezor security**. Choose a PIN that is at least 6 digits long.

The second, and most critical, layer is the **recovery seed backup**. This is a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words (depending on your device model) that is the absolute master key to your cryptocurrency. The Trezor Suite will guide you through writing down this seed *offline* on the provided recovery cards. **Do not take a photo of the seed, do not type it into a computer, and do not store it digitally.** The security of your entire **digital asset portfolio** depends solely on the physical security of these words. Treat this **hardware wallet initial setup** component with the highest level of caution. We emphasize the importance of physically safeguarding this **recovery seed phrase** as part of the official **Trezor.io/Start guide**.

After writing the seed, the Trezor Suite will perform a verification test to ensure you correctly recorded the words. This verification step is non-optional and ensures the integrity of your **Trezor seed backup**. Once confirmed, your device is fully initialized and ready to receive and send cryptocurrency, operating under the highest standard of **Trezor cold storage security**.