Your Absolute Guide to Starting with Trezor.io/start

Congratulations on taking the crucial step toward digital asset autonomy! Your Trezor device is a state-of-the-art instrument designed for **self-custody**, meaning you, and only you, have control over your valuable digital assets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire initialization process, from unboxing to securing your first transaction, ensuring a smooth and highly secure experience.

It is paramount that you complete this setup process with **undivided focus** in a private environment. Do not rush, and never compromise on the security steps outlined below.

Phase 1: Preparation and First Connection

Step 1: Check Your Device Packaging

Your journey begins before you even touch the device. Carefully inspect the physical packaging. Look for any signs of tampering, tears, or previous opening. Your hardware wallet is shipped with a crucial **security seal** (holographic or similar) over its connection port or packaging. This seal must be completely intact. **If you notice any damage or signs of tampering, immediately stop the setup and contact the product's official support channel.**

Step 2: Accessing the Official Setup Tool

The central hub for managing your device is the companion software, often referred to as **Trezor Suite**. To begin, you must navigate directly to the official start page: Trezor.io/start. From this page, you will be guided to download and install the dedicated desktop application for your operating system (or use the web-based interface).

• Download and Verify: Select the appropriate version for your system and initiate the download.
• Installation: Follow the on-screen prompts to install the application.
• Open Suite: Launch the application and connect your hardware device to your computer using the supplied cable.

Step 3: Device Integrity and Firmware Installation

Upon connecting, the Trezor Suite application will perform an **authenticity check** to verify that your device is genuine. This process is automatic and essential for your security.

1. The application will prompt you to **Install Firmware**. Firmware is the essential operational software for your device.
2. Confirm the installation, and the process will begin. **Do not disconnect your device** until the firmware installation is 100% complete and confirmed by both the device screen and the application.

Phase 2: Wallet Creation and Ultimate Protection

Step 4: Create a New Wallet

Once the firmware is installed, the application will guide you to the next crucial step: **Create a New Wallet**. Choose this option unless you are intentionally recovering an existing wallet from a previous backup phrase.

Step 5: Recording Your Wallet Backup (The Core Security Step)

Your Trezor device will display a sequence of typically **12, 18, or 24 words** in a specific order. Follow these protocols strictly:

1. Use the **official backup card** provided in your box and a pen.
2. **Write each word down clearly and in the correct numerical order.** Double-check your spelling as you go.
3. **NEVER** take a digital photo, store it on a computer, or transmit it electronically. It must remain **air-gapped** (never touched by an internet-connected device).
4. Once recorded, the Trezor device will often ask you to **verify** a few words from your written list to confirm you recorded them correctly.
5. After successful verification, store the backup card in a secure, fireproof, and physically hidden location.

Step 6: Establishing Your Device Protection Code

To prevent unauthorized physical access to your device, you must set a protection code (PIN). This is entered using the physical device screen and a corresponding randomly generated grid displayed in the Trezor Suite interface.

1. The Trezor Suite will present a grid of dots. The **numbers are displayed only on the Trezor screen**.
2. You will use the on-screen grid to select the location corresponding to the numbers on your device. This process prevents screen capture tools from discovering your code.
3. Enter your chosen code twice for confirmation. **Choose a code you can remember, but one that is not easily guessable (not 1234 or your birth date).**

Phase 3: Finalizing Setup and Daily Use

Step 7: Finalizing the Initial Setup

With your backup recorded and your protection code set, you are nearly complete. You can optionally name your device and select which digital assets you wish to see displayed in your Trezor Suite portfolio dashboard. You can always change these settings later.

Click **"Complete Setup"** to finalize the initialization.

Step 8: Receiving Your First Digital Assets

The primary use of your hardware wallet is to secure your assets. To do this, you must transfer them from an exchange or another holding place to an address controlled by your Trezor device. This is done through the **Receive** function within the Trezor Suite.

• Navigate to the desired account (e.g., Bitcoin) and select the **Receive** option.
• The Trezor Suite will generate a fresh **receiving address**.
• **Crucially:** The application will prompt you to **verify this address on the physical Trezor screen.** Only proceed if the address displayed in the Suite **perfectly matches** the address displayed on your Trezor device. This verification step defeats most online threats.
• Use this verified address to initiate the transfer from your outside source.

Step 9: Transmitting Assets (Sending Out)

When you need to send assets, the hardware wallet acts as your personal confirmation terminal.

1. In Trezor Suite, navigate to the desired account and select the **Send** option.
2. Input the destination address and the amount.
3. Connect and unlock your Trezor device with your protection code.
4. The Trezor device will display the **full transaction details** (destination address, amount, fees) on its screen.
5. You must **physically confirm** the details on the Trezor device before the transaction is broadcast to the network. **Do not confirm if the details do not match your expectation.**

By following this comprehensive guide, you have successfully set up your Trezor device. You are now in full control of your digital future, safeguarded by world-class hardware security. Remember: **Your keys, your coins.**