Welcome to the Trezor Community
You've taken the essential step toward **self-custody** and digital independence. Your new Trezor hardware wallet is the gold standard for protecting your cryptocurrency and sensitive data. Before you can access the ultimate security features, you must complete the initialization process. This page, **Trezor.io/Start**, is the only official, verified source for that process. By starting here, you ensure maximum protection against phishing and malware, guaranteeing a secure foundation for your crypto wealth. We recommend performing this setup on a clean, private computer connection.
The entire setup is guided by the official Trezor Suite application and will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes. It involves several critical steps that isolate your private keys from the internet, a fundamental principle of hardware wallet security. **Never enter your Recovery Seed on a computer, phone, or any online form.** The process is designed for maximum offline protection. If you suspect any tampering with your device or packaging, stop immediately and contact Trezor support.
Your 4 Critical Setup Steps
Download Trezor Suite
Download the dedicated **Trezor Suite** desktop application. This application is your secure, all-in-one interface for managing your assets, conducting trades, and monitoring your portfolio. Using the desktop app provides the highest level of security by isolating your wallet management from the vulnerabilities inherent in web browsers. It runs natively and is the foundation of the best Trezor experience.
Install Firmware
Your new Trezor device ships without the core operating firmware to ensure its integrity. Trezor Suite will automatically detect your connected device and prompt you to install the latest version. This process is fully verified and confirmed on the physical device screen itself. Always confirm firmware installation and checks directly on your Trezor's screen—never rely solely on the computer display.
Create Recovery Seed
This is the most critical step. Your device will generate a series of words (your **Recovery Seed** or **Wallet Backup**). You must write these words down on the provided cards in the correct order. The Recovery Seed is the master key to your funds; if you lose your Trezor, these words restore access to your crypto. **DO NOT take photos, store them on a computer, or share them online.** Keep them physically secure, hidden, and safe.
Set Your Device PIN
The PIN is a security measure against physical theft. It's used to unlock your device when connecting it to your computer. For added security, the number pad layout changes on the screen every time, preventing pattern recognition. Choose a strong PIN, preferably 4-8 digits, and input it only using the device's screen or button combination, not your computer keyboard. This finalizes the setup and activates your crypto wallet.
Why Use the Trezor Suite Desktop App?
While there is a web version, we strongly recommend the **desktop application** for the initial setup and daily use. The desktop Suite is purpose-built for enhanced security. It runs locally, meaning your wallet management activities are isolated from malicious browser extensions, phishing websites, and other online threats. This self-contained environment ensures that communication between your computer and the physical Trezor device is fully protected. Furthermore, the Suite offers comprehensive features that simplify crypto management, including an integrated exchange for secure trading and advanced privacy controls like CoinJoin. This allows you to manage everything without leaving the safety of the Trezor ecosystem.
It also provides robust portfolio tracking, allowing you to see the value and performance of all your supported crypto assets in one unified dashboard. This dedicated user experience makes managing the complexities of decentralized finance as simple and secure as possible, giving you true peace of mind that your keys are safe.