Congratulations on taking the essential step toward securing your digital assets. This official guide will walk you through the initialization and setup of your new **Trezor Model T** or **Trezor One**. Follow these steps in a safe, private environment.
🚨 CRITICAL SECURITY WARNING: Never share your **Recovery Seed** (or 'Seed Phrase') with anyone, under any circumstances. Trezor employees, banks, exchanges, or customer support will *never* ask for it. Your seed is the **master key** to your crypto; if compromised, your funds are lost.
Carefully unbox your device. Inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering, such as damaged seals, missing holograms, or signs of being re-sealed. Trezor devices are sealed at the factory. If anything looks suspicious, **do not proceed** and contact Trezor support immediately. Once verified, connect the Trezor device to your computer using the supplied USB cable.
The **Trezor Suite** application is the primary interface for managing your wallet and transacting securely. We strongly recommend using the **Desktop Application** for maximum security, but you may also use the Trezor Suite Web application. Download and install Trezor Suite directly from the official Trezor website. **Never use a link from an email or a third-party source.** Launch the application once installation is complete.
When you connect your Trezor for the first time, Trezor Suite will prompt you to install the official, verified firmware. This process is crucial as it loads the secure operating system onto your device. Follow the on-screen instructions precisely. The device will be securely wiped during this process, so there is no security risk in installing the firmware initially.
Note for Model T users: All interactions, including the firmware confirmation, will be performed directly on the device's touchscreen. For Trezor One, confirmations are made via the physical buttons.
After firmware installation, the Suite will ask if you want to **Create a New Wallet** or recover an existing one. Select **Create a New Wallet**. This will initiate the generation of your unique, cryptographic **Recovery Seed**. This seed is the foundational backup for your entire wallet and all your assets. It is created entirely offline on the Trezor device, ensuring maximum security.
This is the most important step. Trezor Suite will display your 12, 18, or 24-word Recovery Seed. **Write this down carefully** on the provided Recovery Seed Cards. Use the cards provided in the box and a non-erasable pen. **Do not take a photo, type it into your computer, or store it digitally.** Physical storage is the only secure method.
To ensure your written backup is correct, Trezor Suite will prompt you to confirm a few specific words from your written list. You will enter these words using your computer keyboard (Trezor One) or the device's touchscreen (Model T). This step verifies that you have a legible, correct copy of your master backup. **You must store this paper copy in a secure, fireproof, and private location.** Consider storing redundant copies in separate secure locations.
Your **PIN** acts as the immediate lock on your Trezor device. You will set this from the Trezor device screen itself—**not on your computer**. The PIN layout is randomized on the computer screen every time to defeat keyboard logging software. For Model T, you enter it directly on the touchscreen. Choose a strong PIN, ideally 6 to 9 digits long. **Memorize this PIN**; you will need it every time you want to access your wallet or approve a transaction.
Give your Trezor device a memorable name within the Trezor Suite. This is a non-critical security step but helps you easily identify your device, especially if you manage multiple Trezors. This name is stored locally and on the device.
For an elite level of security, consider enabling the **Passphrase** feature (often called a "25th word"). This passphrase is a secret word or phrase *you memorize* and is entered *after* the PIN. It creates a completely separate, "hidden" wallet. Without the passphrase, even if a thief finds your Recovery Seed, they cannot access your funds. **Warning:** If you forget your Passphrase, your funds are permanently lost, as it is never backed up by your Recovery Seed. Use this feature only if you are confident you can memorize and recall a complex passphrase perfectly.