Trézor.io/Start®

Welcome to the world of self-custody and digital asset security. Your Hardware Wallet is the cornerstone of protecting your Private Keys, keeping them offline and out of reach from malicious actors. Before proceeding, absolute vigilance is required to ensure the device's integrity. This process is essential for establishing secure Cold Storage for your Cryptocurrency.

Crucial Integrity Check

• Examine the packaging: Look for any signs of tampering, tears, or prior opening. The device box must be factory-sealed.
• Verify the Holographic Seal: The small, tamper-proof seal covering the MicroUSB port or the device screen must be perfectly intact. Any smudge, peel, or damage means you must immediately contact Trézor support and DO NOT proceed with setup.
• Confirm contents: Ensure all expected items are present, including the device, documentation (like the recovery seed card), and accessories.

ATTENTION: The security of your entire digital fortune depends on the integrity of this initial check. If the device has been compromised, your assets will be vulnerable to a supply chain attack.

The Trézor device does not operate in isolation. It needs to communicate with your computer through a secure interface—the official Desktop Application or the dedicated web wallet interface.

Step-by-Step Connection

1. Connect via MicroUSB: Use the provided cable to connect your Trézor device to a trusted computer (avoid public or shared computers). The device screen should light up, typically displaying a welcome or lock screen.
2. Navigate to the Official Start Page: Open your browser and navigate directly to start.trezor.io. This redirects you to the latest official installation page, mitigating the risk of phishing sites.
3. Install the Desktop Application: While a web-based interface is sometimes available, the dedicated application provides the most stable and secure connection, bypassing many browser-related security risks. Download the software directly from the official page and follow the installation prompts.
4. Detect Device and Initialize: Open the application. It will attempt to detect your device. If this is the first time, it will prompt you to install or update the Firmware, which is the operating system for your device.

A critical part of this stage is the Firmware installation. The software on the device is minimal upon arrival; installing the official firmware guarantees the correct, verifiable, and secure operating system is present. You must visually confirm the fingerprint shown on the device screen matches the one displayed in the Desktop Application before confirming the installation. This is a vital security measure.

Your PIN (Personal Identification Number) is the first line of defense against unauthorized physical access to your device. Without the correct PIN, your device locks after several incorrect attempts, increasing the wait time with each failure, making brute-force attacks virtually impossible.

The PIN Grid System

Trézor utilizes a unique, anonymized number pad displayed on the device's screen. The Desktop Application shows a grid of empty boxes. The numbers on the device are randomized every time you enter your PIN, which prevents keyloggers on your computer from recording your input. This Confirmation process requires you to look at the device and click the corresponding position on your computer screen.

• PIN Length: We strongly recommend a PIN of at least 8 to 10 digits. The longer the PIN, the exponentially stronger the security.
• Selection: Choose a random number, not based on dates, addresses, or repeating sequences.
• Input: You will be asked to enter the PIN twice for verification. Always confirm the number placement on the device screen before clicking the location on the computer screen.

This is the most critical step. The Recovery Seed, also known as a Seed Phrase or Mnemonic Phrase, is the master key to your entire wallet. It is a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words generated using the BIP39 standard. This seed is the *only* way to recover your funds if your Trézor device is lost, stolen, or damaged.

Backup Protocol (Physical Only)

1. Prepare the Cards: Take the provided recovery seed cards. Use a reliable, permanent writing instrument.
2. Write Down the Seed: The words will be shown on your Trézor device's screen, one by one. Copy them precisely, paying close attention to spelling and order. The order is non-negotiable.
3. Verify the Seed: The Desktop Application will prompt you to verify a random selection of words from your phrase (e.g., word 5, word 12, word 20). This step ensures you have correctly recorded the phrase.
4. Secure Storage: Once verified, your primary security task is to physically secure this document. Store it in a location that is fire-proof, water-proof, and highly inaccessible to anyone but yourself. Common choices include a safety deposit box or a secure home safe.

NEVER: Take a photo of the Recovery Seed, store it in the cloud, email it, or type it into any computer. This would turn your secure Cold Storage into vulnerable hot storage.