You've taken the essential first step toward true financial sovereignty by choosing a **Trezor hardware wallet**. Forget the risks of software wallets, compromised exchanges, and malware; your Trezor is the gold standard for protecting your digital assets. This official starting page is your secure launchpad for setting up the world's #1 advanced hardware wallet.
The journey to securing your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other cryptocurrencies begins here. **Do not deviate from the steps outlined on the official Trezor website.** This is critical to ensure the authenticity of your device and the security of your funds.
🛡️ Why Trezor is the Apex of Security
A hardware wallet provides a unique layer of defense: **cold storage**. Your private keys—the digital secrets that prove ownership of your crypto—are generated and stored offline, completely isolated from internet-connected devices. When you want to send a transaction, your Trezor signs it internally and securely, without ever exposing your keys to your computer or smartphone, even if they are infected with malware.
This separation of keys from the internet is the single most powerful defense against theft. Trezor takes this further with robust physical design and open-source firmware, subjecting its code to constant peer review by the global security community.
🔑 The Critical First Steps: Setting Up with Trezor Suite
To begin, you will need to download and install **Trezor Suite**. This is the native desktop application and the only recommended interface for managing your Trezor. It offers a secure, intuitive environment for everything from initial setup and firmware updates to checking your balance and executing transactions.
- **Connect Your Device:** Plug your new Trezor into your computer using the supplied cable.
- **Install Trezor Suite:** Follow the prompt on Trezor.io/start to download the official software.
- **Firmware Installation:** Trezor Suite will guide you through installing the latest official firmware onto your device.
- **Create a New Wallet:** Select this option to generate a new set of private keys, secured by your Trezor.
đź“ť The Absolute Most Important Step: Securing Your Recovery Seed
Your **Recovery Seed** (also known as a seed phrase or mnemonic phrase) is a sequence of 12, 18, or 24 words. **This is your ultimate master backup.** It is the only way to recover your entire wallet and all your funds should your Trezor device be lost, stolen, or destroyed. Treat it like physical cash—or better yet, a secret key to a vault.
**⚠️ Action Required:** You MUST write this phrase down on the provided recovery cards. Store these cards securely, physically offline, and away from your Trezor. **NEVER** type it on a computer, take a photo, or store it in the cloud. Anyone who finds your Recovery Seed can steal your crypto. Your Trezor will guide you through verifying this process securely.
Once you've set your **PIN** (a code to protect your device from unauthorized access) and confirmed your Recovery Seed, your setup is complete. You are now equipped with the industry's best protection. Welcome to the future of self-custody!