You’re just a few steps away from complete **self-custody** and superior **crypto security**. Follow this official guide to initialize your **Trezor hardware wallet** using the **Trezor Suite** application.
Before connecting your **Trezor device**, visually inspect the packaging. Check the **tamper-evident seals** (holographic or plastic) to ensure the device has not been tampered with in transit. If anything looks suspicious, **do not proceed** and contact Trezor support immediately.
Next, install the dedicated software: **Trezor Suite**. Access the official download page via the link provided on the screen of your new device or navigate directly to suite.trezor.io/start/. Install the application on your trusted computer. This is the only software you should use to manage your **hardware wallet** and ensure a truly **secure connection**.
Plug your **Trezor hardware wallet** into your computer. The **Trezor Suite** will immediately recognize the device and prompt you to install the latest, verified **Trezor firmware**. The firmware is the operating system that runs securely on your device's isolated chip.
Click "Install Firmware" and approve the process on your computer and the **Trezor device** itself. This action wipes any previous software and loads the trusted operating environment. Once complete, you will be prompted to create a **New Wallet**. This step begins the process of generating your **private keys**—the cryptographic foundation of your **cold storage**.
Your **Recovery Seed** (the 12, 18, or 24-word phrase) is the *only* backup for your **cryptocurrency** assets. The **Trezor device** will display these words, one by one, on its screen. This is a critical security feature—the words **never appear on your computer screen**.
Carefully write down the **Recovery Seed** on the supplied **recovery card**. Use the pen included in the box for permanence. The order of the words is absolutely essential. We cannot stress this enough: your written copy is the master key to your digital wealth.
Storing your **Recovery Seed** on any digital device (computer, phone, cloud drive, email) instantly compromises your **hardware wallet's security**. Your **cold storage** is only as good as the safety of this paper backup.
The **Trezor Suite** will guide you through a verification step, prompting you to confirm specific words from your newly written **seed**. This ensures you made no mistakes. Once verified, your **Recovery Seed** backup is complete, offering the ultimate protection for your **digital assets**.
The **PIN** is your first line of defense against physical theft or unauthorized use of the **Trezor device**. You will set your PIN using the scrambled input method:
This method thwarts malware that tries to read your mouse clicks or keystrokes. Choose a PIN of 6 digits or more. Finally, label your device within **Trezor Suite** (e.g., "My Bitcoin Vault"). This label appears on the device and helps you quickly verify you are connecting to the correct **hardware wallet**.
Your **Trezor hardware wallet** is now fully configured, secured, and ready for use. The **Trezor Suite** dashboard will appear, allowing you to create accounts for various cryptocurrencies (**Bitcoin**, **Ethereum**, etc.), view your portfolio, and perform **secure transactions**.
Always remember that the foundation of your **crypto security** is the physical safety of your **Recovery Seed**. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with true **self-custody**!