Always Start at Trezor.io/Start 🔑
Before you unbox your device, remember the Golden Rule of hardware wallet security: **always verify the source**. By navigating directly to **Trezor.io/Start**, you ensure you are downloading the official, verified **Trezor Suite** software and avoiding malicious imitation sites. Your physical device is designed to detect tampering, but your software environment must be clean. Inspect your Trezor packaging for any signs of prior opening or damage before plugging it in. If the holographic seal is broken, **do not proceed** and contact Trezor support immediately. We prioritize transparency and security in every part of the setup process. 🔍
When you connect the device for the first time, the Trezor Suite will perform an **automatic authenticity check**. It confirms that the device is running genuine, factory-installed firmware. If your device prompts you to enter your Recovery Seed on your computer screen during initial setup, stop immediately—this is a red flag! Your seed should *only* ever be displayed on the screen of the Trezor device itself. The process outlined here is specifically designed to guide you safely and prevent common errors and phishing attempts. Trust the process, trust the official channels, and begin your journey toward secure crypto ownership. 🔒
Your Master Key: The Recovery Seed ✍️
The Recovery Seed, whether 12 or 24 words long, is the single most important piece of information you will generate. It is your **only backup** to recover your entire portfolio should your **Trezor device** be lost, stolen, or damaged. When you see these words appear on the Trezor's screen, you must write them down accurately and in the correct order. Use the provided sheets and double-check every word. This seed is a mathematical representation of your private keys. If you lose it, your funds are lost forever. If someone else finds it, they gain full access to your crypto. 🤯
Crucially, the seed must be stored **offline**. This means no photos, no digital copies, no cloud storage, and no typing it into your computer. Store your written backup in a secure, fireproof, and private location—like a safe deposit box or a home safe. The **Trezor Suite** will often guide you through an optional **check** to verify you recorded the seed correctly. Take your time during this third step. Once your backup is secure, you have successfully completed the most critical part of **Starting Up Your Device**. You are now ready to confidently use the Trezor Suite to manage your Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other assets. Congratulations on achieving true digital sovereignty! 👑
