Trezor Login® | Starting Up Your Device

The initiation of your device setup is the most important security checkpoint. Before connecting your **Trezor** to any computer, you must perform a thorough physical inspection of the packaging. This diligence is non-negotiable and represents the first layer of defense against sophisticated supply chain attacks. Check for any sign of tampering, including tears, re-sealing marks, or inconsistencies in the box art or printed materials. Pay particular attention to the tamper-evident hologram sticker that covers the USB port. The integrity of this hologram is your primary guarantee that the device has not been physically compromised since leaving the factory. If the hologram is lifted, peeling, or damaged in any way, **DO NOT** proceed with the setup. Immediately contact official Trezor support with photographic evidence of the damage. Never assume a slight defect is harmless; your entire crypto fortune depends on the device’s pristine, untouched state. This initial vigilance sets the foundation for all subsequent security measures, ensuring you begin your journey with confidence in your hardware’s integrity.

Furthermore, verify the contents against the official packing list. Ensure the included documentation, particularly the Recovery Seed card, is blank and in perfect condition. A compromised device, even one with legitimate packaging, can be indistinguishable from a safe one without this physical audit. This stage is not merely a formality; it is a fundamental security requirement outlined in every industry-leading hardware wallet protocol. Proceed only when you are 100% certain of the physical security of your new device. This critical assessment protects against firmware injection or key extraction attempts that occur prior to your possession.

The Recovery Seed (or mnemonic seed) is, without exaggeration, the single most critical piece of information in your entire digital asset management strategy. Comprising 12, 18, or 24 seemingly random words, this seed is the master private key to your entire wallet, based on the **BIP39** standard. It is not just a password; it is the **cryptographic blueprint** from which every single private key for every future cryptocurrency address is mathematically derived. If you lose your Trezor device, this seed is the only way to restore your wallet and access your funds on a new device. Conversely, if an attacker gains possession of your seed, they gain immediate and complete access to all your assets, regardless of where your hardware wallet is located.

The device will display these words sequentially on its small, trusted screen. Your task is to transcribe these words onto the provided Recovery Seed card with utmost precision. **Absolute Rule:** This seed must **NEVER** be digitized. This means no photos, no screenshots, no typing it into a word processor, no storing it in cloud drives, and no email backups. Any digital copy, even on an encrypted drive, introduces an unacceptable vector of attack from keyloggers, malware, or remote exploits. The seed must be air-gapped from all internet-connected devices, forever.

Security best practices dictate storing the seed physically in multiple, highly secure locations, geographically separated if possible. Think fireproof safes, secure deposit boxes, or secure decentralized storage methods like steel stamping or engraving. Consider the potential for natural disasters, theft, or fire when selecting locations. The mnemonic structure is designed to be human-readable and easy to transcribe, but the security of the funds rests entirely on the integrity and secrecy of the physical medium it is stored on. Failure to secure the Recovery Seed properly is the most common and devastating mistake in hardware wallet usage. Take your time, verify your transcription twice, and store it safely before depositing any significant amount of cryptocurrency. The seed is the ultimate fallback; treat it as the literal keys to your vault.

The Passphrase (The 25th Word)

For advanced users seeking the highest level of security, the **Passphrase** (often referred to as the 25th word) is an optional but highly recommended feature. This is a user-chosen, typically long and complex phrase or sentence that acts as a modifier to your Recovery Seed. When a Passphrase is used, it generates a completely separate, unique, and hidden wallet. An attacker who steals your physical device and learns your PIN, or even obtains your 12/24-word seed, still cannot access your primary funds without knowing this Passphrase. It is an extremely effective protection layer against sophisticated coercion or theft. However, the Passphrase is never stored on the device or in the seed words; **if you forget it, your funds are permanently lost**. There is no recovery mechanism for a forgotten Passphrase. Write it down securely, separate from your seed words, or commit it to a reliable memory system.

Finalization and Maintenance

Once your PIN is set and your Recovery Seed is backed up and verified, your Trezor is initialized and ready for use. The final step is to name your wallet within the Trezor Suite software for easy identification. Going forward, remember the following maintenance protocols: **Always** review every transaction detail—the recipient address and the amount—on the physical Trezor screen before confirming. Never trust the computer screen alone, as it could be compromised. Regularly check the official Trezor communication channels for new firmware updates, and always perform updates through the official Suite application. Your digital security is an active responsibility, not a one-time setup. By following these rigorous steps, you have achieved a world-class level of protection for your digital wealth. Welcome to the secure future of finance.