When you receive your Trezor device, carefully inspect the packaging for any signs of tampering. The security seal should be intact and show no evidence of previous opening. Inside, you'll find the Trezor hardware wallet, a USB cable, recovery seed cards, and getting started guides.

Important: Only purchase Trezor devices from official sources or authorized resellers. Counterfeit devices may contain malware designed to steal your cryptocurrencies. Verify the authenticity of your device by checking the holographic seal and comparing packaging with images on the official Trezor website.

Before proceeding with setup, ensure you have a secure computer environment. Use a malware-free computer with updated operating system and antivirus software. Avoid using public computers or networks during the setup process.

Connect your Trezor device to your computer using the provided USB cable. For wireless setup with Trezor Model T, ensure Bluetooth is enabled on both your device and computer. Visit trezor.io/start to access the official setup wizard.

The website will automatically detect your Trezor device and guide you through the installation process. You'll be prompted to install Trezor Bridge (for desktop) or use the web-based interface. Always verify you're on the official Trezor website to avoid phishing attempts.

During initial connection, your device may require firmware installation or updates. This is a critical security step that ensures your device has the latest protection against vulnerabilities. Never skip firmware updates.

The setup wizard will guide you through creating a new wallet or recovering an existing one. For new devices, select "Create New Wallet." You'll then set up a PIN code that will be required every time you connect your Trezor.

The PIN entry process is secure - numbers appear in random positions on your Trezor screen, preventing keyloggers from capturing your PIN. Choose a PIN that's difficult to guess but memorable to you. Avoid using simple sequences or personally identifiable numbers.

After setting your PIN, the device will generate your recovery seed - the most critical component of your wallet security. This seed is the master key to all your cryptocurrencies stored on the device.

Your recovery seed consists of 12, 18, or 24 randomly generated words. Write these words down in the exact order they appear on your Trezor screen. Use the provided recovery seed card and a permanent ink pen.

Never store your recovery seed digitally - no photos, cloud storage, or text files. The seed should exist only in physical form. Consider using a metal backup solution for fire and water protection. Store multiple copies in different secure locations.

After writing down your seed, the setup will ask you to verify it by selecting the words in the correct order. This ensures you've properly recorded your seed. Complete this verification carefully - it's your last chance to confirm accuracy before proceeding.

Trezor offers several advanced security options to enhance your protection. Passphrase protection creates a "25th word" that isn't stored on the device, providing protection even if someone obtains your recovery seed.

Shamir Backup allows you to split your recovery seed into multiple shares, requiring a specified number of shares to recover your wallet. This is ideal for inheritance planning or corporate use where multiple people need partial access.

You can also enable FIDO2/U2F authentication to use your Trezor as a physical security key for online services like Google, GitHub, and Dropbox, adding an extra layer of protection to your digital accounts.

When making transactions, always verify the recipient address and amount on your Trezor screen before confirming. Malware can alter addresses displayed on your computer while the correct information shows on your device.

Regularly update your Trezor firmware through the official Trezor Suite application. Updates often include security improvements and new features. Always ensure your recovery seed is safely stored before updating.

For large holdings, consider using a multi-signature setup requiring multiple Trezor devices to authorize transactions. This provides enterprise-level security for significant cryptocurrency portfolios.