The Recovery Seed & PIN: Your Two Pillars of Security

The most crucial steps following the initial setup from trezor.io/start involve creating your Wallet Backup (also known as a recovery seed) and setting your PIN. These are the two most important security elements protecting your crypto.

1. The Wallet Backup (Recovery Seed)

• This is a list of 12, 18, 20, or 24 words (depending on your device and setup, using standards like BIP39 or SLIP39).
• Function: It is the master key to your entire wallet. If your physical Trezor device is lost, stolen, or destroyed, this phrase is the only way to recover your funds onto a new device.
• Security: You must write it down immediately on the provided recovery cards and store it securely offline in a location safe from fire, water, and theft. Never take a photo of it, store it on a computer, or enter it online.

2. The PIN

• This is a 4- to 9-digit code you set on the Trezor device itself.
• Function: It protects your device from unauthorized physical access. Someone can steal your Trezor, but they cannot use it to spend your funds without knowing the PIN.
• Security: For the Model T and newer devices, you enter the PIN directly on the device's screen, which thwarts keyloggers on your computer.

Following the step-by-step instructions presented via trezor.io/start ensures these foundational security measures are implemented correctly from day one.