Using Trezor after a long time

If it has been a while since you last used your Trezor hardware wallet, there are a few steps you can take to get it up and running again:
 

1. As we often publish updates to our software, make sure you have the latest version of Trezor Suite installed on your computer.

2. Connect your Trezor device to your computer using the USB cable.

3. Follow the prompts to update the firmware on your Trezor device. Keeping your Trezor's firmware up to date is important for security and proper functioning. Only proceed with this step if you have a valid wallet backup. For more information about this step, please keep reading the rest of this article. 

4. Once the firmware update is finished, you should be able to access your Trezor device and use it as usual.

We regularly release updates to both firmware and Trezor Suite to ensure your experience is as secure as possible. These updates address evolving security threats and improve functionality.
 

However, updating your firmware requires careful preparation, especially if you don’t have access to your wallet backup. Updating firmware without a wallet backup poses a risk of losing access to your funds if something goes wrong. To help you navigate this process safely, we’ve outlined everything you need to know before updating your firmware.
 

Important considerations when updating your firmware

Updating your firmware is important for keeping your Trezor device secure and up to date. However, it’s essential to know that a firmware update may wipe your device. If this happens, your PIN alone will no longer give you access to your funds. The only way to recover your wallet and restore access to your funds is by using your wallet backup.
 

I installed new firmware and can’t find my wallet anymore. What do I do?

First, take a deep breath—your funds aren’t lost! If your wallet doesn’t appear after a firmware update, it simply means you need to recover it using your wallet backup.
 

To restore your wallet, you’ll need the 12, 20, or 24-word wallet backup you created when setting up your device. This backup is the key to regaining access to your funds. Follow the recovery instructions linked below to guide you through the process step by step.
 

• Recover a wallet on the Trezor Safe 5
• Recover a wallet on the Trezor Safe 3
• Recover a wallet on the Trezor Model T
• Recover a wallet on the Trezor Model One

How do I make sure everything will go well with the update?

Before updating your firmware, the most important step is ensuring you have access to your wallet backup. Firmware updates occasionally reset devices, especially older models, so having your wallet backup handy is critical to maintaining access to your funds. This simple step can make all the difference in safely managing your cryptocurrency over time.

In the crypto world, you’ll often hear advice to “HODL” and leave your wallet untouched after buying crypto. While this can be good practice if you have your wallet backup secured, it’s important to remember that hardware wallets need regular maintenance, like firmware updates, to stay secure.
 

Trezor Suite is forcing me to update, and I don’t have my wallet backup. What can I do?

If Trezor Suite is requiring a firmware update and you don’t have your wallet backup, here’s what you can try:

Use an older version of Trezor Suite

You might be able to access your wallet without updating the firmware by using an older version of Trezor Suite.
 

Steps:

1. Visit the Trezor Suite Releases on GitHub.
2. Download a version of Trezor Suite that is compatible with your operating system and firmware version.
3. Install the older version and attempt to access your wallet.

Important notes:
 

• Not guaranteed to work: Compatibility between older versions of Trezor Suite and your device firmware may vary, so success is not assured.
• Security risks: Older software may lack security updates, leaving your device more vulnerable. Proceed with caution.
• Backup immediately: If you regain access to your wallet, transfer your funds to a new wallet immediately and create a fresh wallet backup. It’s important to note that once you’ve created a wallet backup during your initial setup, the recovery process can’t regenerate that same backup. Since your original wallet backup is lost, it’s best to move your funds to a new wallet to ensure your funds remain secure. This also eliminates the risk of someone potentially discovering your old wallet backup and accessing your funds.

Use a third-party wallet

You can also try accessing your funds through a third-party wallet like Electrum. This wallet supports Trezor devices and may allow you to sign transactions without updating the firmware.
 

Things to keep in mind:

• Electrum requires some technical knowledge to set up, so make sure to follow the user guides carefully.
• Just like using an older version of Trezor Suite, this method is not guaranteed to work. 

Prioritize finding your wallet backup

The safest and most reliable way to ensure access to your funds is by recovering your wallet backup. Your wallet backup (12, 20, or 24 recovery words) is the only guaranteed method to regain access to your funds if something goes wrong during an update.
 

Actions you can take:

• Search thoroughly in any locations where you might have stored your backup, such as safes, notebooks, or secure storage devices.
• Contact anyone who might have access to a duplicate backup, if applicable.

Moving forward

Always keep your wallet backup secure and accessible before updating firmware or making changes to your device. Consider storing your backup in multiple secure locations, such as in a Trezor Keep Metal, fireproof safes, or other tamper-resistant storage solutions.
 

Being proactive with your wallet backup ensures a smooth experience and safeguards your cryptocurrency for the long term.
 

Why can updating firmware wipe my device?

There are several reasons why your device might be wiped during a firmware update:
 

• Historical bugs: Certain older firmware versions (specifically version 1.6.1) are guaranteed to wipe the device during an update.
• Vendor header changes: Updates on Trezor Safe devices (e.g., switching between BTC-only and universal firmware or installing custom firmware) may trigger a wipe.
• Transmission errors: USB transmission issues or power interruptions at a critical moment can lead to the update process failing and the device being wiped as a security measure.

Trezor prioritizes maintaining firmware integrity. Our devices have limited flash memory, meaning they can only store one firmware version at a time. Here's how the process works:
 

1. Erase old firmware: The device removes the current firmware to make space for the new one.
2. Transfer new firmware in chunks: The new firmware is sent from your computer to the device, one piece at a time.
3. Write the new firmware: Each chunk is written into the device's memory.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3: This continues until the full firmware is written.
5. Verify the firmware: Once the new firmware is fully installed, the device checks its integrity.

Trezor devices are designed with robust security measures to protect your funds. If the firmware is detected as compromised—a rare occurrence—the device automatically erases the seed to prevent unauthorized access.

This safeguard ensures that no malicious firmware can exploit your private keys. However, even with legitimate firmware, minor discrepancies during the update process can result in a device wipe.