Resetting your Trezor hardware wallet can be necessary in a number of situations: you forgot your PIN, want to switch to a different recovery seed, suspect the device was compromised, or just want a clean start. But once you reset, your access to your blockchain assets depends entirely on how well you saved your recovery seed (and passphrase, if used). This guide walks you through reclaiming access via the recovery process — safely, correctly, and securely.
A reset (or factory reset / wipe) erases all private keys, PIN, passphrase settings, and wallet data from the device.
Firmware may or may not be preserved depending on how the reset is performed (some “wipe device” options leave firmware intact).
After a reset, the Trezor behaves like a new device: it asks you to set up from scratch or restore from backup.
Knowing this in advance is crucial: once reset, without your recovery seed (and passphrase if applicable), there is no way to retrieve your funds.
Some typical reasons:
You forgot your PIN and can’t access the device.
You want to change the recovery seed to a new set of words.
Suspected compromise or physical tampering.
Transferring the wallet setup to a different device.
Device glitches that can’t be fixed otherwise (software/firmware errors).
Make sure you have:
Recovery seed (a list of words — 12, 18, or 24 depending on device/model) that was given during original setup.
Passphrase, if you used one originally — many users add an extra passphrase (“hidden wallet” or “25th word”) for enhanced security. If you used one, you’ll need it for full restoration.
Your Trezor device (either the same one after reset, or a new one).
Latest version of Trezor Suite (desktop/web app) installed on a trusted computer.
A secure, private environment — no distractions, no prying eyes, no untrusted USB‑ports, etc.
A PIN you will re‑establish (if needed) after recovery.
These steps are based on Trezor’s recovery procedure and user reports. The exact look & wording may vary slightly depending on the model (Model One, Model T, or Safe series) and firmware version.
If your device is locked (e.g. you forgot your PIN), or you want to use a different seed, start by wiping the device. In Trezor Suite, there is a “Wipe device” option which clears all wallet data.
Confirm that you understand the reset is irreversible (without your seed/ passphrase).
Plug your Trezor to your computer via USB (or USB‑C adapter).
Launch Trezor Suite. If firmware is out of date, the Suite may prompt you to update it first (before or after recovery depending on model).
During setup, you’ll be asked whether you’re creating a new wallet or recovering an existing one — choose “Recover wallet” or similar wording.
Choose the number of words in your recovery seed (12, 18, or 24). If you don’t remember exactly, check your backup. It’s vital to select the correct word count.
If you used Shamir backup (available on some newer models), select that method. With Shamir, recovery uses “shares” rather than a single seed phrase.
For standard seed recovery: Enter each word in the correct order. Depending on device model:
On Model T (or Safe with touchscreen), often you type directly on the device touchscreen.
On Model One, there may be a mixed method (Suite + device), sometimes with part of input via Suite or with randomized layout to reduce risk.
For Shamir backup: Enter the required number of “shares” (parts) to reach the threshold. Shares can be entered in any order. The device will let you know how many shares remain.
If a passphrase was used, after entering the seed (or along with it) you must enable the passphrase option and enter that passphrase. Without the correct passphrase, you will not access the correct wallet even if the seed words are correct.
Once the seed (and passphrase, if applicable) are accepted, you will be prompted to set a new PIN.
Choose a PIN that you can remember, but isn’t obvious. Many models randomize the PIN pad layout with each unlock to prevent observation or malware threats.
After recovery, the device will usually show a confirmation (“Recovery Complete”) in the suite.
Open Trezor Suite and go to your accounts — you should see your crypto balances. Sometimes you may need to manually add certain accounts/coins if not shown initially.
Double‑check that transactions, balances, and assets are correctly restored. If balances seem off, double‑check the passphrase, seed, and account derivation paths.
Never share your recovery seed or passphrase with anyone. No support person or site should ask for it.
Enter your seed only when the device itself instructs you to do so. Don’t type it into random websites or third parties.
Perform recovery in a secure, private setting. Ensure no cameras or others can view your seed.
Verify the device is genuine — Trezor Suite performs or encourages a “genuine check” to verify firmware signatures. Don't proceed if this fails or shows signs of tampering.
Avoid phishing: always use official software and websites. Confirm URLs and application signatures.
| Problem | Possible Causes | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Entering wrong word in seed, causing seed to be rejected | Misremembered word, typo, word order incorrect | Use backup copy; verify spelling; double‑check against printed seed |
| Missing balances after recovery | Wrong passphrase, or some account derivations not enabled | Ensure passphrase is correct; add or refresh accounts in Trezor Suite |
| Device stuck, or not recognizing words | Firmware out of date; device malfunction | Update firmware; try recovery on another computer; contact support if device seems faulty |
| Forgotten passphrase | If you don’t know the passphrase, you cannot access that hidden wallet (but standard wallet accessible with seed only) | If possible, look for any hints or records you made; but without the passphrase, that specific hidden wallet is inaccessible |
Without the correct recovery seed, you cannot restore your wallet; funds are effectively locked unless you can retrieve or locate the seed.
Without the passphrase (if you used one), you may restore a standard wallet, but you will not be able to access any transactions/assets that were under a hidden/passphrase‑protected wallet.
Always ensure you have multiple secure backups of your seed and passphrase in different physical locations (like safe deposit boxes, fire/waterproof containers, etc.).
Yes — when done correctly, reconnecting and logging in after a reset via the recovery seed (and passphrase) is designed to be secure. The architecture of Trezor ensures private keys never leave the device, recovery operations are protected by firmware, and user action is required at every step.
That said, security depends heavily on you: how well you preserved your recovery seed & passphrase, how safely you perform the recovery, and whether you avoided phishing or malicious software.
If you ever reset your Trezor, you can log back in and regain full access — provided you have:
Your recovery seed
Your passphrase (if you used one)
A device (new or reset)
Trezor Suite, correctly installed
The restore process involves selecting “Recover wallet,” entering the correct seed (or shares), setting a new PIN, and verifying your balances. Follow best practices throughout, protect your seed & passphrase, and ensure you’re using genuine, trusted hardware/software. Then the reset becomes less a source of panic and more just another part of maintaining strong crypto security.
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