How to Restore Your Cryptocurrency in a Trezor Wallet
If your Trezor hardware wallet has been lost, stolen, reset, or replaced, you can still recover your cryptocurrency using your recovery seed. This process is secure, straightforward, and critical for regaining access to your crypto assets. This guide will walk you through each step to help you restore your wallet safely and effectively.
What Is a Recovery Seed?
Your recovery seed is a backup of your wallet. It consists of 12, 18, or 24 words, written down when you first set up your Trezor device. This seed is the key to your funds — it gives you the ability to restore your entire wallet, including balances, accounts, and transaction history.
You must have this seed to restore your crypto. If you lose your seed, your funds cannot be recovered by anyone — not even Trezor’s support team.
What You’ll Need
To restore your wallet, you need:
- A Trezor hardware wallet (such as the Trezor Model One or Trezor Model T)
- A USB cable to connect your device
- A computer or supported mobile device
- The Trezor Suite application installed on your device
- Your recovery seed (written on paper or metal backup)
Step-by-Step Guide to Restore Your Wallet
Step 1: Prepare Your Device
First, make sure your Trezor hardware wallet is ready. If it’s a brand new device, it will prompt you to install firmware. If it’s been used before, and you want to use it to restore a wallet, you will need to wipe it.
You can wipe a previously used device through the settings in the Trezor Suite. This clears all existing data so you can start the recovery process.
Step 2: Install Trezor Suite
Trezor Suite is the official application for managing your Trezor wallet. Download and install it from the official Trezor website on your computer. Once installed, launch the application and connect your Trezor device via USB.
Trezor Suite will detect your connected device and walk you through the next steps.
Step 3: Select “Recover Wallet”
Once the device is ready and recognized, you’ll be asked whether to create a new wallet or recover an existing one. Choose the option to recover a wallet. This will begin the seed entry process.
You’ll need to confirm that you want to proceed and specify how many words are in your recovery seed. Choose 12, 18, or 24 based on the original length of your seed phrase.
Step 4: Enter the Recovery Seed
Now, carefully enter your recovery seed. This process happens on the device itself, not on your computer, for security reasons. Trezor ensures your seed is never exposed to the internet or your computer screen.
Use the buttons (for Trezor Model One) or touchscreen (for Trezor Model T) to enter each word of your seed phrase, in the exact order you wrote it down during the initial setup.
Be patient during this step. Double-check spelling, order, and accuracy.
Step 5: Set a New PIN Code
Once the seed has been successfully entered and verified, the device will prompt you to create a new PIN. This PIN is used to protect your Trezor locally. Even if someone steals your device, they can’t access your wallet without this PIN.
Choose a secure PIN that you can remember but is hard for others to guess. Avoid simple combinations like "0000" or "1234."
Step 6: Access Your Wallet
After the PIN is set, your wallet will load in Trezor Suite. All the assets linked to your seed will appear, including any Bitcoin, Ethereum, or supported altcoins you had stored. Your transaction history, account labels, and balances are tied to the blockchain and will automatically reappear.
You can now use your wallet just as you did before — sending, receiving, and managing crypto safely.
Security Reminders
- Do not enter your seed on any website, app, or computer keyboard. Always enter it through the Trezor device.
- Keep your recovery seed secure. Store it offline, in a safe or lockbox. If possible, use a fireproof and waterproof metal backup.
- Never share your recovery seed. No legitimate service or person should ever ask for it.
- Use only official Trezor software and devices. Avoid third-party tools unless you fully trust them and understand how they work.
Final Thoughts
Restoring your wallet with a Trezor device is one of the most important features of owning a hardware wallet. It guarantees that your cryptocurrency remains safe, even if the device is lost or damaged.