What Happens During a Firmware Update in Trezor Suite?

If you're managing your cryptocurrency through a Trezor hardware wallet, you're already prioritizing security. But maintaining that security doesn’t end after setup—it also depends on regular updates. So, what exactly happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite, and why is it so important?

Whether you're using the Trezor Model T or Trezor One, firmware updates in Trezor Suite play a key role in keeping your device secure, functional, and compatible with the evolving crypto ecosystem. In this article, we’ll break down the firmware update process in detail—from preparation to completion—so you understand what’s going on behind the scenes when you’re prompted to update your device.

What Is Firmware in Trezor Wallets?

Before discussing what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite, it’s important to understand what firmware is. Firmware is the low-level software running directly on your Trezor hardware wallet. It controls how the device operates, including how it:

Manages private keys and seeds
Signs transactions
Interfaces with Trezor Suite
Implements cryptographic functions
Communicates over USB

Because firmware is responsible for core security functions, keeping it up to date is essential.

Why Firmware Updates Matter in Trezor Suite

Every time Trezor Suite notifies you of an available firmware update, it’s for a good reason. Here's what firmware updates typically include:

Security fixes for vulnerabilities or bugs
Support for new coins or token standards
Improvements to user interface or device performance
Compatibility with updates in Trezor Suite or third-party wallets

So, what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite is much more than just a version bump. It can directly impact the safety, usability, and coin support of your device.

How Trezor Suite Handles Firmware Updates

The process is designed to be secure, verifiable, and user-controlled. Here’s what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite, step by step:

1. Notification of Available Update

When a new firmware version is released, Trezor Suite will display a banner or popup when you connect your device. It will show:

The current firmware version
The available new version
A brief changelog summarizing what’s included

This transparency lets you decide whether and when to update.

2. Entering Bootloader Mode

Before updating, your Trezor must enter bootloader mode. This special mode ensures the device is ready to safely receive new firmware.

How it happens:

For Trezor Model T: Hold the touchscreen buttons when connecting the device to your computer.
For Trezor One: Hold both physical buttons during connection.

Trezor Suite will guide you with visual prompts during this process.

3. Firmware Authenticity Verification

Before any update is applied, Trezor Suite and the device verify the authenticity of the firmware file. This is crucial for your security.

The firmware is digitally signed by SatoshiLabs.
If the signature doesn't match or has been tampered with, the device will reject the update.

This step ensures only official firmware from Trezor can be installed.

4. Device Memory Is Wiped (Sometimes)

Here’s a critical detail about what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite: in some cases, especially if you're skipping multiple versions or moving to a major release, your Trezor’s memory may be wiped.

⚠️ Don’t worry—this does not mean your crypto is lost.

Your wallet is backed up by your 24-word recovery seed. After the update, you can restore your accounts from that seed. Still, you should always back up your recovery seed before any firmware update.

5. Firmware Installation Begins

Once in bootloader mode and verified, the new firmware is installed on the device. This typically takes less than a minute.

Trezor Suite displays a progress bar
The device may reboot once or twice
You may see confirmation messages on the device screen

During this time, do not disconnect the device, or the update may fail.

6. Post-Update Device Initialization

After a successful firmware installation:

The device reboots into normal operating mode
Trezor Suite checks the firmware version
The device reconnects, ready to use

If your device was wiped (due to certain firmware changes), you will be prompted to restore from your recovery seed. If not, your wallets and accounts will remain intact.

Important Notes on Firmware Security

Understanding what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite also includes understanding how security is enforced:

Firmware is open-source and reviewed by the community
Bootloader protection ensures no unsigned code can be installed
You always confirm firmware updates manually on the device
Updates are tested extensively before public release

Trezor never updates your device silently or remotely—you remain in full control at every step.

What to Do Before Updating Firmware in Trezor Suite

To make sure everything goes smoothly, here’s a checklist before updating:

✅ Backup your recovery seed and store it securely offline
✅ Check the changelog in Trezor Suite to understand what's being updated
✅ Make sure Trezor Suite is updated to the latest version
✅ Use a trusted computer and USB connection
✅ Do not disconnect the device during the update

By following these steps, you reduce the risk of any issues during the firmware process.

Common Questions About Firmware Updates in Trezor Suite

Q: Will I lose my crypto during a firmware update?

No. Your assets are stored on the blockchain, not on the device. As long as you have your recovery seed, you can restore access even if the device is wiped.

Q: What if the update fails?

If something goes wrong during the update, the device will remain in bootloader mode. Trezor Suite will prompt you to retry. As long as the recovery seed is safe, your funds are too.

Q: How often are firmware updates released?

Trezor typically releases firmware updates several times per year, depending on new coin integrations, bug fixes, or security enhancements.

Final Thoughts: Why Firmware Updates in Trezor Suite Matter

So, what happens during a firmware update in Trezor Suite? It’s a well-designed process that:

Ensures security with verified, signed code
Keeps your wallet compatible with new tokens and standards
Improves performance and usability
Occasionally resets the device to maintain system integrity
Always gives you full control and transparency

If you’re using a Trezor hardware wallet, keeping your firmware up to date via Trezor Suite is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to protect your crypto. And because Trezor is built on transparency and user control, you’ll always know exactly what’s happening at every step.