Common Trezor.io/Start Problems & Fixes

Setting up your hardware wallet through Trezor.io/Start is usually a smooth and secure process, but sometimes users encounter hiccups along the way. Whether you're installing Trezor Suite, connecting your device, or recovering a wallet, a few common issues can appear — especially for first-time users.

This guide covers the most frequent Trezor.io/Start problems and how to fix them, so you can complete your setup and start managing your crypto assets with confidence.

1. Device Not Recognized

Problem: You plug in your Trezor device, but the browser or Trezor.io/Start doesn't detect it.

Possible Causes:

• Faulty USB cable or port
• Browser doesn’t support WebUSB
• Missing or outdated Trezor Bridge
• Browser extensions blocking the connection

Fixes:

• Use the original USB cable or a high-quality data cable
• Switch to a different USB port or try another computer
• Make sure Trezor Bridge is installed and up to date
• Use a compatible browser: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge
• Disable extensions like ad blockers or privacy filters temporarily

2. Stuck on “Install Bridge” Loop

Problem: Trezor.io/Start keeps asking you to install Trezor Bridge, even after you’ve installed it.

Possible Causes:

• Bridge installation didn't complete
• Browser wasn't restarted
• Security software is interfering

Fixes:

• Fully close and reopen your browser
• Reinstall Trezor Bridge from the official site
• Disable antivirus/firewall temporarily to check for interference
• Ensure you’re not running multiple instances of Trezor Suite

3. Firmware Update Fails

Problem: The firmware update process crashes or freezes before completion.

Possible Causes:

• Disrupted USB connection during update
• Outdated Trezor Suite
• System sleep or power settings interrupting process

Fixes:

• Keep your computer awake and don’t unplug during the update
• Use a direct USB port, not a hub or adapter
• Update Trezor Suite to the latest version before attempting firmware upgrade
• If the update fails, reboot your device into bootloader mode and try again

4. WebUSB Not Working in Browser

Problem: Trezor.io/Start doesn’t detect your device via WebUSB on Chrome or Brave.

Possible Causes:

• Insecure (non-HTTPS) connection
• Permissions not granted to access USB
• Browser cache issues

Fixes:

• Make sure you're visiting the official HTTPS version of Trezor.io/Start
• When prompted, click “Allow” to give USB access to your Trezor
• Clear your browser cache and cookies, then retry
• Alternatively, install Trezor Bridge and avoid WebUSB altogether

5. Trezor Suite Won’t Launch

Problem: You download and install Trezor Suite from Trezor.io/Start, but it doesn’t open.

Possible Causes:

• Corrupted installation
• OS compatibility issues
• Blocked by antivirus or system settings

Fixes:

• Uninstall and reinstall the app from a fresh download
• Make sure your system meets the OS requirements (Windows 10+, macOS 10.11+)
• Temporarily disable antivirus and check for blocked processes
• Run as administrator or check for permission issues

6. PIN or Passphrase Not Working

Problem: You enter your PIN or passphrase, but the device rejects it.

Possible Causes:

• Mistyped input (PIN layout is randomized)
• Wrong passphrase = different (empty) wallet
• Attempting to restore the wrong backup

Fixes:

• Double-check your PIN entry on the randomized on-screen layout
• Remember that each unique passphrase unlocks a different wallet
• Try known passphrases you may have used — recovery is impossible without the correct one
• If in doubt, reset the device and restore from your recovery seed

7. No Balance Showing After Wallet Recovery

Problem: You restored a wallet using your 12 or 24-word recovery seed, but it shows a balance of zero.

Possible Causes:

• Incorrect passphrase (if one was used)
• Used a different wallet in the past (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum)
• Wrong seed phrase order or word mistake

Fixes:

• Try restoring with any passphrases you may have used
• Re-check your recovery words for accuracy and spelling
• Try restoring the wallet on another device or using the original wallet software
• Import your XPUB to a watch-only wallet to verify if the wallet exists

8. "Something Went Wrong" Message

Problem: A general error message appears without specific details.

Possible Causes:

• Network connection issue
• Temporary bug in Trezor Suite
• Background Bridge process conflict

Fixes:

• Restart your computer and re-launch Trezor Suite or your browser
• Ensure your internet connection is stable
• Open Task Manager or Activity Monitor and close any duplicate Bridge processes
• Check Trezor’s official status page for outages

9. Device Bootloader Mode Confusion

Problem: Device starts in bootloader mode and doesn’t proceed to the home screen.

Possible Causes:

• You accidentally pressed both buttons on Trezor Model One
• The firmware isn’t installed yet
• An update was interrupted

Fixes:

• Complete the firmware installation through Trezor Suite
• If device is unresponsive, contact Trezor support or perform a factory reset
• Don’t unplug the device while installing firmware

Final Tip: Use Trezor Suite Desktop for Stability

While Trezor.io/Start works well for quick setup and browser access, many of the above issues can be avoided by using the Trezor Suite desktop app, which:

• Includes built-in device drivers (no need for Bridge)
• Is more stable and secure for daily use
• Supports full portfolio management and transaction tools

Final Thoughts

Most issues with Trezor.io/Start can be fixed with a few basic troubleshooting steps. Whether it’s a connection issue, setup glitch, or browser conflict, staying calm and methodical is key.

If a problem persists, it's always safe to reset your device and restore it using your recovery seed, as long as that seed is stored securely offline. For advanced errors or device damage, reach out to Trezor Support directly.