Your Trezor hardware wallet PIN is a critical security feature that protects your cryptocurrency assets from unauthorized access. But what happens if you forget your PIN? While this can feel alarming, there are clear steps you can take to regain access to your wallet safely. This guide will walk you through what to do if you forget your Trezor PIN at login.
The PIN on your Trezor device acts as the first line of defense against unauthorized access. It is entered directly on the hardware device, preventing malware or keyloggers on your computer from capturing it. The PIN also encrypts your wallet data on the device.
Because the PIN protects your wallet’s security, Trezor enforces a limit on the number of incorrect PIN attempts. After several wrong attempts, the device will wipe itself to protect your funds.
Even if you forget your PIN or enter it incorrectly too many times, your cryptocurrency is not lost. Your funds are secured by your recovery seed phrase, a set of 12, 18, or 24 words generated when you first set up your Trezor device.
The recovery seed is the ultimate key to your wallet and can restore your assets on any compatible hardware wallet.
After too many failed PIN attempts, your Trezor device will reset to factory settings and erase all stored information, including the PIN. This protects your wallet from brute-force attacks.
To proceed:
At this stage, your device is clean and ready to be restored.
When prompted during setup, select the option to recover wallet rather than create a new one. Carefully enter your recovery seed phrase word by word on the device. This will restore your wallet’s private keys and give you access to your funds.
Important: Never enter your recovery seed on your computer or any website — only on your Trezor device to avoid exposure to malware or phishing attempts.
After your wallet is restored, you will be prompted to set a new PIN. Choose a secure PIN that you can remember but is difficult for others to guess.
Consider using a PIN pattern or method that is easy for you but hard for others to observe.
If you encounter technical issues during recovery or believe your device is malfunctioning, contact official Trezor Support for assistance. Avoid third-party services or individuals offering help, as they might attempt to steal your assets.
Forgetting your Trezor PIN can be stressful, but with your recovery seed phrase, you can always regain access to your wallet. Always store your recovery seed securely and never share it. By following these steps, you can safely recover your wallet, reset your PIN, and continue managing your cryptocurrency with confidence.