<h2>What happens when you log in to a Trezor?</h2>
<p>Logging in to a Trezor generally involves connecting the device to your computer or mobile device and unlocking it using its built-in PIN. Unlike web services, you are not sending your seed or private keys over the internet — the device signs transactions locally and only sends signed transactions out. The Trezor Suite or compatible software interfaces with the device to present balances and construct unsigned transactions, which your Trezor then approves.</p>

<div class="note">
  <strong>Quick fact:</strong> The PIN protects the device from local attackers; the recovery seed is the ultimate backup. Protect both.</div>

<h2>Step-by-step: How to log in to your Trezor</h2>
<ol>
  <li><strong>Connect the device:</strong> Use the USB (or USB-C/adapter) cable to plug your Trezor into the computer, or pair via a supported mobile connector if available.</li>
  <li><strong>Open Trezor Suite or a compatible wallet:</strong> Launch the official Trezor Suite app or a third-party wallet that supports Trezor hardware devices.</li>
  <li><strong>Device unlock:</strong> When prompted, enter your PIN on the Trezor’s screen. This ensures that even if the device is connected, an attacker can’t access it without the PIN.</li>
  <li><strong>Approve connection:</strong> The device will show a confirmation for the host connection — confirm it on the Trezor screen.</li>
  <li><strong>Access accounts:</strong> After unlocking and confirming the connection, your addresses and balances will appear in the Suite. You may now create or sign transactions as needed.</li>
</ol>

<h2>PIN and physical security</h2>
<p>The PIN is the first line of defense when you log in. Choose a PIN you can remember but which isn’t easily guessable. The Trezor device protects against bruteforce attempts by introducing increasing delays and requiring reboots after multiple wrong attempts. Treat the device like a bank card: keep it physically secure and never share your PIN with anyone.</p>

<h2>Recovery seed — the single most important secret</h2>
<p>When you first initialize a Trezor you receive a 12, 18, or 24-word recovery seed. This seed fully controls your funds and is the only reliable backup. During normal login, the seed stays inside the Trezor and is never revealed. But if your device is lost, damaged, or stolen, only the recovery seed can restore access to your crypto on a new device.</p>
<ul>
  <li>Write the seed physically on the recovery card provided — don’t store it digitally or photograph it.</li>
  <li>Store copies in separate, secure locations (e.g., a home safe and a safety deposit box) if desired, but minimize the number of copies.</li>
  <li>Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or website that asks for it.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Optional: Passphrase for added privacy and security</h2>
<p>Trezor supports an optional passphrase feature that acts like a 25th seed word. When enabled, the passphrase changes which wallet is derived from your recovery seed. This provides two important capabilities:</p>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Deniability:</strong> You can create hidden wallets that only appear if you enter a specific passphrase.</li>
  <li><strong>Extra security:</strong> An attacker who finds your written seed won’t access any passphrase-protected wallets without the passphrase.</li>
</ul>
<p>Important: If you use a passphrase, treat it as equally sensitive as the seed. If you forget a passphrase you’ve used, the funds in that derived wallet are effectively lost.</p>

<h2>Common login problems & troubleshooting</h2>
<p>If you can’t log in to your Trezor, try these checks first:</p>
<ul>
  <li><strong>Cable or USB port:</strong> Swap cables and try different ports. Use a data-capable cable, not a charge-only cable.</li>
  <li><strong>Device firmware:</strong> Ensure your Trezor has compatible firmware. The Suite will usually prompt when an update is needed; follow on-device instructions carefully.</li>
  <li><strong>Browser extensions & blockers:</strong> If using the web interface, temporarily disable extensions that may block USB access.</li>
  <li><strong>PIN entry mistakes:</strong> If you’ve locked the device with repeated wrong PIN attempts, reboot and try again when the device allows.</li>
  <li><strong>Passphrase confusion:</strong> If a passphrase is enabled, verify whether you’re using the correct passphrase session — different passphrases show different wallets.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Best practices for secure login sessions</h2>
<p>Use these simple habits every time you access your Trezor:</p>
<ul>
  <li>Open only trusted wallet software (preferably the official Trezor Suite).</li>
  <li>Double-check transaction details (recipient address and amount) on the device screen before approving a transaction — the Trezor displays both for verification.</li>
  <li>Keep your computer updated and free of malware; avoid logging in from public or untrusted computers.</li>
  <li>Log out and physically disconnect the device when finished.</li>
</ul>

<h2>Advanced tips for power users</h2>
<p>Advanced users may consider techniques such as using multiple hidden wallets for compartmentalization, combining multi-signature setups with hardware wallets, or using an air-gapped workflow where the Trezor never connects to an online host directly. These approaches increase complexity but can significantly enhance security for large holdings.</p>

<h2>When to contact support</h2>
<p>If you suspect your device is tampered with, if the firmware update process fails in a way you don’t understand, or if you lose access and need recovery guidance, contact official Trezor support. When reaching out, never share your recovery seed, PIN, or passphrase—support will never ask for those secrets.</p>

<h2>Summary</h2>
<p>Trezor login is intentionally simple: connect the device, unlock with your PIN, and confirm transactions on the hardware screen. The real security comes from how you protect the recovery seed, whether you choose to use a passphrase, and the devices and environments you use when accessing your wallet. Follow the best practices above — treat your recovery seed and passphrase like the keys to a safe deposit box — and your Trezor will provide strong, durable protection for your cryptocurrency holdings.</p>