If you own a Trezor One hardware wallet, encountering bootloader mode unexpectedly can be frustrating. This mode is designed for firmware updates but can sometimes get stuck. On Windows 11, this issue may prevent your device from functioning normally.
This guide will walk you through simple and clear steps to fix your Trezor One when it is stuck in bootloader mode. Each step is explained in detail to make the process easy, even if you are not very tech-savvy.
By following these instructions, you will understand how to safely troubleshoot and restore your Trezor One without risking your data. Let’s get started with some quick checks.
Remember, patience and careful following of steps are important to avoid any accidental data loss.
Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks
- Ensure your Windows 11 system is updated: Sometimes outdated drivers or system files cause communication problems with the Trezor device.
- Use an official or good quality USB cable: Faulty cables can interrupt the connection and cause bootloader issues.
- Connect directly to a USB port on your PC: Avoid USB hubs or adapters as they may cause unstable connections.
- Charge your device: Make sure your Trezor One has enough power; connect it to your PC for a few minutes before troubleshooting.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Trezor Device
Before diving into complex solutions, the simplest step is often effective. Restarting your Windows 11 PC and disconnecting then reconnecting your Trezor One can refresh system resources and fix minor glitches.
- Close all applications on your computer.
- Disconnect your Trezor One from the USB port.
- Restart your PC by clicking Start > Power > Restart.
- Once Windows boots up again, connect your Trezor One directly to a USB port.
- Check if your Trezor boots normally or remains stuck in bootloader mode.
Rebooting clears temporary system memory and can solve detection issues between your PC and the hardware wallet.
Step 2: Update or Reinstall Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge is the software that allows your Windows 11 PC to communicate with the Trezor device. If it is outdated or corrupted, your device may stay stuck in bootloader mode.
- Open your web browser and go to the official Trezor Bridge download page: https://trezor.io/start/.
- Download the latest version of Trezor Bridge for Windows.
- If you already have Trezor Bridge installed, uninstall it first by navigating to Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Trezor Bridge, and select uninstall.
- After uninstalling, run the new installer and follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Trezor Bridge.
- Once installed, reconnect your Trezor One and see if it exits bootloader mode.
Updating Trezor Bridge ensures your PC and device use the latest communication protocols, which can resolve bootloader connectivity issues.
Step 3: Use the Trezor Firmware Update Tool
If your device is still stuck, the next step is to attempt a firmware update manually. The bootloader mode allows your Trezor to accept new firmware, which can fix bugs causing the problem.
How to update firmware on Windows 11:
- Visit https://trezor.io/start/ and download the Trezor Suite application.
- Install and open Trezor Suite.
- Connect your Trezor One; it should detect the device in bootloader mode.
- Follow the prompts to install the latest firmware. This usually involves clicking “Install firmware” or “Update firmware.”
- Wait patiently while the update completes. Do not disconnect the device during this process.
- After the update, your Trezor should reboot and exit bootloader mode.
Firmware updates fix software errors and improve device stability. Performing this update is usually safe and recommended when stuck in bootloader mode.
Step 4: Manually Enter Bootloader Mode and Recovery
If your Trezor One is not responding or firmware updates fail, you can try to manually enter bootloader mode and recover your device.
Steps to manually enter bootloader mode:
- Disconnect your Trezor One from the USB port.
- Hold down both physical buttons on the device simultaneously.
- While holding the buttons, connect the USB cable to your PC.
- Keep holding the buttons until the device shows the bootloader screen (usually a screen with the word “BOOTLOADER”).
- In Trezor Suite, follow the instructions to recover or reinstall firmware.
This manual method forces the device into bootloader mode intentionally, allowing you to perform recovery even if the device does not boot normally.
Alternative Method: Use Trezor Recovery Tool
If Trezor Suite does not work well with your device, you can use the Trezor Recovery Tool, a separate application dedicated to recovering and reinstalling firmware.
- Download the Trezor Recovery Tool from the official Trezor website.
- Run the tool and connect your Trezor One in bootloader mode (use the manual method if needed).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall firmware or recover the device.
This tool can sometimes handle recovery better than the main Suite application, especially with stubborn bootloader issues.
FAQs
Why does my Trezor One get stuck in bootloader mode?
This can happen due to interrupted firmware updates, corrupted firmware, or communication problems with the PC.
Can I lose my cryptocurrencies if I fix this issue?
Your funds are stored on the blockchain, not the device. As long as you have your recovery seed, you can safely recover your wallet even if the device is reset.
Is it safe to update firmware manually?
Yes, updating firmware through official Trezor Suite or Recovery Tool is safe and recommended to fix bootloader problems.
What if my device does not respond at all?
Try different USB cables and ports. If still unresponsive, use manual bootloader mode and recovery tools. Contact Trezor support if the problem persists.
When Nothing Works
If all the above steps fail to fix your Trezor One stuck in bootloader mode, consider the following options:
- Contact Trezor Support: Visit the official support page at https://trezor.io/support/ for personalized help.
- Check Community Forums: Trezor’s community and Reddit forums often have user-shared solutions for rare issues.
- Consider Device Replacement: If the device is physically damaged or unresponsive despite recovery attempts, replacement may be necessary.
Always ensure you have your recovery seed safely stored before attempting advanced recovery or replacement.
Conclusion
Fixing a Trezor One stuck in bootloader mode on Windows 11 usually involves simple steps like restarting your PC, updating Trezor Bridge, or performing a firmware update. These actions help re-establish communication and repair firmware problems safely.
If standard methods fail, manually entering bootloader mode and using recovery tools are reliable next steps. Always prioritize using official software and keep your recovery seed secure.
By following this guide carefully, you can restore your Trezor One and continue managing your cryptocurrency securely and confidently.