Safely Migrate Your Crypto Wallet (2025 Guide)
Updated November 2025
Whether you are upgrading from a Trezor to a Ledger Nano X, or replacing a lost hardware wallet, migrating your crypto wallet safely is critical. Done incorrectly, it can expose your private keys or lock you out of your assets. In our lab we performed repeat restorations between a Trezor Model T and a Nano X, verified addresses on device, and confirmed balances with an independent explorer to validate this process for 2025.
Ledger Nano X vs Trezor Model T: quick comparison
| Category | Ledger Nano X | Trezor Model T | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security model | Secure Element chip + OS | Open design, no SE, transparent firmware | Both are strong when set up correctly. Choose the model that aligns with your trust assumptions and update discipline. |
| Screen & UX | Smaller screen, buttons | Color touchscreen | Touchscreen speeds up long seed inputs during restores. Buttons feel slower but precise for confirmations. |
| Connectivity | USB + Bluetooth | USB only | Bluetooth helps with mobile workflows. We still prefer cabled restores on a clean machine for migration. |
| Coin & chain support | Broad support via Ledger Live and third-party apps | Broad support via Trezor Suite and integrations | Most major chains work on both. Double check niche tokens and derivation paths before you migrate. |
| Best for | Mobile users and multi-chain portfolios | Touch input fans and power users who like Suite’s clarity | Pick based on UX preference. Migration safety depends more on seed handling than brand. |
In our tests the Nano X restored a 24-word phrase reliably, matched all legacy and SegWit addresses after a fresh sync, and confirmed receives on device. Bluetooth is convenient for on-the-go balance checks, though we still perform restores via USB on a clean machine.
- Secure Element with strong app ecosystem
- USB and Bluetooth connectivity
- Stable restore flow in our lab
- Small screen lengthens seed entry
The touchscreen speeds up seed entry and on-device passphrase input. In our trials with Trezor Suite we restored a 12-word and a 24-word seed, then re-derived change addresses to confirm spend paths and balances.
- Touchscreen improves restore UX
- Clear Suite interface for coin management
- Open approach and strong documentation
- USB only, no Bluetooth for mobile flows
We pressure tested metal plates with flame exposure and water dunk tests. Paper backups failed fast under heat and moisture. Metal preserved legibility and remained intact.
- Heat and water resistant
- Clear letter tiles reduce transcription errors
- Initial setup takes time
How to migrate wallets safely
Wallet migration is not a coin transfer. You are re-creating the same private keys on a new device by restoring the seed phrase. That seed deterministically derives your addresses. If you handle the seed correctly, balances and history appear on the new device after sync.
1) Verify device authenticity
Buy from trusted sources. On arrival, connect only to the official app and run the built-in authenticity check. Reference Ledger Support and Trezor Learn for current verification steps.
2) Back up the old wallet
Confirm your 12 or 24 words are written offline. If you only have a photo or cloud note, rewrite to paper and consider a metal backup. Never store the seed digitally. Our fire and water tests favored steel over paper for resilience.
3) Initialize the new device as a restore
Choose Restore on the device. Enter words on device only. Do not type seeds on a computer. For mobile-friendly migrations, we still recommend a clean desktop via USB for the restore step.
4) Verify addresses and balances
Open your companion app, allow a full sync, then copy one receiving address and confirm it on the device screen. Cross-check balances with an independent explorer such as Blockchain.com Explorer. For UTXO chains, check change addresses and recent transactions.
5) Decommission the old device
After you confirm everything matches, wipe the old device and store it separately or repurpose it as a decoy wallet. Follow your vendor’s wipe procedure. See Ledger Support and Trezor Learn for current steps.
Security tips during migration
- Use a clean, malware-free computer. Update OS and the wallet app before you begin.
- Verify URLs manually. Bookmark official sites to avoid spoof pages.
- Physically shield your seed entry. Do not film or photograph the words.
- Enable a passphrase if supported and you know how to manage it safely.
- Record derivation path notes for unusual wallets or legacy imports.
For deeper hardening tactics, see our hardware wallet hardening checklist and our quarterly wallet security audit checklist.
Best practices for long-term safety
Distribute holdings across tiers. Keep long-term funds in cold storage and a small mobile balance for spending. Document where each seed is stored and who can access it in emergencies. If you use smart contract wallets and plan upgrades, read our notes on account abstraction wallets and check EVM vs non-EVM compatibility if you bridge assets.
Explore our custody and tooling hub for current practices: Crypto Storage Trends. For a deeper look at device tradeoffs, see our Ledger vs Trezor comparison and our best crypto wallets roundup.
A lighthearted desk upgrade for long syncs and on-device verifications.
FAQ
Can I reuse my seed phrase on multiple wallets?
Yes, but it increases exposure. If one device is compromised, the shared seed is at risk. We prefer a clean new seed when you can also move funds safely with on-chain sends.
Will my tokens appear automatically after restore?
Yes for supported chains once you resync. Add specific accounts or networks in your app if something is missing. Then verify using an independent explorer.
What if I lost part of my seed phrase?
Recovery is not feasible without the full seed or a split recovery scheme you set up earlier. Consider Shamir backup or a second seed for the future, and write clear emergency instructions for heirs.
Should I migrate or just send coins to a new seed?
Migrating with the same seed recreates keys on a new device and avoids on-chain fees. Sending funds to a fresh seed rotates exposure at the cost of network fees and address updates. Choose based on threat model and tax record simplicity.
