In an effort to enhance user privacy, Trezor Suite has been updated to version 22.3.2, enabling users to connect their hardware wallets directly to any node running an Electrum server—but only through the desktop application. The web version of Trezor Suite does not support custom node connections. By linking your wallet to your own full node, you eliminate the risk of exposing sensitive usage data to third-party service providers. This guide explains why running your own node matters and walks you through the complete setup process.
While you can still use the default backend—Trezor’s own nodes powered by the open-source Blockbook software—connecting to your personal node offers greater control and privacy. These official nodes are secure and do not log user data, but self-hosting ensures your transaction history and address queries remain entirely private.
👉 Discover how secure wallet connectivity can transform your crypto experience.
What Is a Full Node?
A full node is a software program that independently validates every transaction and block on the Bitcoin blockchain. These nodes form the backbone of Bitcoin’s decentralized network, ensuring security, preventing double-spending, and maintaining network resilience. Unlike lightweight (SPV) wallets, full nodes store a complete copy of the blockchain and enforce consensus rules without relying on intermediaries.
The core component of most full nodes is bitcoind, a command-line Bitcoin implementation that downloads, verifies, and stores the blockchain. However, bitcoind lacks a user-friendly interface and cannot efficiently serve wallet applications directly. That’s where additional layers like Electrum servers and Blockbook come in—they sit on top of bitcoind, index blockchain data, and provide fast, structured responses to wallet queries.
Why Use an Electrum Server?
Trezor Suite supports three backend connection options:
- Default nodes operated by SatoshiLabs.
- Custom Blockbook server.
- Custom Electrum server.
An Electrum server acts as a bridge between bitcoind and your wallet. It maintains an index of addresses and their transaction histories—something bitcoind alone cannot do efficiently. This allows Trezor Suite to quickly retrieve balance information and transaction records without scanning the entire blockchain each time.
Additionally, Electrum servers can cache data, improve performance, and offer supplementary features like real-time exchange rates. For privacy-focused users, running your own Electrum server means no third party ever sees which addresses you're monitoring or when you check your balance.
Benefits of Running Your Own Node
When you don’t run your own node, your wallet must rely on public servers to access blockchain data. This introduces several risks:
- Data leakage: Third-party nodes can log which addresses you query, potentially linking them to your identity.
- Malicious responses: A compromised server could feed false data, such as fake transaction confirmations or incorrect balances.
- Censorship risk: Some providers might filter or delay transactions based on policy.
Even with Tor, using someone else’s node means your usage patterns are still visible to them. Connecting to your own node eliminates these risks entirely—your data stays private, and you gain full trustlessness.
👉 Learn how independent node access strengthens your financial sovereignty.
How to Set Up a Custom Full Node Connection
To connect Trezor Suite to your own node, you need three pieces of information:
- Address: IP address, domain name, or
.onionaddress of your node. - Port: The network port accepting connections (e.g., 50001).
- Protocol: Either
tfor unencrypted TCP orsfor SSL/TLS encrypted connections.
These are combined into a single string using the format: address:port:protocol
For example: 192.168.1.100:50001:t
or for SSL: node.example.com:50002:s
Step-by-Step Setup in Trezor Suite
- Open Trezor Suite Desktop.
- Navigate to Settings > Crypto > Bitcoin.
- Hover over the Bitcoin network card and click the gear icon to open backend settings.
- From the dropdown menu, select Custom Electrum Server.
- Enter your connection string (e.g.,
your-node.onion:50001:t). - Click Confirm.
You can add multiple custom backends for redundancy. Trezor Suite will attempt to connect to them in order if one fails.
Once saved, a new icon appears in the top-right corner indicating backend status:
- Yellow dot: Connection pending.
- Green dot: Successfully connected.
Clicking this icon shows details about the active node and connection status.
Connecting via Tor Using Onion Addresses
Onion addresses (ending in .onion) allow access to nodes hosted on the Tor network, enhancing privacy by hiding your IP address and encrypting traffic end-to-end.
To connect via Tor:
- Use an
.onionaddress. - Port number (usually 50001 for Electrum).
- Protocol: Always
t(Tor handles encryption).
Example: ex4mpl3avds34zbtf4xustmzei6nlr3g62fz7c7tp7iqemmpwjx7ktad.onion:50001:t
⚠️ Important: You must enable Tor in Trezor Suite settings before connecting to an onion address. If disabled, the connection will fail. Trezor Suite will prompt you to enable Tor automatically when it detects an .onion backend.
If you have multiple backends configured, Trezor Suite intelligently switches between Tor and non-Tor connections based on availability and settings.
Practical Example: Connecting to an Umbrel Node
Umbrel is a popular home server platform that simplifies running Bitcoin and Lightning nodes. Many users run Umbrel on Raspberry Pi devices with built-in Electrum server support—making it ideal for integration with Trezor Suite.
Step 1: Get Connection Details from Umbrel
- Log into your Umbrel dashboard.
- Go to Connect Wallet in the sidebar.
- Select Electrum Server.
- Copy the displayed connection string in
address:port:protocolformat.
Step 2: Enter Details in Trezor Suite
Paste the copied string into the custom Electrum server field in Trezor Suite settings. Confirm and wait for the green connection indicator.
Connection may take a few moments. During this time, your wallet may show a syncing message with an option to refresh.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I connect Trezor Suite to my node using the web app?
A: No. Only the desktop version of Trezor Suite supports custom node connections. The web app always uses remote backends.
Q: Does connecting to my own node make transactions faster?
A: Not necessarily. Transaction speed depends on network fees and mempool congestion. However, your transactions are broadcast directly from your node, increasing privacy and reducing reliance on third parties.
Q: Can I use Bitcoin Core directly with Trezor Suite?
A: Not currently. While Bitcoin Core runs bitcoind, Trezor Suite requires an intermediate service like an Electrum server or Blockbook to interpret data.
Q: What happens if my node goes offline?
A: If you have multiple backends set up, Trezor Suite will automatically switch to another available server. Otherwise, wallet functionality may be limited until reconnection.
Q: Is running a full node expensive or technically difficult?
A: It varies. Entry-level setups like Raspberry Pi with Umbrel OS are affordable (~$100–$200) and user-friendly. You’ll need at least 500GB of storage (growing yearly), stable internet, and basic technical skills.
Q: Do I need port forwarding to run a public node?
A: Yes, if you want maximum connectivity and contribution to the network. However, for personal use with Tor, port forwarding is optional.
Building Your Own Full Node: Options & Recommendations
Running your own full node strengthens the Bitcoin network and gives you full autonomy over your financial data.
1. Run Blockbook Locally
Install Blockbook) on a Debian-based Linux machine. Once configured, select “Custom Blockbook server” in Trezor Suite settings and input your server’s URL.
2. Buy a Pre-Built Node
Companies offer plug-and-play solutions like NodeZero or Start9 Embassy. These are easier for beginners but cost more than DIY builds.
3. Use a Raspberry Pi with Umbrel OS
A low-cost, energy-efficient option. Requires Raspberry Pi 4 or later due to memory and storage demands. Umbrel provides a clean interface for managing Bitcoin, Lightning, and other apps.
4. Run Bitcoin Core on Your Computer
Simplest method—download Bitcoin Core from bitcoin.org. Note: Trezor Suite does not support direct Bitcoin Core integration, so you’ll still need an Electrum server like electrs.
👉 Secure your crypto journey by taking full control of your blockchain access today.
Future updates to Trezor Suite aim to expand full node capabilities further, empowering users with complete sovereignty over their Bitcoin experience.