Trezor Suite added an "easy" way to "directly" install Bitcoin-only firmware

[SFR10]

Trezor finally introduced an easier way for "normal users" to directly install the Bitcoin-only firmware in Trezor Suite!
^{Note: Bitcoin-only firmware existed "since 2019", but it was meant for advanced users.}

Steps for switching the firmware on Trezor Suite ^[v22.8.2]:

• Settings > Device tab > FIRMWARE > Type > Click Switch to Bitcoin > Install Firmware
  ^{Note: For those that use their hardware wallets for 2FA, "DON'T INSTALL THIS" Firmware!}

More information: Trezor Suite and firmware updates August 2022: Bitcoin-only firmware in Trezor Suite!

[Hispo]

I was aware of this firmware version back in the day (2020) and I assumed it was supposed to be a response by trezor to carter a market necessity (please people that are only interested in Bitcoin), however as time passed I still do not see completely the appeal that this Bitcoin-only firmware could possibly bring to more "flexible users", keeping in mind that in case of using this firmware one's Trezor cannot be used as U2F key, for example.

Nonetheless, I respect Satoshilabs and those how use this firmware to keep their satoshis as I was going to give it a try when I was new with Trezor but I did not dare because the installation process.

[SFR10]

I still do not see completely the appeal that this Bitcoin-only firmware could possibly bring to more "flexible users",

If by flexible users you're referring to those who constantly switch firmware, then it only improves the security of their devices temporarily, but for those who only use BTCitcoin, apart from shrinking the attack vectors, it'll also lead to having a less buggy wallet.

[Hispo]

-snip-

If by flexible users you're referring to those who constantly switch firmware, then it only improves the security of their devices temporarily, but for those who only use BTCitcoin, apart from shrinking the attack vectors, it'll also lead to having a less buggy wallet.

Is there a actual improvement one can notice by having a Bitcoin-only firwmare installed on one's Trezor? Because my personal experience have been almost flawless so far using the normal firmware.

I suppose the signing time may get reduced slightly but I cant think of any other advantages I would notice.

If anyone reading this thread has tried this specific firmware, I'll like to know about your own experience with it in the form of a short review, please. That would help a lot.

[dkbit98]

Trezor finally introduced an easier way for "normal users" to directly install the Bitcoin-only firmware in Trezor Suite!
^{Note: Bitcoin-only firmware existed "since 2019", but it was meant for advanced users.}

It's important to ask if Trezor allows it's users to move back to multicoin firmware after they installed bitcoin only firmware, maybe they changed their mind or they need to use this device as 2FA?
I know that Keystone hardware wallet is also allowing it's users to choose between bitcoin-only and multi-coin firmware, but you can't change your mind and install multi-coin firmware again.
Benefits for Bitcoin-only firmware are obvious, it's much more secure, clean code, less bugs, and no shitcoin distractions.

[SFR10]

Is there a actual improvement one can notice by having a Bitcoin-only firwmare installed on one's Trezor? Because my personal experience have been almost flawless so far using the normal firmware.

Apart from slightly "faster coin discovery ^{[their own words]}", I haven't noticed anything else so far but I had some issues with the universal firmware in the past that it wasn't updating the firmware properly ^{[I'll do similar "downgrade/upgrade tests" if it gives me the option]}.

It's important to ask if Trezor allows it's users to move back to multicoin firmware after they installed bitcoin only firmware, maybe they changed their mind or they need to use this device as 2FA?

Yes, you can easily switch back to the firmware of your choice: Video link ^{[the whole process took roughly a minute only]}

[Coin-Keeper]

I have been using bitcoin-only firmware on two of my Trezors for years now.   It is easy to mount trezorctl on a linux terminal and install the BTC only firmware.  For more casual users the Suite's software will now make it easy to install.

Many here say their devices run well with "normal" many coin software.  I can't speak to that since I am a diehard old school crypto user from a decade ago now.  I do have more devices where other coins can be used.

Security advice:  it comes down to attack surface and CLEARLY bitcoin-only firmware has a total edge over the "normal" firmware IF in fact you are only using Bitcoin.  Why would anyone expose attack surface unnecessarily?  Further some of the updates with all the coins need to be corrected because something is glitched or changed by the respective coin blockchain/system.  I worked in computer security and I believe Trezors are safe, but I maximize my security when possible.  Why wouldn't I?

Trezor finally introduced an easier way for "normal users" to directly install the Bitcoin-only firmware in Trezor Suite!
^{Note: Bitcoin-only firmware existed "since 2019", but it was meant for advanced users.}

It's important to ask if Trezor allows it's users to move back to multicoin firmware after they installed bitcoin only firmware, maybe they changed their mind or they need to use this device as 2FA?
I know that Keystone hardware wallet is also allowing it's users to choose between bitcoin-only and multi-coin firmware, but you can't change your mind and install multi-coin firmware again.
Benefits for Bitcoin-only firmware are obvious, it's much more secure, clean code, less bugs, and no shitcoin distractions.

I can move back and forth between software  ------ > bitcoin-only & normal software as often as I want to.  Easy to do!

You can even do a factory fresh wipe including the firmware and start from factory scratch if that is your thing.  I have done that too at least 10 times for confirmation with my test Trezors.  Promise you its fine if you have your SEED ------- > FOR SURE

[dkbit98]

One more important update for Trezor Suite software was released few days ago with version v22.9.1, but it's only pre-release and you can install it if you opt-in or do manual install.
Long awaited biggest change is coming with Coin Control feature, so now you can manually select UTXOs for your transactions when you are sending Bitcoin.
One more small update, among other small improvements, is adding optionally display of Bitcoin amounts in Satoshis (Sats) instead of default BTC, and it's simple to enable/disable this with a click.


https://github.com/trezor/trezor-suite/releases

[DireWolfM14]

Is there a actual improvement one can notice by having a Bitcoin-only firwmare installed on one's Trezor?

As others have mentioned, Trezor claims faster operation in some instances.  However, I think the primary reason to use the bitcoin-only firmware is for privacy, and the additional security that'll come from it.  Trezor Suite can be set to connect to the blockchain through a self-hosted electrum server, which means your address history and public isn't being shared with a third party.

If you're interacting with alts, each one will connect to different SPV servers, and therefore expose keys for those coins to the third party operating the server.  Not to mention that on-chain privacy is nonexistent with ETH and all it's ERC20 tokens.