Short answer: yes. You can hold Ethereum (ETH) and ERC-20 tokens with Model T as part of a non-custodial setup. If you've searched "trezor ethereum" or asked "can you put eth on trezor?" the functionality is there — but how you interact with ETH differs from how the device handles Bitcoin. In my testing, the typical flow is: create or unlock your wallet on the device, connect through a desktop wallet or browser extension (for example, a MetaMask integration), then use the account addresses the Model T exposes to receive and sign transactions.
And yes, ERC-20 tokens live on the same Ethereum addresses — you don't get a separate "token address" per coin (that's a common confusion). But the way tokens appear in an interface depends on the wallet you connect to.
See the general device setup guide here: Model T setup.
Model T uses industry standards (BIP-32/BIP-44/BIP-39 where applicable) to derive addresses and store private keys in a non-custodial way. The device signs transactions locally, so private keys never leave the hardware wallet itself. What changes per blockchain is who interprets the signed transaction: a desktop wallet or web app constructs the raw Ethereum transaction (including gas, token contract interaction), hands it to your hardware wallet to sign, and then broadcasts it.
Because ERC-20 tokens are contract calls on the Ethereum blockchain, the device signs the transaction payload — it does not "hold" tokens in a separate container. That means the wallet you use to view tokens (and NFTs) matters. If your UI doesn't automatically list a token, you can still receive it — you may need to add it manually in the interface.
If you're curious about supported chains and integrations, check: model-t-supported-coins and model-t-integrations.
Step-by-step guides: model-t-usage and model-t-metamask will take you through screenshots and button presses.
A common pairing is Model T + MetaMask. MetaMask acts as the interface where you view balances, add ERC-20 tokens, and interact with DeFi dapps or NFT marketplaces. Your Model T provides the signing authority. That setup supports NFTs on Ethereum too — you can sign NFT purchases and transfers using the device. But keep this in mind: Model T doesn't render NFT art or metadata on its screen. It only signs the transaction (you must trust the UI you connected to when reviewing the transaction details).
Want to see more about NFTs? See: model-t-nfts.
But remember: always verify contract addresses and transaction details in the wallet interface and on the device. If something looks off, cancel.
Model T uses a recovery phrase (seed phrase) to restore private keys. BIP-39 is the common standard in this ecosystem; during setup you will write down the seed phrase the device generates. Many users prefer 24-word phrases for redundancy, but some setups use 12 — check model-t-seed-phrase for specific guidance.
Passphrase (the so-called 25th word) is supported — and it's powerful. In my experience, entering a passphrase on the touchscreen is far safer than typing it into a PC. But a passphrase is also high-risk: lose it, and the derived account is unrecoverable. Keep that in mind for inheritance planning (see model-t-inheritance).
Backups: metal plates are recommended for long-term durability over paper. Consider splitting backups geographically or using advanced schemes (see slip39-shamir) if your threat model demands it.
Firmware updates are how the device receives security patches. Always update firmware only when you initiate it and verify the device shows the correct fingerprint or confirmation prompts. See model-t-firmware and model-t-security for verification steps.
Multisig (multi-signature) moves you from single-signer security to shared control. For Bitcoin, tools like Electrum or Sparrow let multiple hardware wallets (including Model T) act as co-signers. For Ethereum, multisig typically runs as a smart contract (e.g., a wallet contract where the Model T signs via MetaMask or a supported interface).
Multisig is not for everyone. It increases resilience (no single point of failure) but adds complexity for routine transactions and inheritance. If you plan multisig, test restores and signing flows before moving large amounts. See model-t-multisig and model-t-electrum.
If you run into issues, check model-t-troubleshooting and model-t-mistakes-scams.
| Feature | How Model T handles it |
|---|---|
| Store ETH | Yes — private keys stored on-device; transactions signed locally |
| ERC-20 tokens | Supported via connected wallets (tokens use same ETH address) |
| NFTs (Ethereum) | Transaction signing supported; UI displays NFTs via connected app |
| Passphrase support | On-device entry supported (safer) |
| Air-gapped signing | Partial — depends on third-party workflows |
| Multisig | Supported via external wallet interfaces (Bitcoin & smart contract multisig) |
Best for: security-conscious users who want open-source firmware, touch-screen passphrase entry, and a hands-on approach to self-custody. If you regularly interact with DeFi through MetaMask or hold long-term ETH/ERC-20 positions, this device integrates cleanly.
Look elsewhere if: you need a device with built-in NFT previews, want Bluetooth connectivity for mobile-first use, or require an on-device secure element as part of your threat model. Compare options at model-t-vs-others and model-t-vs-ledger-nano-x.
Q: Can I recover my crypto if the device breaks? A: Yes. Restore the seed phrase (plus passphrase, if used) on any compatible hardware wallet or supported recovery tool. See model-t-recover.
Q: What happens if the company goes bankrupt? A: Your keys are yours. As long as you have your seed phrase and compatible recovery tools, you can restore your funds elsewhere.
Q: Is Bluetooth safe for a hardware wallet? A: Model T does not rely on Bluetooth. Bluetooth introduces an additional attack surface; whether it's acceptable depends on your personal threat model.
Q: How do I add ERC-20 tokens in the UI? A: Add the token contract in your wallet interface (e.g., MetaMask) or check on a block explorer using your ETH address.
Model T is a solid, hands-on choice for storing ETH and ERC-20 tokens in a non-custodial way — provided you pair it with a trustworthy interface (like a browser wallet) and follow backup best practices. I believe it's a practical balance of security and usability for many self-custody users.
Ready to set up? Follow the step-by-step walkthrough: Model T setup. Want deeper comparisons? See model-t-vs-one and model-t-vs-others.