Trezor Bridge® — Browser-to-Device Connector

What is Trezor Bridge®?

Trezor Bridge® is a small, secure application that runs on your computer and allows your web browser to communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet. It acts as a local bridge between the Trezor device and browser-based wallet interfaces (for example, Trezor Suite or supported third-party web wallets). Because modern browsers restrict direct USB access for security reasons, Bridge provides an explicit, controlled channel so the hardware wallet can sign transactions, display addresses, and perform device management tasks.

Why it exists

Browsers intentionally sandbox direct hardware interaction to protect users from malicious websites. Trezor Bridge provides a trusted, signed application that the browser can talk to over a local connection, enabling safe, authenticated communication with your offline-stored private keys.

Key benefits

• Compatibility: Works with most major browsers and operating systems, bridging the gap between web apps and the hardware device.
• Security: Keeps private keys isolated on the device. Bridge only relays requests and responses — it never sees or stores secret data.
• Convenience: Automatically handles device discovery and communication so you can use browser-based wallet UIs without manual USB troubleshooting.
• Version control: Signed releases and update checks help ensure you're running an authentic, up-to-date connector.

Installation — step-by-step

Installing Trezor Bridge is straightforward. Below are the general steps for the three most common desktop platforms. Always download Bridge only from the official Trezor site to avoid counterfeit installers.

Windows

1. Download the Windows installer from the official Trezor website.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. You might need administrator privileges.
3. Once installed, plug in your Trezor device with the official USB cable. Your browser should now detect the device via Bridge.

macOS

1. Download the macOS package (.dmg) from the official source.
2. Open the .dmg and drag the Bridge app into /Applications.
3. On first run, you might need to allow the app in System Settings → Security & Privacy. After that, connect your Trezor and allow the browser to access Bridge when prompted.

Linux

1. Download the Linux package for your distribution (AppImage / .deb / .rpm) or use distribution-specific instructions from Trezor's site.
2. Grant executable permissions if using AppImage: chmod +x trezor-bridge.AppImage and run it.
3. Ensure udev rules are set up (for Debian/Ubuntu .deb installs they are typically installed automatically).

First use & connecting your device

After installing Bridge, open the Trezor web app you prefer (for example, the official Trezor Suite web app). The site will request access to your device. Confirm access on both your browser and your Trezor device screen. Always verify the fingerprint or address displayed on the device matches what the web app shows before approving transactions.

Best practices during first connection

• Use an official or trusted USB cable — faulty cables may cause intermittent disconnections.
• Only access your Trezor when using a trusted computer and a secure network.
• If prompted to update your Trezor firmware, follow the official instructions carefully and never skip verifying release notes from the official source.

Security considerations

Trezor Bridge is purpose-built to minimize security risks, but you should always follow safe habits:

• Always download Bridge from the official Trezor domain. Avoid third-party download mirrors.
• Keep Bridge up to date. Updates can contain security patches and bug fixes.
• Do not enter your recovery seed on any computer. Your seed belongs only on paper or a secure, offline backup medium.
• Verify device prompts. The Trezor screen is the ultimate authority — never approve a transaction unless the device shows the correct address and amount.
• Limit administrative access. Avoid installing unnecessary software that could interfere with USB communications or inject behavior into local processes.

Troubleshooting common issues

Even reliable software can encounter hiccups. Here are common problems and pragmatic fixes.

Bridge not detected by browser

• Confirm Bridge is running. On Windows check Task Manager, on macOS check Activity Monitor, on Linux check running processes.
• Restart Bridge and your browser. Sometimes stale sockets need a fresh start.
• Try a different USB port or cable.
• Temporarily disable browser extensions that might interfere (privacy or USB-related extensions).

Device disconnects intermittently

• Use a short, good-quality cable and avoid USB hubs that may be unstable.
• Check power-saving settings that may suspend USB ports.
• Update host OS USB drivers if you see system-level errors.

Installation failed / permission errors

• On macOS, allow the app under Security & Privacy settings if blocked.
• On Linux, ensure udev rules are installed so non-root users can access the device.
• On Windows, install with administrator privileges if prompted.

Advanced usage & configuration

Power users may want to tailor how Bridge runs:

• Run Bridge in the background as a system/startup service so it's always available when the computer boots.
• Use command-line flags (where supported) for logging or diagnostic output when troubleshooting complex issues.
• Combine Bridge with local firewall rules if you're on a shared network and want to limit which applications can access the Bridge port.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I need Trezor Bridge to use a Trezor device?

In most browser-based scenarios, yes. Some native desktop wallets or Trezor Suite desktop apps use direct device drivers and may not require Bridge. For browser interactions and some web wallets, Bridge is the recommended connector.

Is Bridge safe? Can it access my private keys?

Bridge acts only as a messenger: it relays requests and responses between the browser and the Trezor hardware. Private keys never leave your Trezor device, and Bridge cannot extract them.

How do I update Bridge?

When a new Bridge release is available, the official site will provide the installer. Some versions may show an update prompt. Always verify the source before downloading updates.

Final tips & recommended routine

• Keep a dedicated, safe backup of your recovery seed offline.
• Periodically verify firmware and Bridge versions and read release notes for security-relevant changes.
• When using shared or public computers, avoid connecting your Trezor — use a trusted machine instead.
• If you ever suspect a compromise, stop using the device, move funds to a new wallet with a new seed and investigate.