What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small background application (a bridge) that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based wallets or local applications. It runs on your computer and translates browser requests into commands your Trezor device understands — all while keeping your private keys on the hardware device.
Why Trezor Bridge matters
- Provides a reliable channel for browser-based apps (like Trezor Suite web integrations) to talk to your hardware wallet.
- Helps modern browsers maintain security boundaries — avoiding risky direct USB access.
- Makes firmware updates, transaction signing, and address verification seamless between your computer and device.
Installing Trezor Bridge
Installation is straightforward. Download the official installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and follow the on-screen steps. After installation, Trezor Bridge runs in the background and your browser or desktop Trezor app will detect your Trezor when it’s connected.
Using Trezor Bridge: first connection
- Open your preferred web wallet or Trezor Suite.
- Connect your Trezor with the supplied USB cable and enter your PIN on the device.
- When prompted, allow the website or app to access your device. Approve actions directly on the physical Trezor screen.
Security best practices
- Always download Trezor Bridge from official Trezor.io sources — never from third-party or copycat sites.
- Verify addresses on the Trezor screen; never trust a computer-only display.
- Keep Trezor firmware and Bridge updated to benefit from security fixes.
- Do not enter your 12/24-word recovery seed on a computer or online — only ever on the device when prompted during recovery.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not detected: Try reconnecting the USB cable, restarting the browser, or rebooting your computer. Ensure Bridge is running in your system tray.
- Permission errors: On some systems, you may need to grant Bridge additional permissions or install a driver. Follow the official Trezor troubleshooting pages.
- Browser warnings: Modern browsers may show security prompts — allow the connection only for trusted sites.
Advanced: running Trezor Bridge headless or from source
Power users can run Bridge in headless mode on Linux servers or build from source. This is useful for developers integrating Trezor support in local tooling. Refer to Trezor’s developer docs to learn about command-line options and source builds.
Alternatives and compatibility
Some browsers and apps are moving to native WebUSB/WebHID support, which can reduce reliance on Bridge. However, Bridge remains widely supported and stable for many environments. Trezor Suite (desktop) and supported web wallets will indicate the recommended connection method.
Quick start checklist
- Download Trezor Bridge from the official site.
- Install and allow any system permissions required.
- Connect and unlock your Trezor device.
- Verify addresses and approve actions on the device screen.
- Keep software and firmware updated.