Introduction
Trezor Bridge is a small, secure application that enables communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and desktop/web applications (like Trezor Suite or supported wallets). It handles low-level USB/browser communication, encrypts messages, and ensures a reliable, user-friendly interface for signing transactions while keeping private keys on the device.
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge acts as an intermediary layer between a host (your browser or Suite) and the Trezor device. It replaces deprecated browser extensions and provides a single, trusted channel for requests such as retrieving addresses, generating signatures, and checking firmware status.
Why Bridge?
- Consistent cross-platform behavior (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Avoids insecure browser plugins.
- Encrypted transport between host and device.
- Better compatibility with modern browsers.
Install & Setup
Download
Download Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor site. Always verify that you are on an official domain before downloading.
Installation Steps
- Run the installer for your OS (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, Linux .deb/.rpm).
- Allow the application to run as a background service so web apps can connect.
- Open Trezor Suite or your chosen web app — Bridge should auto-detect the device.
Verification
After installing, the Suite will verify your device is genuine and prompt for firmware updates if required. Only proceed with firmware updates when your device is plugged in and stable.
Connecting Devices & Workflows
Standard Flow
- Connect your Trezor device via USB.
- Open Trezor Suite (or a supported web app).
- Allow the Bridge connection when prompted (host will show connection requests).
- Confirm sensitive actions (addresses, amounts) directly on the Trezor device screen.
Multiple Hosts
Bridge supports connections from multiple authorized apps, but every transaction or key operation still requires confirmation on the device itself.
Security Features
Encrypted Communication
Bridge encrypts the communication channel so that intermediate processes cannot tamper with or read the messages exchanged with the Trezor device.
Limited Permissions
Bridge only services explicit, local requests — remote access is not possible and physical device presence is required for signing.
Firmware Verification
The host verifies firmware signatures and will warn if firmware integrity checks fail. Only proceed with updates through trusted sources.
Troubleshooting
Device Not Recognized
Try a different USB cable/port, restart Bridge or the Suite, and ensure no other apps are locking the USB bus.
Connection Refused
Close any other apps that might hold connections, reinstall Bridge, or check browser permissions if using a web app.
Firmware Update Fails
Do not unplug the device during an update. If a firmware update fails, follow official recovery instructions on the Trezor website.
Privacy & Data
Trezor Bridge only forwards encrypted requests and does not collect or transmit your private keys or recovery seed. Bridge itself does not send analytics; however, individual apps may. Review privacy policies of any third-party service before use.
Run Your Own Node
For maximum privacy, use Trezor Suite configured to connect to your own full node — this reduces metadata leakage to external providers.
FAQ
For web apps, Bridge is usually required. Desktop Suite may connect directly in some OS environments, but Bridge provides the most consistent cross-browser experience.
Yes — Bridge encrypts communications and never exposes private keys. Always download Bridge from the official Trezor site.
Mobile browser support varies. Trezor recommends using official mobile-compatible flows or the Suite when supported.
Conclusion
Trezor Bridge is the secure, lightweight connector that makes hardware wallet usage seamless across desktop and web applications. It ensures private keys never leave the device while offering a dependable and compatible communication layer to modern wallets and services.
Follow best practices: install only from official sources, verify device authenticity, confirm transactions on-device, and consider running Suite with your own node for maximum privacy.