What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small local bridge application developed by SatoshiLabs that enables secure, encrypted communication between your Trezor hardware device and web-based wallet interfaces (for example, Trezor Suite or compatible browser-based wallets). It acts as a translator between USB-connected hardware and web applications, ensuring your private keys never leave the device while commands travel safely between the two.
Why you need it
Most modern browsers restrict direct USB access for web pages. Trezor Bridge installs a trusted local service that the browser can communicate with instead. This preserves security while keeping the user experience smooth: plug in, unlock device, sign transactions — without exposing your seed phrase or private keys to the web page.
How Trezor Bridge works (quick technical overview)
When you connect a Trezor device, the Trezor Bridge service listens locally (on localhost) and provides an encrypted channel. Browser-based wallet code issues commands to the bridge API, which then forwards signed requests to the device. The flow ensures the device performs critical operations (like signing) on-device, keeping secrets isolated.
Supported platforms
- Windows (modern builds)
- macOS
- Linux (various distributions)
Installation & first-run
Installing Trezor Bridge is straightforward. Download the appropriate installer, run it, and follow the prompts. After installation, a small background service will run and automatically detect connected Trezor devices. For full official downloads and up-to-date installers, always use Trezor's official resources listed in the links panel.
Step-by-step
- Visit the official download page (one of the official links below).
- Pick your operating system and download the installer.
- Run the installer and accept system prompts (you may need administrator rights).
- Plug in your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite or a compatible wallet to confirm the bridge is detected.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with a reliable tool like Trezor Bridge, occasional issues may appear. Below are the most common problems and quick fixes.
Problem: Browser cannot find my device
Fixes: ensure Bridge is installed and running, try reconnecting via a different USB port, disable interfering browser extensions, and confirm your browser is up-to-date. On some systems, reinstalling the bridge resolves driver conflicts.
Problem: Bridge installer fails or reports an error
Fixes: run the installer as administrator, temporarily disable antivirus during install (re-enable after), and check your OS for pending updates. If errors persist, consult the official support pages listed in the links panel.
Advanced troubleshooting
For developers or power users: check localhost ports where Bridge listens, review system logs, or run the diagnostic utilities provided in the official documentation. Keep your device firmware up to date — mismatched firmware and software versions can cause compatibility issues.
Security considerations
Trezor Bridge is designed so your private keys and seed phrase remain on the device at all times. The bridge only transports encrypted commands and responses. Never install unofficial or third-party bridges; only use the official installer to avoid supply-chain or malware risks.
Good security practices
- Always download Bridge from official trezor.io links (listed).
- Keep your Trezor device firmware updated via Trezor Suite.
- Verify digital signatures when provided.
- Be cautious with public or shared computers — prefer trusted machines.
Developer notes
Developers integrating with Trezor Bridge should consult the official API docs for the latest endpoints and message formats. The bridge exposes a local API; interacting with it usually requires the wallet provider to implement the official communication protocol so requests are correctly routed to the device.
Compatibility & alternatives
While Trezor Bridge is the recommended integration for web-based interactions, Trezor Suite (desktop) provides native connectivity that does not require an additional bridge for many users. Some advanced setups and headless servers may rely on the CLI tools or alternative workflows — consult the official documentation before switching to non-standard setups.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions about Trezor Bridge
- Q: Is Trezor Bridge safe?
- A: Yes. Trezor Bridge is an official component from SatoshiLabs. It runs locally and only relays encrypted commands between the browser and your Trezor device; your seed and private keys never leave the device.
- Q: Do I need Trezor Bridge for Trezor Suite?
- A: Trezor Suite (desktop app) often provides direct native support for devices. However, some browser-based integrations or older setups may still require Bridge. Use the official guidance for the version you run.
- Q: Can I use Trezor on Linux without Bridge?
- A: Some Linux setups can use the desktop Suite or command-line tools without Bridge. For browser-based wallets, Bridge is usually required. See the official Linux documentation for exact instructions.
- Q: Where do I download the official installers?
- A: Use the official Trezor links listed in the right-hand panel to ensure you always get genuine installers.
- Q: My browser still blocks the device — what now?
- A: Confirm Bridge is running and restart the browser. Try disabling extensions that block local connections or USB access. If the problem persists, check the official troubleshooting guides.
Quick checklist: Before contacting support
- Confirm Bridge is installed and running.
- Try a different USB cable and port.
- Update device firmware and Trezor Suite.
- Restart your system and browser.
- Gather logs/screenshots to speed up official support help.
This presentation aims to be a practical, security-minded primer on using Trezor Bridge — keep the official Trezor documentation bookmarked, and always prioritize official links when downloading software.