Trezor Bridge — Secure Connection for Your Trezor

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small, secure software utility that enables your web browser and the Trezor hardware wallet to communicate. Think of it as a bridge between your browser and the Trezor device that provides a reliable, local communication channel for signing transactions, managing accounts, and interacting with wallet software.

Why it matters

Hardware wallets like Trezor keep your private keys offline. For web-based wallets and apps to request signatures or show address info, a secure local connection is required — that’s the job of Trezor Bridge. It ensures:

Encrypted, authenticated communication between browser & device.
Consistent compatibility across browsers and OSes without relying on older browser APIs.
Safer UX: the device itself displays and confirms transaction details, reducing phishing risk.

Supported platforms

Trezor Bridge runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. It automatically integrates with Trezor’s official web wallet and other third-party apps that support Trezor.

Install and Setup (step-by-step)

1. Download

Get the official Bridge installer from Trezor’s website. Always use official sources — avoid third-party repos.

Official Trezor Get Started Trezor Bridge Trezor Wallet Support FAQ Trezor Blog Security Trezor Academy Official Store

2. Install

Run the installer for your operating system and follow the prompts. On macOS, you may need to approve a system extension or allow the app in Security & Privacy settings. Linux users can usually install via .deb or a packaged binary.

Quick command-line check (optional)

# Windows: check running services in Task Manager
# macOS / Linux: confirm bridge process is running
ps aux | grep trezord

Security considerations

Trezor Bridge is designed to minimize attack surface. Key security notes:

Device-first verification

All sensitive operations (e.g., signing transactions or revealing an address) require physical confirmation on the Trezor device. The Bridge only facilitates the channel — it cannot sign transactions on its own.

Use official downloads

Only download Bridge and wallet software from official Trezor domains (links above). Verify checksums or digital signatures if you’re extra cautious.

Keep your firmware current

Firmware updates contain security fixes and improvements. Update your Trezor device using official tools and follow the instructions carefully.

Troubleshooting common issues

Browser can’t detect my Trezor

Ensure Bridge is running (restart the service or the computer).
Try a different USB cable or USB port (data-capable cable).
Check browser permissions; some browsers may block local connections from unknown origins.

Bridge refuses to install or is blocked

On macOS you may need to allow system extensions in Security & Privacy. On Windows, admin rights are required. If antivirus flags the installer, double-check the download URL and checksum before proceeding.

Recovery and failed updates

If a firmware update fails or the device becomes unresponsive, follow the official recovery instructions provided on Trezor’s support pages (use the “Support” link above).

Alternatives and compatibility

Some advanced users integrate Trezor with native desktop apps, alternative wallet frontends, or command-line tools. For web-based workflows, Bridge remains the recommended, well-supported option.

Best practices

Always verify transaction details on the Trezor’s screen before approving.
Store recovery seeds in a secure, offline location — never digitally.
Use the official links and verify downloads and release notes.
Enable OS-level protections and keep your computer clean from malware.

FAQ — Quick answers

Q: Is Trezor Bridge open-source?

A: Trezor publishes much of its tooling and firmware as open-source. Check the Trezor GitHub and official pages for the latest source and verification methods.

Q: Do I need Bridge to use Trezor?

A: For browser-based wallet interfaces, yes — Bridge allows the browser to talk to your device. Some desktop apps or advanced integrations may use direct USB modes or other drivers.

Q: Can Bridge access my private keys?

A: No. Private keys never leave the device. Bridge only transfers encrypted structured messages between the browser and the device; signatures still happen on the Trezor hardware.

Q: My browser asks permission repeatedly. What do I do?

A: Clear the browser cache, restart Bridge, and ensure you’re using the latest version of your browser and Bridge. If popups persist, consult the Trezor support page for browser-specific tips.

Q: Is it safe to use Bridge on a public computer?

A: Using any hardware wallet on a public or untrusted computer carries extra risk. If you must, avoid entering recovery seeds and only perform simple operations after ensuring the machine is clean and trusted.