Trezor Bridge — Comprehensive Guide

Everything you need to know to install, run and secure Trezor Bridge — the small background app that lets your desktop talk to your Trezor hardware wallet safely.

Overview

Trezor Bridge is the local communication agent that allows your computer's browser to securely communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet. It runs in the background and creates a secure connection between the Trezor device and web-based wallet interfaces such as Trezor Suite or other compatible applications.

Quick theme & design: this page uses a modern dark theme with teal accents, clear typographic hierarchy, and glassy card surfaces to keep attention on steps and security advice.

Installation & Basic Setup

Install Bridge from the official Trezor website to make sure you have the signed, up-to-date binary for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux). After installation: connect your Trezor device via USB, unlock it with your PIN, and open Trezor Suite or the supported web app — the Bridge handles the connection automatically.

macOS: allow the app in System Preferences -> Security & Privacy if blocked.
Windows: run with administrator rights for the first install.
Linux: packages for Debian/Ubuntu are available; some distros need udev rules added.

Troubleshooting

If your browser doesn't detect the device: check that Bridge is running (system tray / menu bar), try a different USB cable (data-capable), and ensure no other wallet apps are seizing the connection. Restart Bridge and your browser if necessary.

Tip: disable VPNs or strict firewall rules temporarily while diagnosing connectivity issues.

Security Best Practices

Always download Bridge from the official Trezor domain. Keep your device firmware and desktop apps current. Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or online form — the seed belongs only on paper (or metal seed storage) and the device itself.

Verify firmware updates on-device before accepting.
Use a unique PIN and enable passphrase support only if you understand its implications.
Keep backups of your recovery seed in secure, offline places.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Trezor Bridge and why do I need it?

Bridge is the local helper that bridges web pages to your USB-connected Trezor device. Without it, a browser typically cannot directly talk to the hardware wallet.

2. Is Bridge safe to use?

Yes — Bridge runs locally and does not expose your keys. Download only from official sources and keep the software updated.

3. My browser still can't see the device. What now?

Try a different USB port/cable, ensure Bridge is running, restart your browser, and check OS permissions (macOS/Windows). If problems persist, consult logs or reinstall Bridge.

4. Can I use Bridge with multiple Trezor models?

Yes — Bridge supports supported Trezor devices (Model One, Model T) as long as firmware is compatible. Always check model-specific docs for firmware compatibility.

5. How do I update or remove Bridge?

Use the installer/updater from the official site to update. To remove, use your OS package manager or the system uninstall process — then reboot to clear remaining processes.

Final Notes

This guide focuses on the essentials: install, common fixes, and security guidelines. For device-specific instructions or the latest Bridge release notes, always consult the official Trezor documentation and release pages.