Trezor Bridge — Secure & Smooth Crypto Access

Connect your Trezor hardware wallet to the Web securely and smoothly with the official Bridge tool.

Download Trezor Bridge

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight application developed by SatoshiLabs to serve as a secure communication layer between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based crypto tools (like Trezor Suite Web, third‑party wallets, and browser apps). It runs in the background, facilitating USB or WebUSB/WebHID connections while ensuring that your private keys remain safely stored on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why Use Trezor Bridge?

• 🔐 Security: Because the Bridge doesn’t expose your private keys or seed phrase, all signature and approval actions are done physically on the device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
• 🌐 Browser Compatibility: Some web browsers do not natively support WebUSB or WebHID needed for direct device communication—Bridge enables compatibility across Windows, macOS, Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• 🔄 Reliable Device Detection: Ensures your system recognizes your Trezor when using web tools. Helps avoid “device not found” errors. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• 🛠️ Legacy Support: For users of older operating systems or browsers, Bridge remains essential. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• 💡 Transparent & Auditable: Trezor Bridge’s code is open‑source; its development and updates are publicly documented. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

How Trezor Bridge Works

Once installed, Trezor Bridge starts a local process (often called trezord) that listens for requests from your browser or supported applications. It acts as a bridge (hence the name) translating requests, sending them to the hardware device, securing responses, and relaying them back. All the while, your private keys, PIN, and passphrase remain on your Trezor device. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

When Do You Need It?

1. If you are using the Trezor Suite Web interface in a browser that lacks native WebUSB or WebHID support.
2. When your browser or OS settings block direct USB access, or you encounter “device not recognized” errors via web apps. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
3. When third‑party wallets or browser extensions with Trezor integration require the Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
4. For backward compatibility on older OS versions and older hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

How to Install Trezor Bridge

• Go to the official Trezor start page: trezor.io/start.
• Locate the Bridge section and download the correct installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Run the installer and follow on‑screen instructions. You may need to accept permissions for USB/hardware access.
• After installation, restart your browser if prompted. Then connect your Trezor device via USB. The Bridge process should detect it automatically. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
• If you already have a standalone Bridge installed and you also use Trezor Suite Desktop, check whether Bridge is bundled or integrated. Sometimes standalone can be uninstalled if its functions are redundant. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Device Not Detected: Check USB cable/port, disable other wallet‑like software that might conflict, ensure Bridge is running.
• Browser Permissions: Some browsers require explicit permission for WebUSB or USB devices. Check browser settings.
• Outdated Bridge or Firmware: Make sure both your Trezor device firmware and Bridge version are up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
• Conflicting Software: Remove old versions, close conflicting apps/extensions, or try a clean reinstall.
• Operating System Issues: Occasionally antivirus or locked security policies in enterprise environments can block USB communications. Adjust settings as needed.

Security & Privacy Considerations

Trezor Bridge is designed to *not* store, transmit, or otherwise access sensitive data like your recovery seed or private keys. All signing must be done with physical confirmation on the Trezor device itself. Even if the Bridge is compromised, attackers would still need your Trezor device and physical confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Always download Bridge only from official Trezor domains (e.g. trezor.io/bridge or trezor.io/start). Avoid clicking links in unsolicited messages. Phishing attempts sometimes mimic Bridge‑download prompts. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Alternatives & Future Trends

As browsers evolve, direct support for WebUSB / WebHID is improving. In many modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave), you may no longer need the Bridge, as native support enables direct connection to your Trezor. However, for compatibility and in more restricted environments, Bridge remains useful. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Trezor’s Suite Desktop app also provides an alternative: it handles direct USB communication with your device, often rendering Bridge unnecessary for desktop users. If you primarily use the desktop version, check if Bridge is required. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

Best Practices

• Confirm every action on your Trezor device itself: when you sign transactions, enter PIN, or provide a passphrase.
• Keep your firmware, software (Suite and Bridge) up to date.
• Only download from official sources: trezor.io/start, trezor.io/bridge.
• Use secure, trusted computers when performing sensitive operations.
• Store your recovery seed offline, securely, never share it. The Bridge will never ask for it.