What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small utility developed by SatoshiLabs that acts as the bridge between your Trezor hardware wallet and web applications running in your browser. It replaces older browser-extension approaches and provides a local, secure communication channel so your browser-based wallet interfaces (for example, Trezor Suite or compatible web wallets) can talk to the Trezor device over USB or WebUSB.
Why Bridge matters
Hardware wallets are designed to keep private keys off internet-connected devices. But those wallets still need a way to sign transactions and share public addresses with web apps. Trezor Bridge keeps the signing process local: your browser asks the Bridge to relay commands to the hardware device, and the device responds after you approve actions using its physical buttons or touchscreen. That separation—browser doesn't hold the private keys—helps reduce attack surface.
Installation & first run
Getting Bridge installed is straightforward: download the official installer for your operating system from the Trezor website and run it. During the first connection, your OS may prompt for permission to allow the program to run or to access USB devices—this is expected. After installation, open your browser and visit your wallet's web interface. If the site requests access to your Trezor, the browser will ask you to allow it; then Bridge will relay the request to the device.
- Use the official download—avoid third-party mirrors.
- If a browser asks to install an extension instead of connecting, check that Bridge is running in your system tray or background processes.
- Keep your firmware and Bridge up to date for best compatibility and security.
Day-to-day usage
Once installed, typical tasks are: viewing addresses, verifying transactions, and signing messages. Every sensitive operation requires a manual confirmation on the Trezor device itself—this manual step is the core security feature. Treat prompts from the device as authoritative: verify addresses and amounts shown on the Trezor screen before approving.
Troubleshooting common issues
Problems usually fall into a few categories: Bridge not running, browser permission blocks, or OS-level USB driver issues.
- Bridge not running: Check your system tray (Windows/macOS) or background services. Restart Bridge or your computer if necessary.
- Browser permissions: Ensure the site is allowed to use the device—some browsers block WebUSB by default or require HTTPS.
- USB problems: Try another cable or USB port. Avoid cheap, charging-only cables; use a data cable rated for both charging and data.
If nothing works, temporarily reboot the device and computer, then reinstall Bridge from an official source. Never install Bridge from an unknown package.
Security best practices
Bridge itself is a convenience layer; security comes from how you use the hardware wallet and system hygiene:
- Only download Bridge from the official Trezor domain or an official release channel.
- Keep your Trezor firmware and Bridge software updated to apply security fixes.
- Verify recovery seeds on the device only—never type them into a computer or phone.
- Use a dedicated, clean machine for high-value operations if you prefer extra isolation.
- When prompted to confirm transactions, always check the details shown on the device's screen; UIs can be manipulated in the browser but the hardware screen is the source of truth.
Privacy and telemetry
Trezor Bridge primarily handles local transport and doesn’t broadcast your private keys. However, the wallet frontends you use may query block explorers or other public APIs for balances and transaction histories—those network requests reveal the addresses you’re monitoring. If privacy is a priority, consider using a backend you control (like your own Electrum server or a trusted node) or privacy-focused coin- and address-management practices.
Updating and removing Bridge
Automatic update behavior depends on your OS. Check the application's About screen or the official release notes if you want to confirm the version. If you need to uninstall, use your OS standard uninstaller. After removal, the browser will no longer be able to communicate with the Trezor until Bridge is reinstalled or an alternative connection method is used.
When to contact support
If you suspect malicious activity, unexpected firmware prompts, or unexplained address mismatches, stop and seek help. Use official support channels—do not share your recovery seed, PIN or private keys with anyone, including support staff. Support can help with software issues, but never ask them for your seed.