Bridge that connects your hardware wallet to apps and web interfaces — securely and seamlessly.
Trezor Bridge is a small, lightweight application that facilitates communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and compatible web applications or desktop software. It acts as a translator between your browser and the USB device, ensuring secure data transmission and enabling features such as transaction signing, account viewing, and firmware updates.
Rather than browser plugins or direct USB calls (which modern browsers increasingly restrict), Bridge provides a secure local API. It runs as a background service on your computer and waits for authorized requests from supported apps.
The main advantages include:
Before installing Trezor Bridge, ensure your system meets these minimum requirements:
Navigate to the official Trezor website and go to the installation section. Always download from trezor.io/bridge (or linked site) to avoid phishing or tampered installers.
Run the downloaded `.exe` file, follow on‑screen prompts, accept the license agreement, and grant driver and service permissions. The Bridge will install as a background service. After installation, the software may ask you to reconnect your Trezor.
Open the `.dmg` file, drag the Bridge icon into Applications, and run it. macOS may prompt for system permissions (e.g. “Allow this app to manage USB devices”). Grant those as needed. Once installed, Bridge will automatically launch on login.
Depending on your distribution, you may receive a `.deb`, `.rpm`, or package file. Use your package manager (e.g. `dpkg -i trezor-bridge_xxx.deb`) or graphical installer. You may also add official repositories, enabling future updates via your regular system updates.
After installation, ensure the Bridge is running (check for a process/service like `trezor-bridge` or `trezord`). On supported apps (e.g. Trezor Suite or web wallet), you should see that your device is recognized. There may be a status icon in the system tray or menu bar.
Once Bridge is up, open your browser and navigate to a compatible app (for example, a web wallet). The app will initiate a connection request. Bridge intercepts that request, prompts you to allow it, and then relays commands to/from your Trezor device.
When you initiate actions like "get account balance" or "sign transaction", the app requests it through Bridge. Bridge forwards the request to your Trezor. The device displays the request (e.g. destination address, amount), and prompts you to approve or reject. Once approved, Bridge passes signature data back to the app.
Bridge handles firmware update workflows. When a new firmware becomes available, supported apps will prompt the Bridge to launch an update process. The device will display fingerprint or signature to confirm authenticity — you must verify visually before proceeding.
During first-time setup, Bridge helps present the interface where you choose to “Create new wallet” or “Recover existing wallet.” It passes these commands to the device, which generates or accepts a recovery phrase. Again, the seed must be written on paper or an offline medium.
Once setup is complete, Bridge enables the supporting app to show your balances, manage accounts, enable tokens, or connect to dApps. If a new cryptocurrency emerges, Bridge ensures communication remains secure across these operations.
When you're done, close the wallet app first, then safely eject the Trezor device (if applicable). On most systems, you can simply unplug, but verify that no transactions are pending.
The Bridge only handles communication relay. It never accesses, stores, or transmits your private keys, recovery seed, or passphrase. All cryptographic operations happen on the Trezor hardware itself.
As part of updates, your device will display firmware fingerprints or signatures. Always compare these with what Bridge (or the supporting app) shows. A mismatch means something is wrong — cancel the update.
Only use web or desktop apps that are officially supported or documented by Trezor. Do not use random third‑party wallets unless their security is well audited. Bridge should reject unauthorized or unsigned requests.
Regularly update Bridge itself and any apps that rely on it. Security patches often close vulnerabilities in communication channels or request handling.
Bridge may prompt you to allow connections or ask for permissions. Be cautious: only approve prompts when you're interacting with a known, legitimate interface.
Always ensure you are connecting to trusted domains (bookmarks, official links). Attackers may mimic wallet UIs to trick you into approving malicious transactions. Bridge will only forward signed requests, but human error is still possible.
Bridge currently supports modern versions of Windows, macOS, and major Linux distributions. Some older or niche systems may be unsupported or require manual configuration.
Bridge works with web wallet interfaces (via browser) and desktop clients that rely on it. Check the documentation of your wallet or dApp to confirm Bridge support.
Bridge supports Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a broad range of altcoins and tokens (ERC‑20, etc.) through apps that integrate these chains. As new protocols emerge, Bridge updates to support them in secure fashion.
If your browser or app fails to detect Trezor, check that the Bridge service is active. On Windows, look in Services. On macOS or Linux, inspect running processes. Restart Bridge or the computer if needed.
Try alternate USB ports or cables. Avoid USB hubs — connect directly where possible. USB‑C → USB adapters should be quality certified. Sometimes power or signal issues affect communication.
Some browsers impose restrictions on local services. If your browser prevents Bridge from responding, you may need to allow local network access, disable conflicting extensions, or use a browser known to be supported.
If a firmware update fails, do not panic. Many times reattempting or reinstalling Bridge clears the issue. Ensure firmware file integrity and allow enough time for the update to complete. Avoid interrupting power or USB.
Bridge may notify you of updates. If not, manually check the official site and install the latest version. An outdated Bridge might not support newer protocols or security fixes.
If Bridge shows unfamiliar dialogs, error codes, or warnings, close everything and restart. Confirm that your installer is genuine, check logs (if accessible), and consult official documentation or support channels.
In many cases, no — Trezor Suite may bundle or internally support the same communication stack. But Bridge is required for many browser-based wallets or third‑party applications.
Absolutely not. Bridge never handles private key material. Cryptographic operations, signing, and key storage always remain on the Trezor device.
Yes. Bridge runs silently in the background, only responding to authorized apps. It does not initiate outbound connections or expose your device unless prompted by a trusted interface.
You can safely uninstall Bridge through your operating system’s normal uninstallation mechanism. Some wallet apps may lose hardware connectivity after removal.
Yes — the Bridge architecture is designed to evolve. Updates can add support for new chains, token standards, or signing workflows as long as the Trezor firmware and apps follow defined interfaces.
Bridge may record diagnostic logs, but these don’t include private keys or sensitive data. Logs may include timestamps, request metadata, or status codes. You can inspect, clear, or disable logging in settings.
Advanced users can use command line or scripting tools (if documented) to interact with the Bridge API. This may require enabling debug mode, using REST endpoints, or CLI tools supported by the developer documentation.