What Trezor Bridge does, how to install and use it, and best practices to keep your hardware wallet interactions safe and reliable.
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight, secure communication layer that enables your web browser or desktop apps to talk with a Trezor hardware wallet over USB. It acts as a local intermediary, translating web requests into the USB messages the device understands, while ensuring that signing requests always require explicit confirmation on the hardware wallet itself.
Unlike browser extensions that request direct USB access (which can be limited by browser security policies), Bridge runs as a trusted background service on your machine and provides a stable API for the Trezor Suite, web wallets, and other integrations.
Why Bridge matters
Compatibility: Works across major operating systems and browsers, avoiding direct USB permission issues.
Security: Ensures messages go through a local, signed binary rather than relying on less controlled browser pathways.
Usability: Offers a smoother user experience when interacting with web-based wallets and DApps that integrate Trezor.
Before you install — quick checklist
Use a trusted computer — avoid public or shared machines for connecting your hardware wallet.
Purchase your Trezor from the official SatoshiLabs store or authorized reseller; never use second-hand devices without a full factory reset and seed reinitialization.
Have your recovery seed stored offline and in a secure place; never enter it into any app or website.
Installing Trezor Bridge
Visit the official Trezor website and navigate to the Bridge download page.
Select the installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download it. On Linux, Bridge may be available as a package or AppImage depending on distribution.
Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. Bridge will install a small background service and create local endpoints for apps to use.
After installation, restart your browser or Trezor Suite if necessary to ensure the service is recognized.
Pro tip: If your browser prompts to allow USB access to a web page, ensure the page is the official Trezor / SatoshiLabs domain before granting permission.
Using Trezor Bridge with Trezor Suite and web wallets
Trezor Suite: The desktop app will detect Bridge automatically and communicate with your Trezor device. Suite provides account management, transaction history, and firmware updates.
Web wallets and DApps: Many web wallets detect Bridge and use it to sign transactions. When a website initiates a transaction, Bridge passes the request to your Trezor device and the user must verify and approve operations on-device.
Always verify the transaction details shown on your Trezor's screen — the device will display the recipient address and amount for confirmation.
Security model: what stays on-device
Private keys: Never leave the secure element on your Trezor device.
Signing: Transactions are signed inside the device; the Bridge only transmits signing requests and receives signed payloads.
Attestation: Trezor devices support attestation that helps software verify authenticity of the device and firmware.
Troubleshooting common Bridge issues
Problem
Solution
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port, ensure Bridge is running, restart the browser or Trezor Suite, and check OS drivers on Windows.
Bridge installation failed
Re-download the installer, run with elevated permissions (if required), and consult the install log or Trezor support page for platform-specific steps.
Web wallet can't connect
Confirm Bridge is running and that the site is granted USB permission. Some browsers require explicit site access for USB devices.
Firmware update issues
Use Trezor Suite for firmware updates; if an update fails, follow official recovery instructions and contact support if necessary.
Best practices when using Bridge
Keep Bridge and Trezor Suite updated; updates patch bugs and security issues.
Verify downloads and only use official domains for installers and Suite.
When prompted by your device, read and confirm the full transaction details on the Trezor screen — never rely solely on the website display.
Prefer connecting via USB directly; avoid using untrusted hubs or adapters that could interfere with communications.
Disable Bridge when not in use if you prefer to minimize background services, and re-enable it when needed.
Advanced tips
Air-gapped signing: For maximum security, use an air-gapped setup where Bridge runs on an isolated computer and transaction data is transferred via QR codes or intermediate files (advanced configuration).
Multisig setups: Bridge supports use of Trezor in multisignature wallets via compatible software; this increases safety for larger holdings.
Developer mode: If you're developing integrations, use the official Bridge API docs and run Bridge in a controlled environment for testing.