Trezor Bridge® — The Secure Gateway to Your Hardware Wallet®

What is Trezor Bridge®?

Trezor Bridge® is a small, secure intermediary application that runs on your computer. Its primary job is to provide a secure communication layer between the Trezor hardware wallet and web apps or desktop wallets that need to talk to it. Because browsers restrict direct USB access for security reasons, Bridge handles the USB or native transport and exposes an approved interface for wallet software to interact with your device.

How it works — in plain language

When you connect your Trezor device to your computer, the device itself never exposes private keys or the recovery seed. Instead, it signs transactions and performs sensitive cryptographic operations on-device. Bridge simply passes messages back and forth, ensuring those instructions reach the device and responses are returned to the wallet app you’re using. Think of Bridge as a trusted courier that never opens the envelope.

Installing & updating Trezor Bridge®

Installing Bridge is straightforward but should be done only from the official source:

Open the official Bridge page: trezor.io/bridge.
Download the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and run it following on-screen instructions.
After installation, Bridge will run in the background and allow Suite or other compatible apps to detect your Trezor device.

Bridge receives periodic updates. Keep it current to receive bug fixes, performance improvements, and important security patches. Trezor Suite will prompt you if a Bridge update is required; you can always check the official page for the latest release notes.

Security considerations

Bridge is intentionally minimal and designed with the principle of least privilege. Important security advice:

Download only from official sources: Use links from trezor.io and avoid third-party mirrors.
No seed sharing: Bridge never asks for or transmits your recovery seed. If an app or website asks for your seed, treat it as a phishing attempt.
Verify signatures: When performing firmware updates or when Suite prompts for device confirmation, always verify messages on the physical device screen.
Least-privilege apps: Only grant connection permissions to wallets and services you trust. Revoke access by closing the wallet app when not in use.

Compatibility & modern browsers

Bridge works with most modern browsers and desktop environments. While browser capabilities have improved (some now support WebUSB), Bridge remains the recommended method for consistent, reliable connectivity across operating systems. Trezor Suite® and many third-party wallets explicitly support Bridge; consult the official compatibility list when in doubt.

Troubleshooting common issues

Most issues are easy to resolve. Try these steps first:

If your device isn’t detected: unplug and reconnect the USB cable, try another USB port, or restart Bridge and the wallet app.
On Windows, ensure Bridge is installed with administrative privileges if prompted.
If Bridge fails after an OS update, reinstall the latest Bridge release from the official page.
Check the Support Center for device-specific troubleshooting guides.

Privacy & offline security

Bridge does not collect your private keys, recovery seed, or transaction details beyond what is necessary to perform the requested operation. Nonetheless, follow these privacy-minded practices:

Use Bridge only on devices you control and trust. Avoid public or shared computers for crypto transactions.
Keep your operating system and antivirus software updated to reduce risk from malicious software that could try to intercept communications.
Regularly review permissions and active connections in the wallet apps that use Bridge.

Best practices & workflow tips

For a smooth, secure experience, consider these workflow tips:

Launch Trezor Suite® from the official site or desktop app first; Bridge will be detected automatically. (Open Suite.)
Confirm addresses and transaction details on the physical device screen — never rely solely on what the computer displays.
Unplug your device when not in use. Closing apps that use Bridge reduces the window of exposure to any potential application-level vulnerabilities.
Keep a clean backup strategy: write your recovery seed on the supplied card and store it securely offline. For more, read the security principles.

Helpful official resources (10 links)

Save or bookmark these pages for reference:

Final notes

Trezor Bridge® operates quietly in the background but plays an essential role in protecting your keys and enabling secure interactions between your hardware wallet and software. By using the official Bridge installer, keeping it updated, and following the security practices above, you maintain a robust line of defense around your crypto holdings.

If you encounter anything unexpected during install or use, stop and consult the official support resources rather than trusting third-party advice. For advanced scenarios and detailed technical documentation, the Bridge page and Trezor Developer resources provide deeper insights for power users.