Trezor Bridge — Desktop communication for your hardware wallet

A concise guide explaining what Trezor Bridge is, how to install it, key security practices, and troubleshooting tips.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small background application that enables modern web browsers and desktop tools to communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet over USB. Because browsers intentionally limit direct access to raw USB devices for security reasons, Bridge acts as a trusted intermediary — exposing a local API endpoint to which the web-based wallet UI or desktop apps connect to send commands and receive signed transactions.

In practical terms, Bridge does not hold keys or funds: it simply passes messages between your computer and the Trezor device. All private keys remain securely stored inside the hardware device and never leave it.

Why you need it

If you use a Trezor hardware wallet with the web wallet (hosted or local) or certain desktop clients, Bridge ensures reliable communication across operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux). It simplifies browser integration and provides a stable handshake layer so that firmware operations, device recovery, PIN entry, and transaction signing work smoothly.

Quick install & setup

1. Download

Obtain the Bridge installer from the official Trezor website. Always verify you are downloading from the authentic vendor site to avoid malicious imitations.

2. Install

Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On some platforms you may need administrative permissions to register the local service.

3. Connect

Plug in your Trezor device. The browser wallet should detect the device after Bridge is running. If asked, confirm the connection on the hardware device.

Example command: trezorctl detect — used by some technical tools to confirm Bridge can see the device (tooling varies by OS).

Security considerations

Bridge itself is a facilitator — but you must still practice good security hygiene:

• Download Bridge only from Trezor's official domain.
• Keep your firmware up to date; firmware updates are signed by the device vendor.
• Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or into any website. Recovery should only be performed directly on the hardware device when supported.
• Use a strong, unique passphrase or PIN on your device for additional protection.
• Uninstall Bridge when you no longer need it or if you suspect compromise, then reinstall from a clean source.

Troubleshooting common issues

If your browser can't find your Trezor it could be caused by:

• Bridge not running: check system tray or background services for "Trezor Bridge" and restart it.
• Faulty cable or port: USB data-only cables or damaged cables can block communication. Try a different cable and a direct USB port (avoid hubs).
• Browser permissions: ensure the site is allowed to access the local Bridge endpoint in your browser and that extensions or security software are not blocking local connections.
• Outdated Bridge: install the latest Bridge release if you experience compatibility problems.

If problems persist, consult official support channels and provide logs where requested. Avoid posting sensitive information such as seeds or PINs when asking for help.

Advanced: developer & power-user notes

Developers integrating Trezor support typically interface with Bridge through a local HTTP API. There are libraries and SDKs that abstract these calls and provide typed methods for device enumeration, signing, and firmware interactions. When building integrations, run Bridge in a sandboxed environment and keep the local service up-to-date.

Power users who prefer command-line access may use CLI tooling compatible with Bridge. Always read the tool's documentation and use testnets for development and experimentation.

FAQ

Does Bridge store my private keys?No. Private keys are stored only inside the Trezor device. Bridge only relays messages.Can I use Trezor without Bridge?Some desktop wallets include built-in support and may not require Bridge. Web-based wallet interfaces generally need Bridge or native WebUSB support in the browser.Is Bridge open source?Parts of the Trezor ecosystem, including device firmware and many tools, are open source. Check official repositories for details and the latest project status.

This overview is educational and not financial advice. Always rely on official documentation and vendor resources when performing sensitive operations. If you need the official download or specific version guidance, consult Trezor's website or support pages.

Learn more on the official site