About Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight communication software developed by SatoshiLabs. It acts as a connector between your Trezor hardware wallet and supported desktop or web applications such as Trezor Suite. Without the Bridge, your browser or desktop app would not be able to detect and communicate with your device securely.
Trezor Bridge replaces the older Chrome extension previously used for device communication. It provides a stable, secure, and cross-platform connection, allowing you to manage cryptocurrencies safely without compromising your private keys. It runs quietly in the background, ensuring smooth interaction between your device and software at all times.
How Trezor Bridge Works
The Bridge functions as a secure intermediary between your web browser (or desktop application) and the Trezor hardware wallet. When you connect your device, the Bridge listens for requests from the Trezor Suite or other compatible applications. It uses secure communication channels to transmit only necessary public data and transaction details, keeping your private keys safely inside the hardware device.
- Connection Layer: The Bridge manages USB communication and authorization.
- Security Layer: It verifies software origin and prevents unauthorized apps from accessing your device.
- Compatibility Layer: The Bridge ensures smooth integration with browsers such as Firefox and desktop versions of Suite.
Once installed, the Bridge runs automatically in the background. Users do not need to interact with it directly— it starts with your system and ensures your Trezor is recognized whenever you connect it.
Installing Trezor Bridge
Installing Trezor Bridge is quick and simple. The official installation packages are available for Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms from the Trezor website.
- Visit trezor.io/start in your web browser.
- Connect your Trezor hardware wallet to your computer.
- If the Suite or web app prompts you, click “Install Bridge.”
- Download the installer that matches your operating system.
- Run the installer and follow the on-screen setup instructions.
- Once installation completes, restart your browser or Suite application.
- Reconnect your Trezor device—it should now be detected automatically.
Security Considerations
Security is the foundation of all Trezor products, and Trezor Bridge is no exception. The software is open source, meaning its code is publicly available for anyone to audit or verify. It has been independently reviewed to ensure there are no backdoors or vulnerabilities that could compromise users’ security.
- Local Communication Only: The Bridge does not connect to the internet or external servers.
- Open Source: Transparency allows community-driven security auditing.
- Encrypted Channels: Communication between the Suite and Bridge is secure and verified.
- Zero Data Storage: The Bridge stores no personal information, transaction data, or keys.
By design, Trezor Bridge cannot compromise your funds because it never handles private data. Your recovery seed and cryptographic keys remain inside your Trezor hardware wallet, completely offline and secure.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Occasionally, users might experience issues with device detection or browser connectivity. These are generally easy to resolve. Here are common problems and their solutions:
- Device Not Detected: Ensure that Bridge is installed and running. Restart the app and reconnect your device.
- Outdated Bridge: Visit trezor.io/start to download the latest version.
- Multiple Instances: Uninstall any duplicate versions before reinstalling the new one.
- Linux Permissions: Configure proper USB access using the provided udev rules.
- Firewall or Antivirus: Temporarily disable security software that may be blocking local communication.
Most connection issues can be fixed by simply restarting your computer or browser after installation. If your Trezor Suite application fails to recognize your device, reinstalling the Bridge usually resolves the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of Trezor Bridge?
A: It enables your computer to communicate securely with your Trezor hardware wallet.
Q: Do I need the Bridge for Trezor Suite Desktop?
A: The desktop app doesn’t require Bridge, but web users do need it for browser communication.
Q: Is Trezor Bridge safe?
A: Yes. It’s open source and officially maintained by SatoshiLabs. It contains no tracking or data collection features.
Q: Does Bridge slow down my computer?
A: No. It’s lightweight and runs silently in the background using minimal resources.
Q: How can I check if Bridge is working?
A: Connect your Trezor and open Trezor Suite or the web wallet. If your device is detected, Bridge is working properly.
Support & Help
If you need assistance installing or updating Trezor Bridge, the Trezor support team offers detailed guides and one-on-one help. Always make sure you contact official channels to avoid scams.
- Support Page: trezor.io/support
- Email: support@trezor.io
- Community Forum: forum.trezor.io
- Documentation: wiki.trezor.io