Trezor Bridge – Secure Your Hardware Wallet®

Overview

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight helper application that creates a secure communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and web apps such as Trezor Suite or browser-based wallet interfaces. It runs locally on your computer and ensures that only authorized software can access your device, while keeping private keys safely on the hardware.

This guide explains what Bridge does, how to install it cross-platform, how to use it with Trezor Suite and supported browsers, best security practices, common problems and how to solve them.

Why Trezor Bridge?

Modern web browsers restrict direct access to USB devices for security reasons. Trezor Bridge bridges the gap: it listens locally for connections from authorized web pages or desktop apps and forwards messages to your Trezor device over USB (or Bluetooth on supported models via the official pathway). Bridge is designed to be minimal, auditable, and to only run on the user’s machine.

• Provides a secure, local API for Trezor devices.
• Supports multiple operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
• Enables browser integration without exposing private keys.
• Automatically updates (optional) to deliver security patches.

Before You Begin — Requirements & Good Practices

• A compatible Trezor device (Trezor Model T or Trezor One) with genuine packaging.
• A computer running a supported OS (Windows 10+, macOS 10.13+, popular Linux distributions).
• Administrator privileges for installation on some systems.
• Official Trezor Suite or access to the official Trezor web setup at trezor.io/start.

Always download Bridge and Trezor Suite from the official Trezor website. Avoid third-party downloads and links sent by email or social networks.

Step-by-Step: Installing Trezor Bridge

Windows

1. Go to the official website and download the Windows Bridge installer.
2. Run the installer. If Windows warns about permissions, allow the installer to run (Bridge needs to open a local port).
3. Once installed, Bridge runs in the background and usually shows an icon in the system tray.
4. Open Trezor Suite or your browser and follow the device connection prompts.

macOS

1. Download the macOS Bridge package from the official site.
2. Open the .dmg, drag the Bridge app into your Applications folder.
3. Launch Bridge once; macOS may ask to grant network permissions — accept these so local connections work.
4. Confirm Bridge is running, then open Trezor Suite or the browser-based flow.

Linux

1. Download the Linux package (AppImage or distribution package) from the official site.
2. Make the AppImage executable (chmod +x trezor-bridge.AppImage) and run it, or install via the package manager.
3. On some distros you may need to add a udev rule so non-root users can access USB devices — instructions are included on Trezor’s site.

After installation, Bridge listens on http://127.0.0.1:21325 (the port may vary). Authorized apps communicate with Bridge only from the local machine.

Connecting Your Trezor to Trezor Suite or Browser

Once Bridge is installed and running, connect your Trezor via USB and unlock it with your device PIN. Launch Trezor Suite (desktop) or visit the official web app; the application will detect Bridge and prompt you to allow the connection. Always verify prompts on the physical device screen before approving any actions.

1. Plug in the Trezor and unlock with your PIN.
2. Open Trezor Suite or the official website flow.
3. When asked, allow the site/app to connect to Bridge.
4. Confirm transactions and sensitive actions on the device only.

Never type your recovery seed into your computer. The hardware device and Bridge allow you to sign operations without exposing the seed.

Security Considerations

Trezor Bridge itself is not a vault for keys — it is an intermediary. Your private keys are generated and stored only on the Trezor device. However, to maintain a secure environment:

• Keep your operating system up to date with security patches.
• Install Bridge only from the official Trezor domain and verify checksums if provided.
• Limit Bridge to trusted networks; avoid using it over untrusted or public machines.
• Use antivirus/endpoint protection and avoid installing untrusted software that could intercept local connections.

If you ever suspect Bridge or your machine has been compromised, disconnect the device immediately and use a trusted machine to verify transactions and recover if necessary.

Advanced Features & Options

Bridge is intentionally minimal — its job is to expose a secure local API. Depending on your workflow:

• Auto-start: Bridge can be configured to start automatically with your system for convenience.
• Manual updates: You can disable auto-updates and perform manual updates when convenient.
• Debug and logs: Advanced users can enable logs to troubleshoot connectivity issues; logs are local and should be handled carefully as they may contain metadata about connections.

Troubleshooting — Common Problems & Fixes

Browser says "Bridge not found"

• Ensure Bridge is running (check system tray / background processes).
• Try restarting Bridge and refreshing the browser page.
• Confirm the browser you are using is supported and that you downloaded Bridge from the official source.

Device not detected after plugging in

• Try a different USB cable or port — some cables are power-only and do not transmit data.
• On Linux, make sure udev rules are installed so non-root users can access the device.
• Reboot the computer and reconnect the device.

Permission errors (macOS / Windows)

• macOS may block apps that try to open local network ports — grant permissions in System Preferences.
• On Windows, run the installer as Administrator if you hit permission issues.

My app still can't sign transactions

• Check that the app you use is the official Trezor Suite or a reputable partner that supports Bridge.
• Ensure firmware on the Trezor device is up-to-date via Trezor Suite.

If problems persist, consult official Trezor documentation or contact support. Avoid sharing your recovery phrase — support will never ask for it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trezor Bridge safe to install?

Yes — Bridge is designed as a secure local helper. Install it only from the official site, and keep your machine secure.

Can I use Trezor without Bridge?

On many platforms, Trezor Suite includes its own integration. Browser-based interfaces generally require Bridge to talk to the device securely.

Does Bridge transmit data to the internet?

No. Bridge facilitates local communication between apps and the device; it does not send private keys or transaction secrets to external servers. Auto-update metadata may be fetched from Trezor servers if you enable updates.

What if Bridge won't update?

You can download the latest installer from the official site and re-run it. If you disabled auto-updates, re-enable or manually check for the latest release.

Quick Start Checklist

• Download Bridge from the official Trezor site.
• Install and grant necessary permissions.
• Connect and unlock your Trezor device.
• Open Trezor Suite or the official web flow and follow on-screen prompts.
• Always confirm every action on the hardware device screen.

Sample Support Form (Illustrative)

Use this sample if you need to collect basic details before contacting official support (never collect or send recovery phrases):

Final Notes

Trezor Bridge is a small but important piece of the secure hardware wallet ecosystem. It enables the convenience of web and desktop apps without compromising the security guarantees of the hardware device. Installing and using Bridge responsibly — from official sources and on trusted machines — keeps your crypto interactions safe.

If you're ever unsure, disconnect your device, validate the installer source, and reach out to official Trezor channels for guidance. As always, treat your recovery seed like gold: keep it offline, private, and secure.