What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service that acts as a communication layer between your operating system and your Trezor hardware wallet. When you interact with Trezor Suite or a compatible web application, Bridge translates USB or WebUSB requests and provides a controlled, secure channel for device discovery, data exchange, and transaction signing. In practical terms, Bridge makes it simple for browsers and desktop apps to detect and communicate with Trezor devices without exposing private keys to the host environment.
Bridge is intentionally narrow in scope: it is not a wallet, nor does it handle private keys or transaction signing itself — signing always occurs on the Trezor device. Bridge simply enables that secure handshake between software and hardware.
Why Trezor Bridge Matters
- Compatibility: Many browsers restrict direct USB access for security reasons. Bridge provides a stable, cross-platform way for apps to access Trezor devices.
- Security-focused: Bridge minimizes attack surface by using a single, vetted component for device communications rather than ad-hoc drivers or browser plugins.
- Usability: It streamlines setup for end users: once installed, Trezor devices are recognized by Trezor Suite and compatible web apps with minimal configuration.
- Maintenance: Bridge can be updated independently to support new OS/browser changes or device firmware features without requiring an overhaul of the higher-level applications.
Supported Platforms
Trezor Bridge supports Windows, macOS, and major Linux distributions. The installer packages are tailored to each platform and include the necessary components to allow browsers and desktop applications to discover and communicate with connected Trezor devices.
Always download Bridge from the official Trezor website to avoid tampered installers and impersonation sites.
How Bridge Works — A Simplified Flow
- Device Connected: You plug your Trezor into a USB port.
- Bridge Detects Device: The Bridge service listens for USB events and notifies the host applications.
- Application Request: Trezor Suite or a compatible web app sends a request to Bridge to open a session with the device.
- Device Interaction: Commands (e.g., request public key, sign transaction) are passed through Bridge to the Trezor device, and the device displays prompts for user verification.
- Signing on Device: All sensitive operations (PIN entry, seed recovery, signing) occur directly on the Trezor hardware and are returned to the application via Bridge.
Downloading and Installing Trezor Bridge
Follow these steps for a safe installation:
- Visit the official Trezor website and navigate to the Bridge download page. Verify the domain and HTTPS certificate to ensure authenticity.
- Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) and download it.
- Run the installer. On Windows, you may need to approve driver installation; on macOS, you might be asked to allow kernel extensions or grant permissions depending on OS version.
- After installation, Bridge usually runs as a background service. Connect your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite or your web app — the app should now detect your device automatically.
If you prefer not to install Bridge, some modern browsers support WebUSB which can communicate directly with your device; however, Bridge remains the recommended, widely compatible option for most users.
Security Considerations
Trezor Bridge is designed with minimal privileges and a singular purpose. Key security reminders:
- Private keys never leave the device: Bridge forwards requests — it does not perform cryptographic signing on the host.
- Use official downloads: Only install Bridge from Trezor's official site to avoid malicious, modified versions.
- Keep Bridge updated: Updates can contain important compatibility and security fixes; install updates from official channels.
- Watch for phishing: No legitimate website should ever request your recovery seed. Bridge and Suite will never ask for your seed directly.
Permissions and Privacy
Bridge requests only the permissions required to detect USB devices and relay messages. It does not collect private keys or transaction data beyond the immediate session context required to complete an operation. As with any system service, limit access to trusted applications and keep your OS security settings up to date.
Troubleshooting Common Bridge Issues
Problems connecting a Trezor device often have straightforward fixes. Try these steps first:
- Check cable and port: Use a data-capable USB cable and a working USB port. Avoid USB hubs during initial troubleshooting.
- Restart Bridge: Restart the Bridge service or reboot your computer to clear transient issues.
- Reinstall Bridge: Download the latest installer from the official site and reinstall — this fixes corrupted installs or missing components.
- Browser permissions: If using the web app, ensure the browser is allowed to communicate with Bridge or the device (grant USB permissions when prompted).
- OS updates: Some operating system updates change USB handling — apply system updates or check Bridge release notes for compatibility notes.
If problems persist after trying these steps, consult the official Trezor support documentation or reach out to support channels for guided assistance.
Advanced Usage and Developer Notes
Developers building integrations with Trezor can use Bridge as a stable endpoint for device communication. Bridge exposes well-documented APIs for session management and message passing. For developers:
- Follow the official API documentation and examples provided by Trezor.
- Test against the latest Bridge version to ensure compatibility.
- Respect user prompts: never bypass on-device verification, and always present clear information to users about what they are signing.
Developers should also keep dependencies up to date and avoid bundling modified Bridge binaries into applications; rely on the system-installed Bridge whenever possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need Bridge to use Trezor? For the majority of desktop/browser setups, Bridge is recommended for reliable, cross-platform device detection. Some browsers with WebUSB support may work without Bridge, but Bridge provides consistent compatibility.
Is Bridge safe? Yes — Bridge is a narrowly focused tool that relays messages to the Trezor device; critical operations like PIN entry and signing always happen on the device itself.
How do I update Bridge? Download the latest installer from the official Trezor website and run it. Many times the installer will replace the existing version with the most recent one.
Where can I get help? Visit the official Trezor Help Center for step-by-step guides, release notes, and contact options for support.
Ready to Install Trezor Bridge?
Always download Bridge from the official Trezor website and follow the installation instructions for your operating system. After installation, connect your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite or a compatible web app to begin secure interactions.
Need help? Consult Trezor's official documentation or support channels for guided assistance and up-to-date release notes.