Official Site® | Trezor Bridge®

1. Overview

Trezor Bridge® is a local background application that enables secure, seamless communication between your Trezor® hardware wallet and desktop or browser-based interfaces. Unlike browser plugins or legacy drivers, Bridge runs on your computer (as a local service) and acts as a “translator” to forward messages securely from web apps to your device.

With Bridge installed, applications like Trezor Suite, or compatible web wallets, can detect your device, send commands (e.g. “sign transaction”), and receive data — while *never* exposing your private keys or seed to external software.

Tip: Bridge helps unify USB access across Windows, macOS, and Linux, handling OS-specific quirks behind the scenes.

2. Install & Setup Guide

Follow these steps to set up Trezor Bridge:

Step 1: Download from Official Site
Visit trezor.io/start (or the official Trezor download hub) and select the Bridge installer matching your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Always ensure the download is from the official domain.

Step 2: Run the Installer
- Windows: Launch the `.exe` or `.msi`, accept permissions, and proceed.
- macOS: Open the `.dmg`, drag the Bridge app into Applications, then authorize in System Preferences if prompted.
- Linux (Debian/Ubuntu style): Use `sudo dpkg -i trezor‑bridge-x.y.z.deb`, then `systemctl start trezor-bridge` or the equivalent.

Step 3: Restart Your Browser / System
After installation, it's advisable to restart your browser (or the computer) so that Bridge is properly detected.

Step 4: Connect Your Trezor Device
Plug your Trezor device via USB. Bridge should detect it and enable your wallet interface to communicate.

Warning: Only install Bridge from the official source. Avoid downloads from unknown or look-alike domains to prevent fake or malicious software.

Once installed, Bridge runs silently as a background service — you might not see a GUI, but your wallet apps will interact with it via localhost.

3. Using Trezor Bridge

Here’s how to use Bridge as part of your workflow:

Open Trezor Suite (web or desktop) or a supported web wallet.
Connect your Trezor hardware via USB.
The wallet will signal a connection request to Bridge, which then relays it to your Trezor device.
On the physical device, verify domain/origin and confirm or reject any requested operation.
Proceed with actions like viewing balances, making transactions, or signing data — all signing occurs directly on-device.

Tip: Always match the address, amount, and transaction details shown on your computer with what’s shown on the physical device, before approving.

In certain browsers (e.g. Chrome or other WebUSB‑supporting ones), Bridge may be bypassed in some cases. But Bridge ensures broader compatibility across browsers and platforms.

4. Security & Best Practices

Trezor Bridge is designed with a minimal-trust, local-first architecture. But your security practices are equally important. Below are key recommendations.

4.1 Design & Architecture

Bridge listens only on `localhost` and does not expose network ports externally.
It forwards only JSON-RPC style commands and never handles private keys or seeds.
All critical operations (signing, key derivation) happen *inside* the Trezor device.

4.2 Best Practices for Users

Keep Bridge, Trezor Suite, and your device firmware up to date.
Download only from official Trezor sources (e.g. `trezor.io`).
Verify checksums or digital signatures if provided.
Use a clean, trusted computer — avoid systems with malware or rootkits.
Never enter your recovery seed into any device except during authorized restore.
Be cautious of phishing sites — always check the URL and SSL certificate.

Even though Bridge cannot access your keys, a compromised host environment (e.g. malware) can still tamper with your transactions. Always double-check your device display before approving actions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

In many web-based workflows and browsers, yes — Bridge ensures your device is recognized and usable. Some browsers (like Chrome) support WebUSB natively and may work without Bridge in limited cases, but this is not guaranteed across all platforms.

Q2: Can Trezor Bridge access my private keys or seed?

No — Bridge only transmits unsigned commands and data. All signing and key operations occur within the hardware device, and Bridge never stores seed phrases or keys.

Q3: What if Bridge does not detect my device?

Common fixes:

Reconnect the USB cable or try a different port (avoid USB hubs).
Restart Bridge service or your computer.
Reinstall Bridge from the official source.
Ensure firewall or security software is not blocking localhost communication.

Q4: How do I update Bridge?

Download the latest version from the official site and run the installer; Bridge may prompt you to update automatically. After installation, restart your browser or system.

Q5: Can I uninstall Bridge later?

Yes — use your operating system’s uninstall tool (Control Panel, macOS “Move to Trash”, Linux package manager). After removal, web-based connections may fail, so ensure you have an alternative (like WebUSB support) if needed.