Trezor Bridge — Secure Connection for Your Trezor

H1 — What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight application that creates a secure local connection between your Trezor hardware wallet and compatible wallet interfaces in your browser or desktop apps. It runs on your computer and acts as a bridge (hence the name) for communication over HTTP/WebUSB, allowing modern browsers to interact safely with the device without exposing keys or secrets.

H2 — Core responsibilities

Expose a secure local endpoint for browser-based wallets and desktop apps.
Translate requests into the USB/HID protocol used by Trezor devices.
Provide a minimal surface area, keeping cryptographic operations inside the hardware.

H3 — Why the separate app?

Browsers' access to USB devices changed over time. The Bridge ensures consistent cross-browser compatibility while giving Trezor maintainers control over the versioning and security model.

H4 — Official resources

Download and learn more from the official Trezor pages: Trezor Bridge, or check the getting-started hub at Trezor Start.

H1 — Why use Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is the recommended way to connect a Trezor device to web wallets (like Trezor Suite when used in browser mode or third-party wallets). It provides reliability and improved security compared with raw browser USB access, plus helpful features like automatic updates and compatibility fixes.

H2 — Benefits at a glance

Compatibility: Works across major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Stability: Reduces fragmentation caused by browser differences.
Usability: Prompts and connection flows are clearer for end-users.
Security: Minimizes direct exposure of USB messages to the browser environment.

H1 — Install & setup

This section walks through installation steps for Windows, macOS and Linux, plus how to verify the installation and keep Bridge updated.

H2 — Quick install (all OS)

Visit the official Bridge download page: Trezor Downloads.
Choose the correct package for your OS and follow the installer prompts.
After install, you can usually open your browser and visit your chosen wallet web app — it should detect Bridge automatically.

H3 — Windows notes

Run the installer as administrator if prompted. If you have device driver prompts, accept official drivers only; do not install unsigned or suspicious drivers.

H3 — macOS notes

On macOS, Gatekeeper may prompt you the first time you open Bridge. Allow it in System Settings if you trust the source (official Trezor page). If you face permission errors, ensure the app is in the Applications folder and verify kernel-level permissions are not required for your macOS version.

H3 — Linux notes

Deb/RPM packages are available for many distros. You may also install via a universal AppImage if provided. On Linux, make sure udev rules are installed so your user can access the device without root privileges.

H4 — Verify installation

Once Bridge is running, visit the official compatibility or start page in your browser: Trezor Compatibility. You should see a message that Bridge is running and the device is detected.

If you prefer command-line checks, Bridge may expose a local HTTP endpoint (e.g. http://127.0.0.1:21325) depending on version and OS — check official docs for your release.

H1 — Security model

Security is paramount for hardware wallets. Trezor Bridge is designed to be a small, auditable piece of software whose job is only to forward safe, authenticated requests to the device. It does not and cannot access your private keys; those never leave your Trezor hardware.

H2 — Threat model

Consider these classes of threats and how Bridge mitigates them:

Local malware: Bridge reduces attack surface by limiting functionality and using local-only endpoints where possible. Still, a compromised host is the worst-case; secure your OS and firmware.
Man-in-the-browser: Browser-based attacks aim to change messages before they reach Bridge; always verify transactions on the Trezor device screen before confirming.
Supply chain: Download Bridge only from official sources to prevent tampered installers.

H3 — What the Bridge does NOT do

It does not store or back up your seed phrase.
It does not extract keys from the Trezor device.
It does not automatically approve transactions — the physical device must confirm.

H1 — Troubleshooting

Even with a robust tool, you may encounter issues. Here are common problems and quick fixes.

H2 — Common issues

H3 — Bridge not detected

Restart Bridge and your browser.
Check that the USB cable supports data (some cables are charge-only).
Try a different USB port or cable.

H3 — Browser prompts not appearing

Make sure browser extensions that block popups or intercept requests are disabled for the wallet site. Some privacy extensions can block local connections — create a site exception.

H3 — Device stuck in bootloader

Follow official recovery or firmware update instructions at Trezor Firmware. Do not attempt unofficial or third-party firmware unless you fully understand the consequences.

H4 — When to reinstall

If Bridge behaves erratically after updates, reinstalling the latest release from the official downloads page can resolve version mismatches and corrupted installations: Trezor Downloads.

H1 — Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

H2 — Do I need Bridge if I use Trezor Suite?

Trezor Suite (desktop app) typically communicates directly with your device using native drivers and may not require Bridge. Bridge is mainly for browser-based interactions and certain desktop environments.

H2 — Is Bridge safe to run always?

Yes — running Bridge on a secure, updated system is safe and convenient. Keep it updated and download only official releases.

H2 — Can I use Bridge on multiple computers?

Yes — install Bridge on any trusted computer you own. Remember to follow the same security practices on each machine.

H3 — More help

Official help and support pages: Trezor Support.

H1 — Bridge vs WebUSB and native drivers

Historically, browsers exposed device APIs differently. WebUSB provides a direct browser-to-device channel, but Bridge offers compatibility across browsers and operating systems and sometimes a more stable experience.

H2 — Pros and cons

Bridge: Stable, maintained by Trezor team, good for broad compatibility.
WebUSB: No extra app; direct browser access but can be blocked by browser policies or privacy tools.
Native drivers: Desktop apps may use native drivers for high reliability, but these can require more system permissions.

H1 — Security best practices

Installation is just step one. To keep your funds safe, follow these practical recommendations.

H2 — Keep software up to date

Install Bridge updates promptly from the official site: Trezor Bridge.
Update your device firmware only via official instructions: Firmware updates.

H2 — Verify downloads

When available, verify checksums and signatures provided on the official pages. Avoid downloading Bridge from mirror sites unless explicitly referenced by Trezor.

H2 — Physical confirmation

Always confirm transaction details on the Trezor device screen before approving. The device is your final authority — never trust an unsigned on-screen prompt from the browser alone.

H1 — Conclusion

Trezor Bridge is a focused, low-footprint application that bridges the gap between browsers and hardware wallets. It prioritizes compatibility and usability while keeping critical cryptographic secrets safely inside the hardware. Whether you're new to hardware wallets or a long-time user, Bridge provides a reliable way to connect your Trezor to web apps and services.

H2 — Useful official links (10 official links)

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