Trezor Bridge — The Secure Gateway to Your Hardware Wallet®

What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background application created by SatoshiLabs which acts as a communication layer between your web browser or supported applications and your Trezor hardware wallet. It replaces older browser extensions and solves USB connectivity challenges in a more secure, stable, and cross-platform manner. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

While the Trezor Suite desktop app can often connect directly to your device, Bridge is required for web-based interactions on browsers that do not fully support direct USB communication APIs. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key Features & Benefits

Secure Local Communication

All communication between your browser/app and Trezor is encrypted and handled locally — Bridge doesn’t send data over the internet. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Browser Compatibility

Bridge works with modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge, enabling web UIs and dApps to talk to your Trezor reliably. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Minimal & Lightweight

This background service has low resource usage and runs quietly, only when needed. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Automatic Updates

Bridge can update itself to stay compatible with evolving browsers and firmware versions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Open‑Source & Verifiable

Its code is publicly auditable, enabling community review and trust. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Fallback to WebUSB / Alternatives

In some setups, Bridge may not be necessary if WebUSB works; Bridge ensures reliability when native support fails. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How It Works

Bridge acts as a local proxy service. Here’s a simplified flow:

The Bridge software runs a small background process (often named `trezord`) on your computer, listening locally for connections. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
A browser or web application requests a connection to your Trezor device (e.g. via Trezor Connect). Bridge intercepts and handles the USB commands. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Bridge negotiates a secure session and relays encrypted messages between the application and the device. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Whenever you perform sensitive actions (sign a transaction, enter PIN, update firmware), those must be confirmed physically on the device’s screen. Bridge passes data but never bypasses device confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
The application sees responses via Bridge and continues with user workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

This architecture ensures your private keys and recovery seed never leave the device and remain protected even when your host machine may have vulnerabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Install, Update & Maintenance

Below is guidance for installing or updating Bridge safely on different platforms:

Windows

Close any open wallet applications or browsers.
Run the official Bridge installer (download from Trezor site).
After install, reconnect your Trezor device via USB.
Open your browser-based interface; Bridge should be detected automatically. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

macOS

Open the `.dmg` installer and drag the Bridge app to your Applications folder.
Allow the app in System Preferences → Security (if Gatekeeper blocks it).
Reconnect your Trezor and open a compatible web interface. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Linux

Install via your package manager if available (e.g. `apt remove trezor‑bridge` or similar for uninstall) :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Else use a generic installer and configure udev rules to allow USB access without root. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Restart the service or your machine, then reconnect the device. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

If Bridge is already installed, running a newer installer will upgrade it in place. It is recommended to remove older standalone installations, especially since the standalone Bridge is being deprecated. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}

To check whether Bridge is running, you can look for the `trezord` process in your Task Manager (Windows), Activity Monitor (macOS), or System Monitor (Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}

Ready to Get Started?

Download Bridge Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

Not always. If you are using the Trezor Suite desktop app, it may connect directly without Bridge. Bridge is primarily needed for web interfaces where browser USB support is limited. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Is Bridge safe?

Yes. Bridge is open-source, runs locally, and never accesses your private keys or recovery seed. All sensitive actions must be confirmed on the device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}

Can I uninstall it later?

Yes. Use the OS uninstaller (Windows), Finder (macOS), or package manager (Linux). After removal, web-based interactions may no longer work unless alternative USB support is available. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

What if Bridge isn’t recognized?

Troubleshooting steps:

Reinstall from official source
Check USB cable and port
Ensure no conflicting processes
Restart browser or machine
Check for outdated versions or deprecation notice :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Is the standalone Bridge deprecated?

Yes. The standalone Bridge is being phased out. In fact, having an outdated standalone installation may interfere with future releases. It is recommended to uninstall older versions when using Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Which browsers & OS are supported?

Bridge supports Windows (10+), macOS (latest), Linux. Browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Edge. Some browsers / OS combinations with full WebUSB support might not need it. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}