What is Trezor Bridge and why you need it

Trezor Bridge is the official communication layer developed by Trezor (SatoshiLabs) that enables secure, local communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer or browser. It’s required for the desktop Trezor Suite and browser integrations so the Suite can detect your device, manage firmware updates, and sign transactions while keeping private keys on the device.

Bottom line: Bridge does not store your keys or recovery phrase — it simply routes messages between your browser/app and the hardware device on your machine.

Quick checklist before you start

  • Use a trusted computer (no public/shared machines).
  • Download Bridge only from the official Trezor site: trezor.io/bridge.
  • Have your Trezor device (Trezor Model T or Trezor One) and original USB cable handy.
  • Back up your recovery seed before making any critical changes to devices or firmware.

Step 1 — Download Trezor Bridge

  1. Open your browser and go to trezor.io/bridge.
  2. Choose the package that matches your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and download the installer.
  3. Verify the page is secured by HTTPS and the domain is trezor.io to avoid phishing sites.

Step 2 — Install and allow the Bridge

  1. Run the installer you downloaded and follow on-screen instructions.
  2. On some systems you may be asked to allow a background service or grant USB permissions — approve those prompts so Bridge can run.
  3. After installation, restart your browser (and in some cases your computer) to let the browser detect the Bridge service.

Step 3 — Connect your Trezor and launch Trezor Suite

  1. Plug your Trezor into your computer using the original USB cable.
  2. Open Trezor Suite (web or desktop) or the Suite desktop app.
  3. Trezor Suite should detect your device automatically via Bridge; follow the on-screen prompts to continue.

Step 4 — Verify the connection & device authenticity

Within Trezor Suite, navigate to Device Settings → Device. You should see model, firmware version, and a confirmation that Bridge is running. Perform the Suite’s authenticity check — it helps confirm your device firmware and vendor signature are genuine.

Troubleshooting — if your Trezor is not detected

  • Restart your browser and reconnect the USB cable.
  • Confirm that Trezor Bridge is running: on Windows check Services, on macOS check the menu bar or Activity Monitor, on Linux check the background process.
  • Try a different USB cable or port (avoid unpowered hubs).
  • Reinstall Bridge from trezor.io/bridge and reboot your machine.
  • Temporarily disable over-aggressive antivirus or USB security software—re-enable it after testing.

Security & best practices (EEAT-aligned guidance)

  • Download only from trezor.io. Official installers and instructions reside there; never trust attachments or third-party mirrors.
  • Keep firmware up to date but do so only via Trezor Suite and official prompts.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer or browser. Write it physically and store it offline (paper or metal backup).
  • Authenticate transactions on-device. Trezor always displays transaction details on its screen — confirm them before approving.
  • Use a secure, updated browser (Chrome, Firefox, Brave) and keep the OS patched.

Advanced notes

If you run multiple hardware wallets or use virtualization, Bridge may require additional configuration. For Linux users, consult the official Trezor Bridge documentation for udev rules and permissions. Advanced users who prefer not to install Bridge can use the Trezor Suite desktop app (which bundles necessary communication layers) instead.

Official resources

Primary sources and downloads:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

For browser-based interactions with older installations, yes. If you use the latest Trezor Suite desktop app, it provides direct communication and you may not need the separate Bridge installation. Use the official guidance at trezor.io/bridge.

2. Is Trezor Bridge safe?

Yes — when downloaded from the official site. Bridge runs locally and only forwards USB messages between your device and Suite/browser. It does not transmit your recovery phrase or private keys off your machine.

3. My browser shows “Trezor not connected” — what should I do?

Reconnect the USB cable, restart the browser, check that Bridge is running, and try a different port or cable. Reinstall Bridge if issues persist.

4. Can I use Trezor Bridge on mobile?

Trezor Bridge is a desktop-focused communication tool. Mobile flows use Trezor’s mobile pairing and Trezor Suite mobile workflows; consult trezor.io/start for mobile guidance.

5. How do I verify the Bridge installer?

Always use the HTTPS page on trezor.io/bridge. For advanced verification you can compare checksums/signatures provided on the official page against the downloaded file if such artifacts are published by Trezor.

6. Where can I get official help?

Use Trezor’s official support and documentation pages: trezor.io/support and the Suite help at suite.trezor.io.