What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small background service that lets your operating system and browser talk to a Trezor hardware wallet. Modern browsers restrict direct USB access for security reasons. Bridge safely brokers that communication: it passes messages to and from your device so apps such as Trezor Suite can request public information, prompt you to verify details on-device, and finalize cryptographic operations that only the wallet itself can perform. Your recovery seed and private keys remain inside the hardware wallet at all times.
Think of Bridge as the “driver + messenger.” It is deliberately minimal, runs with low overhead, and starts automatically after installation. When you open Trezor Suite or a compatible web interface, they’ll detect the service and connect to your device without extra steps.
How to Install Trezor Bridge
Installation is straightforward. In most cases you will be prompted during first-time setup:
- Download the latest Bridge installer for your OS from the official Trezor website.
- Close Trezor Suite and your browser before installing.
- Run the installer and follow the prompts.
- Reconnect your Trezor and reopen Suite; detection should be automatic.
Troubleshooting & Best Practices
If your device is not recognized after installing Bridge, walk through these quick checks:
- Cable & Port: Use a data-capable USB cable and try another port.
- Restart the service: Reboot your computer or restart Bridge from your system tools.
- Conflicts: Close other wallet apps that might hold the USB connection.
- Browser choice: Some browsers support direct USB (WebUSB), while others rely on Bridge. If detection fails, try another supported browser.
- Permissions: On macOS and Linux, ensure you’ve allowed the app to access removable devices; Linux may require proper udev rules.
Security Model
Bridge does not read, store, or transmit your seed or private keys. It relays structured requests to the device, which independently enforces security policies and asks for your confirmation on its display. Even if your computer is compromised, an attacker would still need you to approve actions on the wallet, which is why checking addresses and amounts on the device screen is essential.
FAQ
Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use the desktop Trezor Suite?
The desktop Suite communicates with your device directly. Bridge is typically needed by certain web workflows or for browsers that don’t support WebUSB consistently.
Is Trezor Bridge the same as a driver?
It behaves like a lightweight driver and relay combined. Instead of exposing raw USB to the browser, it presents a safe local endpoint the app can speak to.
Can I uninstall it?
If your current setup uses a browser that works with WebUSB and you only use the desktop Suite, you may not need Bridge. However, some environments still depend on it, so keep the installer handy.