Trezor Bridge — USB Communication for Your Trezor Wallet

Trezor Bridge is the official local bridge application that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and the Trezor web wallet or other desktop apps. This guide explains installation, updating, common issues, and security considerations.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small background application (a local service) you install on your computer to allow the Trezor device to communicate with web-based interfaces (like the Trezor Suite web app) and certain desktop clients. Unlike older approaches that used browser extensions, Bridge provides a secure, system-level channel that modern browsers and apps can use to detect and interact with your hardware wallet via USB.

How to install Trezor Bridge

  1. Go to the official Trezor website and download the Bridge installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Use the official domain — trezor.io/start or the Trezor Suite download pages — to avoid phishing.
  2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. On macOS you may need to allow a helper in System Preferences → Security & Privacy if the system blocks it.
  3. After installation, Bridge runs in the background and typically adds a small tray/menu icon. Open your browser and visit Trezor Suite (or the web wallet) — the site should detect Bridge automatically.
Tip: If you previously used a browser extension (older setups), Bridge replaces that workflow and is now the recommended method for secure device communication.

Updating and compatibility

Trezor Bridge receives occasional updates for compatibility and security. Most updates are delivered via the Trezor website; when a web interface detects an outdated Bridge, it will prompt you to download the latest version.

  • Keep your OS and browser up to date for best results.
  • Uninstall old Bridge versions before installing a major new release if instructed by Trezor support.

Common issues & fixes

  • Device not detected: Ensure the USB cable is data-capable (not charge-only), try different USB ports, and avoid USB hubs where possible.
  • Browser can't access Bridge: Allow the browser to communicate with local apps (some privacy-focused browsers block local host requests) or try another mainstream browser like Chrome or Firefox.
  • macOS permissions: On macOS, you may need to allow the Bridge installer in System Preferences → Security & Privacy, then restart your browser.
  • Antivirus / firewall blocking: Temporarily whitelist Bridge or create an exception in your security software.
If you see prompts to install Bridge from sources other than trezor.io, treat them as suspicious. Always download from the official Trezor website to avoid malicious software.

Security considerations

Trezor Bridge itself is a local communication layer and does not access your seed phrase or private keys. The private keys remain securely protected inside the Trezor device. Still, follow these best practices:

  • Only download Bridge from the official Trezor website.
  • Verify website certificates and watch for phishing domains that mimic Trezor.
  • Never enter your recovery seed into any computer or online form — seed entry should only occur directly on the Trezor device when performing a recovery, and even then only on a clean, offline environment if possible.
  • Keep Bridge and Trezor Suite up to date to receive security patches and compatibility fixes.

Advanced tips & developer notes

Developers integrating hardware wallet support can use the Bridge API to detect connected devices and forward commands. For power users troubleshooting via the command line, Bridge logs and process information are available in system logs — check the platform-specific documentation on Trezor’s developer pages.

# Example (Linux) - check if bridge is running
ps aux | grep trezord
# On Windows - look for 'trezord' or 'trezor-bridge' in Task Manager

Where to get help

If you encounter persistent issues, consult the official Trezor Help Centre and community resources on the Trezor website. If you suspect software tampering or malware, stop and reach out to Trezor support before proceeding with any recovery or device operation.