Trezor Bridge (Official) | Desktop & Web Crypto

Official guide to securely connecting your Trezor hardware wallet with desktop and web crypto applications. Covers installation, setup, daily usage, migration, troubleshooting, and best practices to maintain security and reliability.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is the official communication layer that connects your Trezor hardware wallet to desktop wallets and web applications. It ensures that all interactions are securely relayed between the wallet and the device without exposing private keys. By isolating USB communication and providing a stable local endpoint, Bridge simplifies connectivity and reduces compatibility issues across browsers and operating systems.

Bridge acts as a secure conduit, allowing web apps and desktop wallets to interact with your Trezor device reliably while all signing operations occur on-device.

Why Use Trezor Bridge?

  • Reliable connectivity: avoids broken sessions caused by browser updates or OS changes.
  • Cross-platform support: compatible with Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Secure signing: private keys remain on-device, all signing approvals occur physically on the Trezor.
  • Independent updates: Bridge updates separately, ensuring compatibility without relying on browser changes.

Tip: run Bridge only when you need it to minimize background activity.

System Requirements

  • Windows 10 or 11, macOS 11+, or current Linux distribution.
  • Administrative or sudo privileges for installation.
  • Official Trezor device and USB cable.
  • Access to official Trezor downloads page.

Security Reminder: Only download Bridge from official sources. Avoid third-party downloads.

Installation & Setup

  1. Download: Navigate to the official Trezor website and download the installer for your operating system.
  2. Install: Windows users: run the .exe as administrator; macOS: drag to Applications; Linux: use package manager or instructions provided.
  3. Grant permissions: Allow Bridge to run a local service and access USB devices.
  4. Start Bridge: Verify it is running through the tray/menu icon or local status page.
  5. Connect Trezor: Use official USB cable, open your wallet app, and connect via Bridge. Confirm prompts on the device before approving.

If Bridge is not detected, restart your browser or computer. Linux users may require udev rules for non-root USB access.

Security Best Practices

  • Download only official builds and verify checksums or signatures if available.
  • Keep your Trezor firmware up to date.
  • Always verify transaction details and addresses on the Trezor screen before approving.
  • Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or browser.
  • Optionally quit Bridge when not in use.
  • Watch out for phishing attacks and double-check website URLs.

Important: If your seed is compromised, generate a new one on a secure device and transfer funds immediately.

Daily Use Tips

Connectivity Tips

  • Keep Bridge running during active sessions to avoid repeated prompts.
  • Use a high-quality cable; avoid unpowered USB hubs.
  • Close unused tabs that may cause session conflicts.

Safe Signing Practices

  • Always confirm transactions on-device.
  • Cancel suspicious signing requests and verify via wallet or blockchain explorer.
  • Understand smart contract approvals before signing.

Migration & Restore

Bridge does not store wallet data; it’s only a transport layer. Migration involves the wallet and device:

Migrating from Exchanges or Custodial Wallets

  1. Create or restore a Trezor wallet and back up your recovery seed offline.
  2. Generate a receive address and verify on-device.
  3. Send a test amount first, then transfer remaining funds.
  4. For tokens, confirm wallet supports the token and network.

Restoring a Seed on a New Device

  1. Confirm recovery phrase completeness and correctness.
  2. Restore using official flow; enter seed only on device.
  3. Update firmware and verify accounts via wallet app.
  4. If the seed is suspected compromised, migrate funds immediately.

Advanced users with passphrases or multisig: document non-sensitive metadata to ensure successful restore.

Troubleshooting

Bridge Not Detected

  1. Verify Bridge is running.
  2. Restart browser and clear site data.
  3. Reinstall latest official Bridge installer.

Intermittent Disconnects

  • Use a different USB cable or port.
  • Disable USB power-saving settings.
  • Ensure firmware and Bridge are up to date.

Linux udev / Permission Issues

Install vendor-provided udev rules and reload with sudo udevadm control --reload-rules.

Suspicious Signing Requests

Cancel requests showing unexpected data or addresses and verify independently before proceeding.

FAQ

Does Bridge see private keys?

No. Bridge relays messages; private keys remain on-device.

Is Bridge needed on mobile?

No, mobile apps use Bluetooth or dedicated connectors.

How to update Bridge?

Download and run latest installer from official site. OS package managers may provide updates.

What if installer seems compromised?

Do not run it. Delete, redownload from official source, verify signatures, and contact support.

Final Recommendations

Trezor Bridge ensures smooth and secure connectivity between your hardware wallet and desktop/web applications. Maintain security by using official downloads, verifying on-device approvals, backing up seeds offline, testing migrations, and following official documentation. Pause and verify if anything seems suspicious.