Your definitive resource to install, use, and troubleshoot Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service (middleware) that facilitates secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and browser or desktop applications. It acts as a translation layer between browser-level USB calls and the Trezor device, ensuring that commands are forwarded safely and reliably. The Bridge itself does **not** hold any private keys, and all signing operations happen on the hardware device. (It is essential for many browser‑based workflows.)
Modern browsers and operating systems increasingly restrict direct USB access for security. Without a local helper like Bridge, many wallet interfaces cannot reliably detect or talk to hardware wallets. Bridge abstracts away platform differences, enabling compatibility across Windows, macOS, and Linux with major browsers.
When you launch a supported web app or Trezor Suite (web version), that client sends requests (e.g. “get address”, “sign transaction”) to a local service listening on `localhost` at a specific port. Bridge receives those requests, validates origin, translates them into USB commands to the Trezor device, gets a response, performs integrity checks, and sends back the result. In every step, Bridge enforces security, origin verification, and validation.
Bridge ensures that only approved applications (such as Trezor Suite, or recognized browser dApps) can interface with it. Unrecognized or malicious host programs are blocked. This origin verification helps prevent unauthorized apps from attempting to use your device.
Although Bridge operates locally, it still enforces checks to verify message integrity and that no tampering has occurred. The USB transport is considered the secure channel to the hardware. Bridge’s job is to safely marshal requests and responses without leaking secret data.
By default, Bridge listens on `127.0.0.1` (localhost). It does **not** expose any network interface to remote machines. This design ensures that remote computers cannot access your Trezor via Bridge unless you explicitly reconfigure it (which is strongly discouraged).
Some Chromium-based browsers now support WebUSB, allowing direct USB interaction. In those cases, Bridge may not always be strictly required. However, Bridge enhances compatibility across browsers and OS combinations where WebUSB is unavailable or restricted.
Download the official Bridge installer (e.g. `.exe` or `.msi`) from the Trezor site. Run it with administrator rights, accept the license prompts, and install. The Bridge service will start in the background automatically.
Download the `.dmg` package, open it, then drag the Bridge application into your Applications folder. Launch it; you may need to allow permissions in System Preferences (Security & Privacy) for USB or system extensions.
Use the `.deb` or `.rpm` package for your distribution (or the provided package). For example, on Debian/Ubuntu:
sudo dpkg -i trezor‑bridge‑x.x.x.deb
sudo systemctl start trezor-bridge
Ensure udev/permission rules allow your user to access USB devices if needed.
After installing, restart your browser. Connect your Trezor hardware via USB. The web or desktop client (with Bridge support) should detect the device. Approve connection prompts both in software and physically on the device screen. For each transaction or sensitive action, always confirm on-device.
Check if the Bridge service (e.g. `trezord` process) is active in your system process list (Task Manager, Activity Monitor, etc.). If not, restart your system or manually start Bridge. Reinstall Bridge if necessary.
Try a different USB port or cable. Avoid long extension cables or powered USB hubs which may introduce noise or connectivity issues.
Some security or firewall software may block local services or restrict `localhost` traffic. Whitelist Bridge, allow local loopback connections, or temporarily disable conflicting protections.
Clear browser cache, uninstall old Bridge versions fully (including residual files), then reinstall the latest version from the official site. Also check that your client app and browser versions are compatible.
If your wallet client or browser version is incompatible with the installed Bridge version, you may see errors or inability to connect. Always keep software updated, or revert to a matching Bridge/client version (in rare cases).
Not always. If you use the **Trezor Suite desktop application**, it often establishes a direct USB connection itself, without needing Bridge. Bridge is mainly needed when you use Trezor via a web browser (especially browsers without full WebUSB support).
Yes — the official Trezor Bridge is safe. It never handles or stores private keys, seeds, or PINs. All signing and sensitive operations happen on the hardware device itself. However, you must always download Bridge from the official source to avoid fake or malicious versions.
Try these steps: reconnect the USB cable, use another port, restart Bridge or your computer, reinstall Bridge, clear browser cache, whitelist Bridge in firewall/antivirus, or try a different browser. Often the issue is a blocked local connection or stale installation.
Repeated prompts usually arise because the client or browser expects a newer Bridge version. Remove older installations completely (including residual files), then install the latest version. Also clear cache, restart browser, and ensure compatibility between client and Bridge.
Yes — you can uninstall via your OS’s uninstall mechanisms (Windows “Add or Remove Programs”, macOS drag‑to‑Trash or built‑in uninstaller, Linux `apt remove` or package manager). However, after removal, browser‑based access to your Trezor may stop working unless WebUSB is fully supported.