What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is lightweight connection software designed to create a secure, authenticated channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and desktop applications or web browsers. It acts as the local mediator that lets Trezor Suite and supported browsers communicate with the physical device without exposing private keys or sensitive data.
In short, Bridge makes your Trezor usable with modern browser security models while keeping the critical cryptographic operations on the device itself.
How it works
When you connect a Trezor device, Bridge runs a small local service. It validates requests, encrypts messages, and forwards authorized commands to the hardware wallet. Because the wallet signs transactions internally, your private keys never leave the device — Bridge simply transports encrypted instructions and replies between the device and your software.
Why it matters
Without Bridge, most browsers cannot directly access USB hardware in a way that Trezor requires. Bridge provides a secure, auditable bridge that ensures only legitimate applications interact with your wallet, reducing attack surface and enabling advanced features like multi-asset management inside Trezor Suite.
Install & Setup
Installing Bridge is simple. Visit the official Trezor Bridge page and download the package for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Run the installer, restart your browser, and plug in your device. Trezor Suite will detect the Bridge automatically — no additional configuration is required.
Always download Bridge from the official Trezor site to avoid counterfeit installers.
Download Trezor BridgeCommon troubleshooting
If your device is not detected, try these steps:
- Reconnect the USB cable or try a different port.
- Restart your computer and browser after installation.
- Check that Bridge is running in background services (Task Manager / Activity Monitor).
- Temporarily disable interfering antivirus or browser extensions.
Permissions & updates
Some operating systems require permission for Bridge to run as a local service. Grant the prompt if it appears. Bridge notifies you when updates are available; installing updates promptly helps maintain compatibility and security.
Security & transparency
Trezor Bridge uses strong encryption and process isolation to ensure communication is authenticated and tamper-resistant. The software is open source, which allows independent audits and community review. Importantly, Bridge never stores or exports private keys — signatures and key operations always happen on the hardware device.
This architecture minimizes risk: even if your computer is compromised, an attacker cannot extract private keys through Bridge alone.
Best practices
Keep your Bridge and Trezor Suite updated, verify downloads on the official site, and use quality USB cables. Avoid running untrusted browser extensions during wallet operations, and confirm transaction details directly on your Trezor device before approving any signature.
Final note
Trezor Bridge is a small but essential component of a secure hardware wallet workflow. It bridges modern browser security models and hardware-level protection to give you a reliable, private, and auditable connection. With Bridge and Trezor Suite working together, managing crypto becomes both practical and secure.