Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service that enables your web browser and desktop apps to communicate with your Trezor hardware wallet. Think of it as the translator that speaks both USB and app languages, making device detection, firmware updates, and transaction signing smooth and reliable across Windows, macOS, and Linux. On this page you’ll learn what the Bridge does, why it matters, how to install or update it safely, and how to fix the most common issues in minutes.
Trezor Bridge is a small helper application that sits between your operating system and the software you use with your hardware wallet. Without it, browsers may struggle to reliably detect your device, especially when USB permissions, driver conflicts, or security policies get in the way. The Bridge standardizes communication and handles permission prompts so that actions like unlocking your wallet, exporting public keys, and confirming transactions remain fast and, most importantly, verifiable on the device screen.
Different browsers implement USB access differently. The Bridge smooths out those differences so your Trezor is recognized consistently, even after OS updates or cable swaps. If a browser disables an API or changes a permission model, Bridge provides a stable fallback.
Security always begins and ends on the hardware wallet screen. Bridge doesn’t bypass that model: it simply delivers requests to the device and returns responses to the app. Private keys never leave your Trezor, and sensitive approvals must be confirmed physically on the device.
Whether you use Trezor Suite, browser-based tools, or third‑party wallets that support Trezor, Bridge keeps communication consistent across Windows, macOS (including Apple Silicon), and popular Linux distributions.
Always download installers from the official Trezor website or from within Trezor Suite. Check file names and, where possible, verify signatures. After installation, the Bridge runs as a background service and starts automatically when needed. If you already have it, installing a newer version will upgrade in place.
Tip: If you use Flatpak/Snap environments, ensure portals/permissions allow USB access.
When a new version is released, simply run the latest installer; it will replace the previous version. If you suspect a corrupted download, re‑download from the official source and compare file size or checksum when available.
Reminder: Never approve actions on your Trezor you do not recognize. If a pop‑up seems suspicious, cancel on the device first, then close the app, disconnect, and review what triggered the request.
The Bridge listens on a local interface and handles communication between apps and your Trezor through a well‑defined protocol. It manages permissions, session lifecycles, and transport details, freeing apps from low‑level USB quirks. Because it operates locally, the Bridge never sends private wallet data to the internet; it merely passes messages between your device and the software you chose to run. This design minimizes complexity in wallet apps and improves resilience against browser API changes.
Some modern browsers can talk to devices using WebUSB, which may work without the Bridge. However, WebUSB can be blocked by enterprise policies or behave inconsistently across versions. Bridge provides a stable, vendor‑maintained path that avoids those pitfalls. If WebUSB works for you today, that’s great—keep the Bridge installed anyway so your setup continues to function after the next browser or OS update.
Download Bridge and firmware only from official Trezor channels or inside Trezor Suite. Bookmark the official site to avoid look‑alikes.
Approve sensitive operations on the device screen only. If the device text doesn’t match what you expect, cancel.
Update Bridge, your browser, and Trezor Suite regularly to receive security fixes and compatibility improvements.
Use a direct USB port and a quality cable. Avoid untrusted hubs. If you must use one, prefer a powered hub from a reliable brand.
Your recovery seed belongs only on paper or a metal backup, never in screenshots, notes, or cloud storage.
Consider a passphrase for plausible deniability. Store backups offline and separated from the device.
If a site offers WebUSB and detection is inconsistent, toggle to the Bridge option where available. Keep both paths available for maximum compatibility.
If problems persist, reboot your computer to reset USB subsystems and background processes. Most connection issues vanish after a fresh start.
Many setups rely on it for stable communication. Some browsers can connect with WebUSB alone, but Bridge is recommended for consistency.
No. Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Bridge simply transports messages; sensitive approvals happen on the device screen.
Run the newest installer from official sources. It will replace the older version automatically without touching your wallet data.
Bridge is lightweight and uses minimal resources. It runs only when needed.
Enterprise policies may block USB APIs. Bridge often resolves these limitations, but you may still need admin approval for installation.
Install Trezor Bridge, open Trezor Suite, and confirm the connection on your device. You’ll be signing transactions securely in moments.