Trezor Bridge — The Secure Gateway to Your Hardware Wallet®

Overview

Trezor Bridge is a small helper application that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based or desktop wallet interfaces. It acts as a local bridge which routes requests from the browser (or app) to your device over a secure channel — ensuring the hardware wallet's private keys never leave the device and that transaction confirmations are performed on the device itself.

This guide covers common installation scenarios for Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus security recommendations and typical troubleshooting steps.

Why use Trezor Bridge?

• Browser compatibility: Some modern browsers restrict direct USB access. Trezor Bridge provides a reliable connection layer.
• Security: Keeps private keys isolated on the hardware device; all sensitive confirmation occurs on-device.
• Compatibility: Allows integration between Trezor devices (Trezor One, Model T) and web wallets, desktop clients, and exchanges that support Trezor connection.

Before you install — safety checklist

• Use a personal computer you trust. Avoid public or shared machines when handling seed phrases or confirming transactions.
• Download Trezor Bridge only from the official Trezor website or official repositories.
• Keep your Trezor firmware up to date using official Trezor Suite before connecting to third-party services.
• Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or browser — only into the Trezor device when required during recovery.

Download and installation

Windows

1. Visit the official Trezor website and download the Windows installer for Trezor Bridge.
2. Run the installer and follow prompts. Administrative privileges may be required.
3. After installation, the Bridge runs as a background service and will automatically start when needed.

macOS

1. Download the macOS package (.pkg) from the official Trezor site.
2. Open the package and follow the installer steps. You may need to approve a system extension or grant permission in Security & Privacy settings for some macOS versions.

Linux

1. Download the AppImage or use a distribution package if available.
2. Make the AppImage executable (chmod +x) and run it, or install via your package manager where supported.

If a browser asks for permission to access the Trezor Bridge, review the prompt carefully and allow it only when you initiated the connection.

Connecting your Trezor to a web wallet

1. Open your preferred web wallet or web service that supports Trezor (for example, a dApp or exchange integration).
2. Click the option to connect a hardware wallet and select Trezor.
3. Your browser will communicate with the local Trezor Bridge service to discover connected devices. If prompted, allow the bridge to connect.
4. Confirm the connection on your Trezor device when the device asks you to allow the application.

Always verify addresses and transaction details shown on the Trezor device before approving — this prevents man-in-the-middle or compromised-host attacks from redirecting funds.

Security best practices

• Keep your Trezor firmware and Trezor Suite up to date. Official updates include security patches and improved features.
• Only install Trezor Bridge from official sources. Verify checksums when possible.
• Use the Trezor device to approve every transaction. Do not trust transaction previews shown only in the browser.
• Enable a passphrase if you need an extra layer of security — understand that a passphrase adds responsibility: losing it can render funds inaccessible.
• Do not connect your Trezor or use Bridge on unknown or compromised computers. If in doubt, use a clean OS or live USB environment.

Troubleshooting

Trezor Bridge not detected

1. Ensure Bridge is installed and running. On Windows, check Services; on macOS/Linux, ensure the background process is active.
2. Try reconnecting the device and use a different USB cable or port. Avoid USB hubs when possible.
3. Restart your browser and the Bridge service. Reboot the computer if needed.
4. Check browser permissions — some browsers may block local connections or require a flag to allow native messaging or USB access.

Device shows "No device detected" in web wallet

1. Confirm the device is unlocked (enter PIN on the Trezor) and that the correct app is open if applicable.
2. Update Trezor firmware and Trezor Suite, then try again.

Bridge installation errors

Errors during installation often point to corrupted download, missing permissions, or antivirus interference. Re-download the installer from the official site and temporarily disable overly aggressive antivirus tools while installing, then re-enable them afterwards.

Advanced topics

• Using Trezor with headless environments: Advanced users can configure Bridge for headless or remote servers, but be cautious — exposing Bridge remotely can create risks.
• Developer integrations: Trezor provides libraries and APIs for developers who want to integrate hardware wallet support into apps. Follow official guidelines and security recommendations.

FAQ

Quick reference