Trezor Bridge — The Secure Gateway to Your Hardware Wallet®

Trezor Bridge is an essential software component that allows your Trezor hardware wallet to communicate safely with desktop and browser-based applications. Below is a detailed guide on its purpose, installation, security, and troubleshooting.

Introduction

Trezor hardware wallets protect cryptocurrencies by keeping private keys offline. To interact with applications like Trezor Suite or web wallets, users need Trezor Bridge — a background service that facilitates communication between the wallet and host systems.

Why Trezor Bridge is Needed

Modern browsers and operating systems limit direct USB communication for security. Trezor Bridge acts as a mediator, enabling secure interaction without exposing sensitive data or requiring risky permissions.

Installation

  1. Visit the official Trezor website and download the correct installer for your operating system.
  2. Run the installer and follow the setup instructions.
  3. After installation, Trezor Bridge will run in the background.
  4. Open Trezor Suite or a compatible web wallet to detect your connected device.

How It Works

Trezor Bridge listens locally for requests from host applications and forwards them to your Trezor device over USB. Any signing or sensitive operation is displayed on your hardware wallet’s screen, requiring manual confirmation.

Security Features

Maintenance & Updates

Always keep Trezor Bridge up to date by downloading updates from the official Trezor site. Updates ensure compatibility with new firmware and applications while improving security.

Troubleshooting

Device Not Recognized

Connection Errors

Close conflicting apps that may access USB, check firewall settings, and restart your system if needed.

Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need Bridge? Many web wallets require Bridge, but the Trezor Suite desktop app may communicate directly with devices on some systems.

Can Bridge access my private keys? No. Bridge only transports requests; your private keys remain secure inside your Trezor device.

Can Bridge run remotely? No. It is strictly a local service and should never be exposed to the internet.