What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background application that facilitates secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. It acts as a crucial bridge (hence the name) that allows web-based cryptocurrency interfaces like Trezor Suite Web, MyEtherWallet, and other dApps to interact with your physical Trezor device while maintaining the highest security standards.

How Trezor Bridge Works

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Web Browser

Trezor Suite Web or dApp

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Trezor Bridge

Secure Communication Layer

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Trezor Device

Hardware Wallet

Background Service

Runs silently in the background, automatically starting when needed without user intervention.

Secure Protocol

Uses encrypted communication channels to protect data between your device and web applications.

Automatic Updates

Receives security patches and feature updates automatically to ensure optimal performance.

Cross-Browser Support

Works with Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave and other modern browsers that support WebUSB.

Why Trezor Bridge is Essential

Unlike traditional USB devices, hardware wallets require special security considerations. Web browsers have limitations in directly accessing USB devices for security reasons. Trezor Bridge solves this by:

  • Bypassing Browser Restrictions: Enables web applications to communicate with USB devices securely
  • Maintaining Security: Ensures private keys never leave your Trezor device
  • Providing Consistency: Offers a standardized communication protocol across different platforms
  • Enhancing Compatibility: Works with various Trezor models and web interfaces
Note: If you're using the Trezor Suite desktop application, Bridge is included and you don't need to install it separately. Bridge is primarily needed for web browser access to your Trezor device.

Installation Guide

1 Automatic Installation

When you first connect your Trezor device to a computer and visit a supported web application like Trezor Suite Web, the site will automatically detect if Bridge is missing and prompt you to install it.

2 Manual Installation

If automatic installation doesn't work, you can manually download Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor website:

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Windows

Windows 7 or later

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macOS

macOS 10.11 or later

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Linux

DEB and RPM packages

3 Verification

After installation, restart your browser and check if your Trezor device is now recognized. The Bridge service should start automatically when needed.

Security Warning: Only download Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor website. Third-party sources may contain malicious software designed to steal your cryptocurrency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use the desktop app?

No, if you're using the Trezor Suite desktop application, Bridge functionality is built-in and you don't need to install it separately. The desktop app can communicate directly with your Trezor device without requiring Bridge.

Why won't my Trezor connect to the web wallet?

If your Trezor isn't connecting to web wallets, the most common cause is missing or malfunctioning Trezor Bridge. Try these steps:

  1. Ensure Trezor Bridge is installed and running
  2. Restart your browser completely
  3. Try a different USB cable and port
  4. Check if Bridge is blocked by your firewall
  5. Reinstall Trezor Bridge completely
Is Trezor Bridge safe to install?

Yes, when downloaded from the official Trezor website, Trezor Bridge is completely safe. It's open-source software that has been audited for security. The Bridge never has access to your private keys or recovery seed - it only facilitates communication between your browser and device.

Can I use Trezor without Bridge?

You can use Trezor without Bridge in these scenarios:

  • Using the Trezor Suite desktop application
  • Using Android devices with OTG cable (limited support)
  • Using browsers that support WebUSB (experimental)

However, for most web browser access, Bridge is required for reliable operation.

How do I know if Bridge is running?

On Windows, check the system tray for the Trezor Bridge icon. On macOS, look in the menu bar. On Linux, you can check if the process is running in system monitoring tools. Alternatively, try connecting to a Trezor web interface - if it works, Bridge is running correctly.

Why does Bridge need to run in the background?

Bridge runs as a background service to:

  • Be always available when needed by web applications
  • Manage USB device connections efficiently
  • Provide a stable communication channel
  • Handle multiple browser tabs accessing the device

It uses minimal system resources and only activates when communication with a Trezor device is required.

What's the difference between Bridge and Trezor Suite?

Trezor Bridge is a communication tool that enables web browsers to talk to your Trezor device. Trezor Suite is a full-featured application for managing your cryptocurrency. Think of Bridge as the "plumbing" that enables communication, while Suite is the "control panel" where you actually manage your assets.

I'm getting "Bridge not detected" errors. What should I do?

If you're receiving Bridge detection errors:

  1. Completely uninstall Bridge and reinstall it
  2. Check if your antivirus or firewall is blocking Bridge
  3. Try using a different browser
  4. Ensure you have administrator privileges during installation
  5. Check the Trezor knowledge base for specific OS troubleshooting

Resolve Connection Issues Now

Download Trezor Bridge to enable secure communication between your hardware wallet and web applications.

Download Trezor Bridge