Introduction
What is Trezor Bridge®?
Trezor Bridge is a small intermediary application that runs on your computer and lets web pages communicate with your Trezor hardware wallet. It replaces older browser extensions and ensures a secure, vendor-supported channel between browser-based wallets (like Trezor Suite web, web3 dApps, or exchange interfaces) and the USB-connected device.
Why you should use it
Bridge simplifies connectivity and removes the need for browser extensions while offering a controlled interface with clear permissioning. It helps prevent accidental exposure of keys by strictly relaying user-approved transactions to the device.
Supported platforms
Trezor Bridge supports Windows, macOS, and major Linux distributions. Most modern browsers (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Brave) work with Bridge. If you're running a secure or hardened OS, check the official requirements before installing.
Quick overview — how it works
- Install Bridge — download the Bridge installer from an official source and run it.
- Connect Trezor — plug your device in. The OS recognizes the hardware and Bridge proxies the requests.
- Authorize actions — when a webpage requests wallet actions, confirm on your device.
- Complete — the action is securely signed and relayed; the web page receives the result.
Step-by-step install (with H4 and H5 specifics)
1. Download the installer
Go to the official download page and fetch the appropriate installer for your OS. Always verify the URL begins with https://trezor.io or your organization's known mirror.
2. Run the installer
Windows
Run the .exe as an administrator if required. Allow the installer to add Bridge to your system services if prompted.
macOS
Open the .dmg, drag Bridge to Applications, and follow Plug-and-Allow prompts. You may have to allow a kernel extension or give permissions under System Preferences → Security & Privacy.
Linux
On Debian/Ubuntu use the .deb package or repo; on Fedora/RHEL use the .rpm. You may need to add a udev rule for USB device access as per the vendor documentation.
3. Connect and test
Plug in your Trezor and navigate to a compatible site (for example, the official Trezor web suite). Your browser should show a “Trezor Bridge connected” prompt; follow any on-screen steps on the device itself.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and fixes
Problem: Browser can't find the device. Fix: Ensure Bridge is running (check your system tray or background services), reconnect the USB cable, and try a known-good cable and USB port.
Permissions errors
Grant the Bridge binary network and device permissions. On corporate machines, firewall or policy software may block the local connection. Temporarily allow the Bridge executable in your firewall rules to test.
Driver problems (Windows)
Reinstall the driver via Device Manager or re-run the Bridge installer. For persistent issues, try the official driver cleanup tool and reboot.
Security checklist
- Download Bridge only from official domains.
- Confirm HTTPS and certificate validity in your browser when connecting to wallet sites.
- Never enter your recovery seed into a browser or computer.
- Keep Trezor firmware and Bridge up to date.
Developer & Advanced Notes
Browser integration
Developers integrating hardware wallets should use the canonical RPC/API patterns and request minimal scopes. Bridge exposes a small local API; treat it like any privileged local service and follow least privilege principles.
Automated testing concerns (H4)
Automated test environments often lack USB support. For CI, use emulator-based tests or mock the Bridge API in unit tests rather than relying on a physical device.
FAQ
Yes. Bridge acts only as a local relay between your browser and device. The device holds private keys and requires on-device confirmation for any sensitive action. Always install Bridge from official sources and keep your firmware current.
In most cases yes — Bridge provides the secure channel modern web wallets expect. Some wallets may use browser extensions as an alternative, but Bridge is the vendor-recommended approach.
Chrome, Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave), and Firefox are broadly supported. Check the wallet provider's compatibility notes if you run into issues.
Yes — Bridge handles multiple devices. The wallet UI will let you choose which connected device to use for a session or transaction.
Download the latest installer from the official site and run it. On many systems, Bridge will auto-update or prompt you when an update is available.
Still stuck?
If the above steps don't fix the issue, consult official documentation or community forums and include logs if you open a support ticket. Logs help diagnose OS, driver, and permission problems quickly.