Trezor Bridge — Secure Connection for Your Trezor Device

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background application (daemon/service) that facilitates communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer’s browser or desktop application. It is required when your browser does not support WebUSB or direct USB access for hardware wallets. Bridge is cross‑platform, working with Windows, macOS, and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why Trezor Bridge Matters

Reliable Device Detection: Bridge enables consistent connection via USB, avoiding issues with browser limitations. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Secure Communication: All commands go through an encrypted local channel. It acts as a gatekeeper, enforcing that sensitive operations are confirmed on your Trezor device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
OS & Browser Compatibility: Bridge supports popular browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave) and operating systems. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Deprecation of Old Plugins: It replaces older methods like the Chrome Connector plugin, offering enhanced stability and security. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

How to Install & Use Trezor Bridge

Visit the official Trezor download page: trezor.io/start to get the correct version for your operating system. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Download the installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Run the installer; you may need administrator/root permissions depending on your OS. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
After installation, launch the Bridge service. It often runs in the background; you can verify whether it's active via Trezor Suite or a supported web app. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Connect your Trezor device via USB; the browser or Trezor Suite should detect it and allow you to perform operations. Every transaction or firmware update must still be approved on the device screen. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Security Features & Limitations

Trezor Bridge is designed with security in mind, but it’s important to understand what it does—and does not—do.

Bridge never stores your private keys, seed phrase, or PIN. These remain solely on your Trezor hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Bridge listens only on localhost by default; it does not expose an external network endpoint. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
All sensitive operations (signing transactions, firmware changes) require physical confirmation on your Trezor device. Bridge only forwards validated requests. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Bridge updates are cryptographically signed by SatoshiLabs; using the official download ensures you get authentic versions. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

⚠️ Warning: If you download Bridge from non‑official sources, or click on untrusted links, you risk installing fake software that could compromise your device’s integrity. Always use trezor.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

If your browser supports WebUSB, you may not need Bridge. But many browsers and OS combinations still require it for stable, secure connection. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

2. Is Trezor Bridge open source?

Yes. The source code is publicly available via SatoshiLabs’ GitHub repositories. It’s maintained and audited regularly. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

3. Can Bridge access my private keys or seed phrase?

No. Bridge acts only as a communication layer. Private keys, seed phrase, and PIN are never transmitted or stored by Bridge. All sensitive actions must be confirmed on the Trezor device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

4. What if Bridge doesn’t detect my Trezor device?

Try these steps: 1) reconnect the USB cable; 2) try a different port; 3) check that Bridge is running; 4) ensure you have the latest version; 5) verify OS permissions or security settings. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

5. Is standalone Bridge deprecated?

Yes, the standalone Trezor Bridge is being phased out in favor of integrated Bridge support within Trezor Suite. Official documentation recommends uninstalling standalone versions when possible. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

6. How do I verify the authenticity of the Bridge installer?

Download only from trezor.io/bridge/; check the digital signature or checksum if provided. Do not rely on third‑party sites or links unless from trusted sources. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}