Install Trezor Bridge® — Fast & Secure Access to Your Trezor Wallet
Trezor Bridge is the lightweight local service that enables secure, browser- and desktop-based communication with your Trezor hardware wallet. This guide walks you through system requirements, safe installation steps, troubleshooting, and best practices so you can connect, manage, and sign transactions with confidence.
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small background application that runs on your computer and provides a secure channel between your Trezor device and apps such as Trezor Suite or compatible web interfaces. Instead of relying on browser plugins (which are being phased out), Bridge acts as an intermediary that translates requests to and from the device over the USB connection while enforcing permissions and security checks.
Why you need Trezor Bridge
- Secure communication: Bridge isolates hardware-level operations from web pages while enabling the browser or desktop app to request signatures and read public addresses.
- Cross-platform: Works across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Future-proof: Replaces old browser extensions and aligns with modern browser security models.
- Fast setup: Lightweight and installs in minutes with no complicated configuration.
System requirements
Windows
- Windows 10 or later (64-bit recommended)
- Administrator rights for installation
- USB port (2.0 or newer)
macOS & Linux
- macOS 10.13+ for desktop installs
- Most modern Linux distributions (deb/rpm packages or AppImage)
- USB port and appropriate permissions to access USB devices
Step-by-step installation (quick)
- Download the official Trezor Bridge installer from the Trezor website (always verify you are on the manufacturer's domain before downloading).
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On Windows you may be asked for administrator permissions; on macOS you will be asked to allow the installation in System Preferences if gatekeeper is active.
- Once installed, the Bridge runs in the background. Open Trezor Suite or a supported web interface. When prompted, connect your Trezor device with a USB cable and allow the website or app to communicate with Bridge.
- Approve pairing and any transaction requests on your Trezor device using the physical buttons or touchscreen.
Tip: If the browser prompts for permission to communicate, always verify the domain name before granting access. Only allow trusted apps and websites to connect to your wallet.
Safe download & verification
Security best practices while downloading Bridge:
- Always download Bridge from the official manufacturer website. Do not rely on third-party mirrors.
- Check the download page for published checksums or signatures and verify them where available.
- Keep your operating system and antivirus software up to date before installing new software.
Troubleshooting common issues
Problems sometimes happen due to permission issues, outdated Bridge versions, or conflicting software. Try the following steps in order:
- Reconnect the device: Unplug and replug the USB cable and confirm the device screen wakes.
- Restart Bridge: On Windows, find the Bridge process in the system tray and restart it. On macOS or Linux, quit and relaunch the Bridge application.
- Update Bridge: Ensure you have the latest version of Bridge and the companion app (Trezor Suite). Outdated software can cause compatibility problems.
- Check USB drivers/permissions: On Windows, verify USB drivers are functioning. On Linux, ensure UDEV rules for the device are installed so unprivileged users can access USB devices.
- Try a different cable or port: Some cables are power-only and do not transmit data; use a high-quality data cable and a direct USB port (avoid hubs).
- Temporarily disable conflicting software: Security tools or virtual machine software can interfere. Test with minimal background apps running.
If Bridge still fails: Consult the official support resources and include OS version, Bridge version, and any error messages when seeking help. Never share your recovery seed when troubleshooting.
Advanced: Using Trezor Bridge with browsers and apps
Modern browsers communicate with Bridge using secure local endpoints. When a website requests access, Bridge will prompt the user to approve or deny the connection. Desktop apps such as Trezor Suite talk directly to Bridge via local APIs. Here are a few advanced tips:
- Private browsing: Some browsers block local connections in private/incognito windows. Use a regular window when interacting with hardware wallets.
- Multiple workstations: Bridge can be installed on any machine you trust. The seed remains on the Trezor device, so installing Bridge elsewhere does not expose private keys.
- Security layers: Always confirm transactions on the physical device and double-check addresses shown on-screen to avoid address-manipulation malware.
Best practices & security checklist
- Download Bridge only from the official vendor site and verify signatures if provided.
- Keep Bridge and companion apps updated to the latest stable releases.
- Use a data-capable USB cable and avoid hubs when possible.
- Always verify transaction details on the hardware device before approving.
- Never share your recovery seed or enter it into a computer or website.
FAQ
Q: Is Bridge required to use my Trezor?
A: Bridge is required for streamlined communication between a desktop browser or apps and your Trezor hardware. Mobile workflows may use alternative methods (e.g., mobile app connections or WalletConnect integrations) depending on the device model.
Q: Can I uninstall Bridge later?
A: Yes. Uninstalling Bridge stops local communication; it does not affect the seed stored on your hardware wallet. Reinstall Bridge at any time to restore connectivity.
Q: Will Bridge ever access my private keys?
A: No. Bridge acts only as a communication channel. Private keys and signing operations remain strictly on the Trezor device and are never exposed to Bridge or the host computer.
Conclusion
Trezor Bridge is a small but critical piece of infrastructure that makes managing a hardware wallet easy, secure, and compatible with modern browsers and desktop apps. Installing it correctly, verifying downloads, and following the recommended safety steps above will ensure smooth, secure access to your funds whenever you need them.