What is Trezor Bridge®?
Trezor Bridge® is a small, local helper application that runs on your computer and enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. Unlike browser extensions that operate inside the browser sandbox, Bridge creates a local USB-over-HTTP interface so web applications (such as wallet GUIs) can talk to the device using a consistent API.
How it fits into the Trezor ecosystem
The architecture is simple: your Trezor device connects to the computer via USB. Trezor Bridge® listens locally and exposes a secure endpoint. Browser-based wallets or web applications then communicate through Bridge to the device. This separation increases compatibility across browser versions and improves security by keeping low-level transport outside the browser process.
Quick link
Download Bridge and learn more directly from the Trezor Official Site.
Why You Need Trezor Bridge®
1. Compatibility with modern browsers
Web browsers continually evolve: security models change, APIs are updated, and direct USB access may be restricted. Bridge provides a stable interface so browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and others can communicate with your Trezor reliably.
2. Security boundary
By placing the hardware interface into a separate process, Bridge reduces the attack surface of the browser. It limits raw USB access and ensures device firmware operations are invoked through a vetted intermediary.
3. Easier updates and maintenance
Bridge can be updated independently, which helps Trezor release fixes and improvements without requiring browser plugin updates or device firmware changes for every small compatibility tweak.
How to Install Trezor Bridge® (Step-by-Step)
System requirements
- Windows 10 / 11, macOS (modern), or most Linux distributions (deb/rpm or binaries).
- A modern web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave or similar).
- A supported Trezor device (Trezor One, Trezor Model T, etc.).
1. Get Bridge from the official source
Always download from the official source: Trezor Official Site. Avoid third-party mirrors to reduce supply-chain risk.
2. Install (Windows)
- Download the Windows installer from Trezor Official Site.
- Run the .exe and follow the installer prompts. Administrative privileges are required.
- After installation, Bridge runs as a background service; you will see a small tray icon (depending on settings).
3. Install (macOS)
- Download the .dmg package from Trezor Official Site.
- Open the DMG, drag Bridge to Applications, and run it. You may need to allow it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy if macOS blocks the first run.
4. Install (Linux)
There are downloadable packages and AppImages. If a .deb or .rpm is provided, use your package manager. Otherwise the generic binary or AppImage works well. See the official download page: Trezor Official Site.
5. Verify the installation
Open your browser and visit the Trezor web wallet or the Trezor site; the web app will attempt to connect via Bridge. If Bridge is running, the site will detect your device and guide you through the connection. If not, launch Bridge from your system apps and retry.
Example local URL Bridge exposes:
http://127.0.0.1:21325/ (Bridge listens on a localhost port; do not expose this to the network)Browser Support & Best Practices
Supported browsers
Most modern browsers work with Bridge. Chrome and Chromium-based browsers (Edge, Brave) and Mozilla Firefox are commonly used. For maximum compatibility, keep your browser updated to the latest stable release and use the official Trezor web interface from Trezor Official Site.
Permissions and prompts
When a web app needs to access your Trezor device, you'll typically see a browser permission prompt asking to open a connection; always confirm that the web page origin is legitimate before allowing access.
Avoiding common pitfalls
- Don't open unknown wallet websites that request device access.
- Prefer HTTPS pages and double-check the URL for typos or homograph attacks.
- If you use multiple browsers, only one should be connecting to the device at a time to avoid race conditions.
Security Considerations
Keep Bridge up to date
Updates may include critical security patches. Configure your system to auto-update Bridge or check the official downloads regularly at Trezor Official Site.
Local-only interface
Bridge listens on localhost (loopback). This means remote attackers can't directly connect to it unless your machine is compromised. Do not forward the listening port or run Bridge on a public network interface.
USB & physical security
As with any hardware wallet, keep your recovery seed offline and safe. Never type your seed into a computer. Trezor devices require physical confirmation on the device for critical actions — this is your primary defense against remote compromise.
Verifying downloads
When possible, verify digital signatures or checksums provided on the official download page to ensure file integrity. The authoritative source for signatures and release notes is the Trezor Official Site.
Troubleshooting: Common Issues & Fixes
Device not detected
- Make sure Bridge is running on your system (look for the tray icon or process).
- Try a different USB cable (data-capable cable, not charge-only).
- Try another USB port or a powered hub. Avoid USB hubs that do not provide sufficient data connectivity.
- Restart Bridge service and your browser.
Web app can't connect
If the web wallet displays that it can't connect to Bridge, try to open the local Bridge status URL in your browser: http://127.0.0.1:21325/ — you should see a small status response if it's running. If not, re-install Bridge from Trezor Official Site.
Permission denied in browser
Clear site permissions for the wallet domain, or check browser settings for blocked popups that might prevent the connection flow. Some privacy extensions may block localhost connections; temporarily disable them for the Trezor web wallet.
Bridge older version or conflicts
If you suspect version conflicts, uninstall Bridge completely and reinstall the latest package from Trezor Official Site. Make sure to reboot if the installer prompts you to.
When to contact support
If you experience device-specific errors, firmware update failures, or suspect hardware malfunction, consult the official support documentation and open a ticket through the support channels on Trezor Official Site.
Advanced Tips for Power Users
Running Bridge headless or in a container
Advanced users can run Bridge as a service or container in environments like servers that host web wallets for self-hosted applications. Ensure the host machine is secured and that the Trezor device is physically attached and accessible only to trusted processes.
Automating checks & monitoring
For developers, monitoring the Bridge endpoint and setting health checks can avoid downtime in production wallet deployments. Always use strict firewall rules and restrict access to the host machine.
Manual port configuration
In some scenarios you may wish to customize the listening port. Refer to the Bridge documentation (official site) for supported command-line flags and configuration options. Always avoid exposing Bridge to non-localhost interfaces.
Developer resources
Developers building integrations should rely on the official API documentation linked from Trezor Official Site. Use stable endpoints and follow recommended signing procedures when interacting with device firmware and transaction workflows.
FAQ — Quick Answers
Does Trezor Bridge® store my seed?
No. Bridge only facilitates communication; it does not store private keys or recovery seeds. Your seed stays on the device (or on paper, if you wrote it down).
Can Bridge be exploited remotely?
Bridge listens on localhost by default. Remote exploitation would require local compromise or port forwarding; protect your machine with standard security hygiene and do not expose local ports.
Is Bridge open-source?
Many components of the Trezor ecosystem are open source. For code, source links, and releases, check the official developer pages at Trezor Official Site.
Resources & Official Links
Below are reliable starting points — always prefer the official domain for downloads, docs, and support:
A final reminder: always verify the domain and use official instructions when dealing with firmware, recovery seeds, or upgrades. If you ever doubt a step, validate on Trezor Official Site.