The Secure Communication Gateway
Trezor Bridge® is the critical software component that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. This background service acts as a trusted intermediary, ensuring your device can interact with Trezor Suite and other web-based interfaces while maintaining the highest security standards.
What is Trezor Bridge®?
Trezor Bridge® is a lightweight background application that facilitates USB communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. Modern browsers restrict direct USB device access for security reasons, making Trezor Bridge® essential for establishing a secure connection channel. It runs silently in the background, only activating when you connect your Trezor device to access cryptocurrency services.
Key Features of Trezor Bridge®
🔒
Secure Communication
Establishes encrypted communication channels between your browser and Trezor device, preventing unauthorized access and ensuring data integrity during all operations.
🌐
Browser Compatibility
Enables Trezor device support across all major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave, overcoming native browser USB limitations.
⚡
Background Operation
Runs as a lightweight background service that automatically activates when needed, requiring minimal system resources and no manual intervention.
🔄
Automatic Updates
Includes automatic update functionality to ensure you always have the latest security patches and compatibility improvements without manual intervention.
Compatibility Information
Trezor Bridge® supports all Trezor hardware wallet models and major operating systems:
Trezor Model T
✅ Full support
✅ All features
Trezor One
✅ Full support
✅ All features
Windows
Windows 7+
64-bit recommended
macOS
macOS 10.11+
All recent versions
Linux
Ubuntu 16.04+
Most distributions
Installation Guide
1
Download Trezor Bridge®
Visit the official Trezor Bridge download page or download it through Trezor Suite. The website automatically detects your operating system and provides the appropriate installer. Always download from official sources to avoid malware.
2
Run the Installer
Execute the downloaded installer file. On Windows, you may need to grant administrator permissions. On macOS, you might need to allow the installation in Security & Privacy settings. The installation process typically takes less than a minute.
3
Restart Your Browser
After installation, completely close and restart your web browser. This ensures the browser recognizes Trezor Bridge® and can establish proper communication channels with your Trezor device.
4
Connect Your Trezor
Connect your Trezor hardware wallet to your computer using the provided USB cable. Navigate to Trezor Suite or another supported web application - your device should now be recognized automatically.
5
Verify Connection
Ensure Trezor Bridge® is running (check system tray on Windows or menu bar on macOS) and that your device is properly detected. You should see your Trezor device listed in supported applications without connection errors.
Download Trezor Bridge®
Get the latest version for your operating system
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you experience connection problems with Trezor Bridge®:
- Device not detected: Ensure Trezor Bridge® is running and try different USB ports/cables
- Browser compatibility: Use Chrome, Firefox, or Brave for best results
- Installation errors: Run installer as administrator and temporarily disable antivirus
- Connection drops: Restart Trezor Bridge® service and refresh browser page
- Multiple instances: Ensure only one version of Trezor Bridge® is running
- Still having issues? Visit the Trezor Support Center for detailed guides
When Do You Need Trezor Bridge®?
Trezor Bridge® is required in these specific scenarios:
- Web Version of Trezor Suite: Essential for accessing suite.trezor.io in browsers
- Third-Party Web Wallets: Required for services like MyEtherWallet and MyCrypto
- Browser Extensions: Necessary for any browser-based cryptocurrency tools
- Initial Device Setup: Required when setting up a new Trezor device via web interface
- Not Required For: Trezor Suite desktop application (includes built-in communication)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Trezor Bridge® safe to install?
Yes, Trezor Bridge® is completely safe when downloaded from official sources. It's developed and maintained by SatoshiLabs, the creators of Trezor. The application only facilitates communication between your Trezor device and authorized web applications - it cannot access your private keys or initiate transactions without your explicit approval on the hardware device.
Do I need Trezor Bridge® if I use the desktop app?
No, the Trezor Suite desktop application includes built-in communication capabilities and does not require Trezor Bridge®. However, if you use the web version of Trezor Suite (suite.trezor.io) or any other web-based cryptocurrency services with your Trezor device, you will need Trezor Bridge® installed and running.
Why isn't my Trezor device detected after installing Bridge?
If your device isn't detected after installing Trezor Bridge®: 1) Ensure you've completely restarted your browser, 2) Check that Trezor Bridge® is running in your system tray/menu bar, 3) Try different USB ports and cables, 4) Make sure no other cryptocurrency applications are running that might interfere, 5) Check if your device needs firmware updates through Trezor Suite.
Can I use Trezor Bridge® with multiple browsers?
Yes, Trezor Bridge® works simultaneously with all supported browsers on your computer. Once installed, it enables Trezor device connectivity across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and other Chromium-based browsers. You can even use multiple browsers with your Trezor device at the same time, though only one application can actively communicate with the device at any given moment.
How do I update Trezor Bridge®?
Trezor Bridge® includes an automatic update feature that checks for new versions and installs them seamlessly. You can also manually update by downloading the latest version from the official website. If you're experiencing issues, completely uninstall the current version and install the latest release fresh. The desktop version of Trezor Suite can also help manage Bridge updates.
Is Trezor Bridge® required for mobile devices?
No, Trezor Bridge® is only required for desktop computer connections. Mobile devices use different communication methods: Trezor Model T connects via Bluetooth with the mobile app, while Trezor One requires USB OTG adapters. The mobile ecosystem has built-in support for hardware wallet communication without needing additional bridge software.