What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small, background application developed by SatoshiLabs. It enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet (like Model T or Model One) and your computer or browser when using the Trezor Suite Web interface or other compatible web‑wallets. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Bridge acts as a middleware layer: handling USB protocols, facilitating detection of your device, ensuring encrypted communication, and translating commands so that the browser or app can properly talk to the hardware device. Bridge does not store your recovery seed, PIN, or private keys. All those remain securely isolated within your Trezor device. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why Do You Need Trezor Bridge?
- Many browsers or older operating systems lack native support for WebUSB or secure USB protocols—Bridge ensures compatibility. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Some users accessing web‑wallets (e.g. MyEtherWallet, MetaMask with Trezor support) need Bridge to be installed so their browser can properly detect their Trezor. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Bridge helps avoid legacy extension issues or deprecated browser plugin problems—providing a more reliable, consistent connection. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Encrypted communication between device and browser helps reduce risk from man‑in‑the‑middle vulnerabilities. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Supported Platforms & System Requirements
Trezor Bridge is available for most major desktop operating systems. Here are the typical requirements:
- Windows: Windows 10 or newer (64‑bit) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- macOS: macOS 10.15 or later (some older versions may work depending on browser support) :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Linux: Most major distributions with USB permissions set properly (udev rules) :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
If you're using the Trezor Suite desktop app or the native app downloaded via trezor.io/start, Bridge may not be required. It’s primarily needed when interacting through web interfaces on browsers lacking full WebUSB support. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
How to Download & Install Trezor Bridge
- Open your browser and navigate to trezor.io/start—this is the official and trusted source for downloading Bridge and other Trezor software. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Select the correct version of Bridge for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Run the installer. On Windows, it may prompt for administrative privileges; on macOS, install via the `.pkg`; on Linux, via the package/module or your distro’s package manager. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- After installation, close and reopen your browser to ensure the Bridge service is running. Sometimes a reboot may help. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Connect your Trezor hardware wallet via USB. The browser or app should now detect it. If not, check that Bridge is active (you may see a background process named something like `trezord`). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- If prompted by the browser for permissions (USB permissions etc.), grant them so the browser can communicate with your device. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Security & Privacy Considerations
Trezor Bridge is designed to adhere to strong security practices. Some key points:
- Bridge does not handle or store your private keys, PIN, or seed phrase. Everything sensitive stays on your Trezor device. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- All communication that Bridge handles is encrypted—so the data traveling between your device and your browser is not exposed in plaintext. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Bridge is open‑source or audited, which means its code can be reviewed by security researchers—a transparency that adds trust. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Only download Bridge from the official Trezor site. Fake versions can pose risks. Always verify the source. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- If your browser does support WebUSB fully, Bridge may not be required. Using modern, updated browsers reduces dependency and attack surface. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Browser does not detect Trezor: Make sure Bridge is installed and running. Close and reopen the browser. Try different USB port or cable. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
- “Bridge is not running” error: This message often appears if you haven’t installed Bridge, or if the browser was not restarted after installation. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- Old or conflicting versions installed: Uninstall old / legacy Bridge or conflicting browser plugins. Ensure only one version is active. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
- Operating system compatibility: On Linux, occasionally you need to set up USB permissions (udev rules). On older Macs or Windows versions, make sure you have up‑to‑date OS patches. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Browser security settings or extensions: Some privacy extensions or security software may block USB access or prevent Bridge from working properly. Try disabling such extensions temporarily. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Alternatives & When Bridge Isn't Needed
If your setup supports it, there are scenarios where Trezor Bridge is not required:
- You use the Trezor Suite desktop application (downloaded from the official source): this app communicates directly via USB, so Bridge is not needed. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
- Your browser fully supports WebUSB and is compatible with your OS. Modern versions of Chrome, Edge, Brave often do. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
- You use mobile apps or interfaces that support Trezor via native apps or adapters. Bridge is a desktop‐only component. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Useful Hyperlinks & Resources
Get Started with Trezor Bridge Right Now
If you're seeing prompts like “Browser cannot detect your Trezor” or “Please install Bridge”, don’t worry—this is normal in certain setups. Installing Trezor Bridge will resolve those prompts and let you access your wallet via web safely. It only takes a minute, and once set up, you can enjoy smoother, secure crypto management.
Download Bridge from Official Site