Trezor Bridge Download — Secure Communication for Your Hardware Wallet

What Is Trezor Bridge?

**Trezor Bridge** is a lightweight background service created by SatoshiLabs that enables secure and seamless communication between your Trezor hardware wallet (such as Trezor One or Model T) and software interfaces such as Trezor Suite or browser-based wallets/dApps. Bridge acts as a local mediator — translating commands between USB / local system interfaces and browser APIs — while preserving the security guarantees of your hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

In modern setups, many browser environments support **WebUSB** or similar direct connection standards. However, Bridge remains essential for compatibility with browsers or operating systems that lack full native support, or when browser permission models block direct hardware access. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Importantly: **Trezor Bridge does not, and cannot, access your private keys or seed**. Its only job is to forward commands and responses. All signing and sensitive operations happen on the device itself, under your manual confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How Trezor Bridge Works

Bridge runs locally on your system as a background service (often named `trezord`). It listens on a localhost port or local interface for incoming requests from browser apps or desktop wallets. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
When a web app or Trezor Suite needs to talk to your hardware, it sends a JSON-RPC or equivalent command to Bridge (e.g. “get accounts,” “sign transaction”). :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Bridge forwards the request over USB to your Trezor device, then returns the result back to the calling application. All of this happens locally; no data is sent to external servers. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
For security, any action that requires signing or modifying the blockchain must be confirmed by you directly on the Trezor device (you will see the details on the device screen). :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Bridge handles cross-platform USB permission quirks (especially on macOS, Linux) and abstracts away differences between browsers, making your interaction more reliable. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How to Install & Use Trezor Bridge

Download from official source
Visit Trezor’s official site (e.g. `trezor.io/bridge` or via `trezor.io/start`) and choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Verify the installer (optional but recommended)
If checksums or signatures are provided, compare them to confirm integrity. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Install & Launch
Run the installer. On macOS, you may need to allow the app in “Security & Privacy” settings. Once installed, Bridge runs in the background. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Start or restart your browser / wallet app
After installation, open Trezor Suite or your preferred web application so that it can detect the Bridge service. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Connect your Trezor device
Plug in your hardware wallet via USB, allow any permission prompts, and proceed with the usual PIN/passphrase unlocking. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Approve actions on device
Always double-check the transaction, address, or contract details shown on your Trezor screen before confirming. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Go to FAQ →

Security Considerations & Best Practices

Install Bridge only from **official Trezor sites** to avoid malicious copies or imposters. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Keep your Trezor firmware, Bridge, and wallet apps updated to benefit from security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Bridge listens on **localhost only** by default — it does not expose your connection to external networks. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Always verify on-device prompts. If the device screen shows unexpected data (address, amount, contract), cancel the action. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Use a good quality USB cable and direct port (avoid untrusted hubs). Poor connections often cause Bridge to behave erratically.
If you previously had the **standalone Bridge**, Trezor has announced it is being deprecated — you may need to uninstall it to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

“Bridge not running” / detection failure
Restart Bridge service or your computer. Some users report that Bridge only works for a short time after boot. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Device not detected even though Bridge is installed
Try another USB port or cable. On Windows, check for driver or permission issues. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Browser/extension conflicts
Some extensions or privacy settings might block access to localhost. Try disabling them or using a different browser. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Persistent prompts to reinstall Bridge
Some users report repeatedly being asked to reinstall Bridge even after correct install. This often indicates version mismatch or a background process not running. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Standalone Bridge conflicting with Suite’s internal Bridge
Uninstall the standalone Bridge version if Suite includes built-in Bridge to avoid interference. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
macOS permission blocks
After installation, you may need to allow Bridge in System Settings > Security & Privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

Not always. The **desktop Trezor Suite app** can connect directly to your hardware and may not require Bridge. Bridge is primarily needed for browser/web‑based workflows on systems or browsers where direct USB/WebUSB support is limited. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

Is Trezor Bridge safe?

Yes — when downloaded from official sources. Bridge only acts as a relay; it cannot access your private keys or seed. All signing operations must be confirmed on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

What happens if I don’t install it?

In many browser contexts, your device won’t be detected, and you won’t be able to perform transactions through web apps. You’ll see errors like “no device found” or prompts to install Bridge.

Can Bridge be uninstalled?

Yes. You can remove it via the OS’s uninstall mechanisms (Control Panel on Windows, uninstall.pkg on macOS, `apt remove` on Linux) especially since standalone Bridge is deprecated. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Why does Suite sometimes require reinstalling Bridge?

Some users report that after reboot or after version updates, Suite asks for Bridge reinstall. This often stems from version mismatches, or the Bridge service not running in background. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

What platforms does Bridge support?

Bridge supports Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. Installation packages vary accordingly. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Does Bridge log or send data externally?

No — Bridge operates locally and does not send transaction or wallet data to external servers. Its purpose is purely to forward messages between your device and app. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}

Can I use Bridge on mobile?

No. Bridge is intended for desktop OS use. Mobile apps or Suite Lite typically use other communication methods (e.g. USB‑OTG or direct connection). :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}