Trezor Bridge Download & Setup Guide

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small background application (daemon/service) that runs on your computer and acts as a secure intermediary between your browser or wallet software and your Trezor hardware device. Because direct USB access from web browsers is restricted or inconsistent across operating systems, Bridge provides a standardized, local communication channel. Importantly, **Trezor Bridge never sees or stores your private keys or recovery seed** — all signing operations happen on your hardware device.

Why Do You Need Trezor Bridge?

Modern browsers impose security boundaries that limit direct USB communication from web pages. If your browser lacks native support for WebUSB/WebHID, Trezor Bridge becomes essential. Even in browsers that support WebUSB directly, Bridge improves compatibility, reliability, and user experience across platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux).

Without Bridge, certain web‑based wallets or decentralized applications might fail to detect your device or prompt you for installation. In such cases, the interface will usually prompt you to “Download Bridge.”

Where to Download

Always download Trezor Bridge from the **official Trezor website** to avoid malicious or tampered versions. The official URL is: trezor.io/bridge

⚠️ Note: Do **not** trust third‑party sites or mirror downloads. Always verify checksums or digital signatures (if published) before installing.

Installation Instructions

Windows

1. Download the `.exe` installer for Windows from the official site.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. You might need administrator privileges.
3. After installation, restart your browser if it was open.
4. Connect your Trezor device and allow the software to detect it.

macOS

1. Download the `.dmg` file or macOS installer from the official site.
2. Open it and drag the Trezor Bridge application into your Applications folder.
3. Run it. If macOS prompts for permissions (USB, security), approve them via System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
4. Restart your browser (if open) and connect the device.

Linux / Debian & Ubuntu (example)

1. Download the `.deb` (or appropriate package) from the official site.
2. Open a terminal and run:
   sudo dpkg -i trezor-bridge-*.deb
3. If needed, resolve dependencies with:
   sudo apt-get -f install
4. Start the Bridge service (if it doesn’t auto-start):
   systemctl start trezor-bridge
5. Open your browser and connect your Trezor device.

After Installation & Verification

Once installed, Bridge runs quietly in the background and listens on a local (localhost) interface. Your wallet software or browser will connect to it to communicate with the device.

If your software doesn’t detect Bridge, try the following:

• Restart your computer or browser.
• Ensure your firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking the Bridge local port.
• Uninstall and reinstall Bridge from official source.
• Use a different USB port or cable (preferably a data-enabled cable).
• Check that no other software is interfering with USB/HID access.

If you're using Trezor Suite (desktop version), it often includes native connectivity, and you may not need to install Bridge separately.

Security & Best Practices

Trezor Bridge is designed with security in mind. Here are recommended practices to maintain safety:

• Only download from the official Trezor domain (trezor.io). Never trust unknown mirrors.
• Verify checksums or digital signatures if Trezor publishes them for installer files.
• Keep your Bridge installation, Trezor firmware, and wallet software updated regularly.
• Always confirm transaction details **on your Trezor device screen**, not just the UI in a browser. Phishing sites may show misleading data in the browser, but only the hardware device’s display is authoritative.
• Use a trusted, clean computer whenever possible. If your computer is compromised (malware, rootkits), even Bridge can’t fully protect you.
• Uninstall Bridge if you no longer need it (e.g. switching to a setup that doesn’t require it), to avoid legacy or conflicting versions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need Bridge?

No — if your browser supports native WebUSB or WebHID and the wallet interface is designed to use it, Bridge might not be required. However, for maximum compatibility across browsers and platforms, Bridge is often recommended.

Is Bridge safe? Can it steal my crypto?

Bridge itself cannot access your private keys or recovery seed. Those always remain on the hardware device. Bridge merely forwards requests. The critical security boundary is the device screen, where you confirm or reject actions.

What if Bridge doesn’t detect my device?

Try troubleshooting: change cable/port, restart software, reinstall Bridge, check firewall, or use a different browser. If problems persist, consult official Trezor support.