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Trezor Bridge is a small piece of software created by SatoshiLabs that allows your computer’s browser to communicate with your Trezor hardware wallet. Think of it as a secure translator between your Trezor device and your web browser — enabling interaction without compromising your private keys.
Why Trezor Bridge Is Needed
Modern browsers do not inherently allow direct USB communication with hardware devices for security reasons. Until relatively recently, web extensions such as Chrome’s Native Client enabled some communication, but that legacy support has faded out.
So how can a web app like Trezor Wallet (wallet.trezor.io) talk to your physical Trezor?
👉 Enter Trezor Bridge — the secure middleman.
When installed on your computer, it:
Listens for USB connections from a Trezor device
Translates and forwards commands between the browser and the wallet
Ensures cryptographic communications are delivered safely
Without Trezor Bridge installed, your browser won’t be able to “see” your Trezor hardware securely — and you won’t be able to manage your crypto.
How Trezor Bridge Works — The Technical View (Simplified)
At a high level:
Trezor Wallet (in a browser) opens a local connection to your computer’s Bridge service.
Trezor Bridge listens on a local port (usually localhost:21325) for API requests.
When the browser needs to talk to your Trezor device — e.g., to review a transaction — Bridge forwards that request to the hardware wallet over USB.
Your Trezor device signs or processes the request without private keys ever leaving the device.
Results are sent back, via Bridge, to your browser.
So Bridge doesn’t manage keys or crypto — it only enables a secure communication channel. All sensitive operations remain inside the Trezor device.
Supported Systems
Trezor Bridge works on:
Windows (7 / 8 / 10 / 11)
macOS
Linux
Each platform has a slightly different installation process, but in every case, Bridge runs locally on your machine and connects the Trezor hardware to the browser.
Installing Trezor Bridge — Step by Step
Here’s how you typically install Bridge on your system:
Windows
Go to trezor.io/start in your browser.
Download the Windows Trezor Bridge installer.
Run the installer (.exe file).
After installation, reconnect your Trezor device.
Visit wallet.trezor.io to start managing assets.
Note: Installing Trezor Bridge may require administrative permissions.
macOS
Visit trezor.io/start or the official download page for Bridge.
Download the macOS .dmg installer.
Open and follow the installation instructions.
Connect your Trezor device via USB.
Use wallet.trezor.io to manage your crypto.
macOS may ask you to grant USB permissions. Make sure to allow these — otherwise, Bridge won’t be able to detect your Trezor.
Linux
For Linux, Bridge is usually distributed as a .deb or .rpm package depending on your distribution, or as a generic installer:
Download the appropriate Bridge package.
Install it via your package manager (dpkg, rpm, etc.).
Plug in your Trezor device.
Open wallet.trezor.io in the browser.
Because USB access on Linux is controlled by system rules, you may need to add udev rules to allow non‑root USB access. Full instructions are available on the official Trezor support page.
Browser Compatibility
Because the communication is handled locally by Bridge, most modern browsers work fine, including:
Google Chrome
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Edge
Opera
The important part is that the browser must support WebUSB or WebHID — modern standards that enable secure device communication.
Older browsers or outdated versions may not work reliably.
Common Issues and Easy Fixes
Even though Bridge is straightforward to use, you might encounter occasional problems:
❗ Device Not Detected
Make sure Trezor is connected properly.
Try a different USB cable or port. Some cables only supply power and not data.
Reinstall Trezor Bridge.
Restart your browser.
🔐 Browser Doesn’t Ask for Permission
Modern operating systems often block USB access by default. On macOS especially, you may need to allow access in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
🔄 Bridge Is Not Running
Bridge should run in the background. If it’s not running:
On Windows: Check Task Manager for Trezor Bridge.
On macOS: Check Activity Monitor.
Reboot your machine — sometimes the simplest fix.
Security & Privacy Considerations
It’s perfectly reasonable to ask: Is Trezor Bridge safe?
Yes — if you get it from the official source and follow best practices.
👍 What Makes Trezor Bridge Secure
It only runs locally on your computer.
It does not send data to Trezor servers by default.
It merely facilitates communication between your browser and device.
Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
Cryptographic operations (signing transactions) happen only on the device.
⚠️ What to Be Cautious About
Only install Bridge from trezor.io/start or the official Trezor site.
Be wary of fake download links or impostor sites.
If your system becomes unstable or compromised, hardware wallet security can be indirectly affected (always use updated OS & browser).
Bridge doesn’t protect against phishing — always double‑check the URL (e.g., wallet.trezor.io) before entering operations.
Trezor Bridge vs. Legacy Chrome App
Before Bridge existed, Trezor used a Chrome native app to connect wallets. Google deprecated that system over time, making it obsolete.
Bridge replaced the Chrome app entirely and now works across browsers — a modern, more secure solution. So if you see documentation about the old Chrome App, skip it — Bridge is the current standard.
Updating Trezor Bridge
Because it’s critical software, updates may come from time to time for compatibility or security reasons.
If a new version is available, the Trezor website will prompt you.
It’s safe and recommended to update whenever prompted.
Reboot your machine after major updates.
How Bridge Works With Firmware and Wallet UI
It’s important to distinguish between the three components in the Trezor ecosystem:
Component Purpose Trezor Hardware Wallet Stores private keys and signs transactions Trezor Bridge Connects the device to your computer/browser Trezor Wallet UI The web interface you use to manage accounts
Bridge doesn’t replace the other two — it simply enables them to work together.
When a firmware update is required, Bridge helps deliver it, but the download and installation happen on the device. The UI will guide you step by step.
What Happens Without Bridge?
If Bridge isn’t installed or isn’t working:
The browser cannot detect your Trezor device.
You will see error messages such as “No device connected” or “Connect your Trezor.”
You can’t send or receive crypto — the UI can’t communicate with the device.
This is a common reason users think their wallet is malfunctioning when in reality, Bridge just isn’t running or configured properly.
Advanced Note: WebUSB, WebHID, and Security
Modern communication standards such as WebUSB and WebHID are designed to securely allow websites to talk to hardware devices like Trezor.
Bridge makes use of these standards so that:
The browser only talks to a trusted local service
You don’t have to install complex drivers
Interactions stay encrypted and safe
This is part of why Bridge exists in the first place — browsers cannot safely open USB devices without a secure intermediary.
Wrap‑Up: Why Trezor Bridge Matters
Without Trezor Bridge:
Your computer and browser would not be able to talk to your Trezor wallet.
You wouldn’t be able to manage your crypto assets securely.
You’d be stuck with outdated legacy systems or limited compatibility.
With Trezor Bridge:
You get a smooth, secure, and modern communication layer.
You can connect across browsers and operating systems.
Your private keys remain safe on the hardware wallet.
Firmware updates, transactions, and account management all just work.