Trezor Bridge — Download & Setup Your Hardware Wallet

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small local application that runs on your computer and creates a trusted channel between web applications (or the desktop Suite) and your Trezor hardware device. Many websites and browser-based wallets cannot access USB devices directly or need a helper service to standardize communication; Bridge provides that service. It handles the low-level USB/WebUSB or WebSocket interactions so that websites can request signature operations while the hardware stays in control of private keys and displays transaction details for human verification.

Important: Bridge does not contain your keys. It only facilitates communication. All sensitive operations — key generation and signing — happen on your Trezor device and require on-device confirmation.

Why you might need Bridge

• Browser integration: Some dapps and web wallets rely on WebUSB or a local connector to talk to a hardware wallet. Bridge enables that functionality.
• Compatibility: Bridge smooths interactions across different browsers and operating systems so that the same web app can work reliably.
• Trezor Suite web mode: While the desktop Suite may include native drivers, the web version commonly depends on Bridge for device access.
• Security boundary: Bridge creates a local, ephemeral connection — it does not forward your device to third-party servers unless the web app requests a specific action that you approve on-device.

Preparing for installation

Before installing, follow these preparatory steps to reduce problems:

• Download Bridge only from the official Trezor website or a verified mirror. Typing the URL manually or using a trusted bookmark avoids phishing sites.
• Close other wallet or hardware-manager applications that might try to access USB devices (e.g., other wallet GUIs or legacy USB helper services).
• Ensure your operating system is reasonably up to date and that you have permissions to install software (admin rights may be required).

If you prefer maximum control, consider using the desktop Trezor Suite (which may include bundled connectivity) instead of the web + Bridge combination.

Download & install — platform-by-platform

Windows

Download the Windows installer and run it. You will likely need administrator privileges. The installer adds the Bridge service and any necessary device drivers. After installation, launch the Bridge from the system tray or allow it to run in the background — many web apps will detect it automatically when it is active and your Trezor is connected.

macOS

On macOS download the DMG and drag the Bridge application into your Applications folder, then open it. Modern macOS versions use WebUSB support via browsers, but Bridge ensures consistent behavior across different Safari/Chrome/Edge builds. If macOS prompts about an unidentified developer, verify the download source and use the security settings to allow the app.

Linux

Linux distributions may offer Bridge as a package or a downloadable binary. Depending on your distro, you might need to set udev rules to grant USB access to non-root users. Follow the instructions included with the Linux download for udev or permissions setup. Launch Bridge as a background service or from your desktop session.

Browser requirements

Different browsers handle hardware access differently. Chrome and Chromium-based browsers typically support WebUSB; Firefox has different security policies and might require additional extensions or the native Suite. If a dapp recommends a particular browser, follow that guidance for the smoothest experience.

Configuring Bridge and browser access

After installing Bridge and connecting your Trezor device:

1. Open the web app or site you intend to use (for example, a wallet or dapp that supports Trezor).
2. When the site requests device access, your browser will prompt you to allow the connection. Confirm that the request is for the correct site and proceed.
3. Your Trezor device will display details for any sensitive operation. Always read and confirm the display before approving.

Never approve signatures or connection requests you don't understand. A benign-looking website could be malicious — the device confirmation screen is your last and most important checkpoint.

Troubleshooting common Bridge issues

Problems connecting are often caused by simple issues. Try these steps:

• Device not detected: Try a different USB cable and a different USB port (avoid unpowered hubs). Some cables are charge-only and will not pass data.
• Browser doesn't prompt: Ensure Bridge is running. Restart the browser after installing Bridge. Clear the browser cache or try an incognito/private window to eliminate extension conflicts.
• Permission errors: On Linux, check udev rules and file permissions. On macOS, confirm that the system allowed the app to run (check Security & Privacy settings).
• Multiple helpers conflict: If you have other hardware wallet bridge apps installed, quit them to avoid resource contention.
• Bridge service stopped: Restart the Bridge application or reboot your computer to ensure the service is running.

If problems persist, consult official support resources or community forums for device-specific instructions — do not share your recovery seed with support staff or community members.

Security considerations

Bridge is a local-only helper, but you still need secure habits:

• Download from official sources: Only install Bridge from the vendor’s official website to avoid trojanized installers.
• Keep Bridge updated: Updates may include security fixes or compatibility changes.
• Verify transaction details on-device: Bridge cannot override the device's display — always read and confirm amounts and addresses on the hardware screen.
• Least-privilege principle: Only connect your hardware wallet to sites you trust. Disconnect and quit Bridge when not in use if you prefer a stricter security posture.
• Firewall & network: Bridge typically operates locally and does not require internet access, but ensure your firewall rules are conservative and you trust the websites you connect to.

Advanced tips and workflows

• Use the desktop Trezor Suite: For the most controlled environment, the desktop Suite provides an interface that may avoid browser idiosyncrasies.
• Air-gapped signing: For high-security workflows, consider PSBTs with an offline signing machine (Bridge is unnecessary for purely offline signing).
• Run your own node: If privacy and sovereignty matter, configure your Suite or web app to talk to a local full node instead of public explorers. Bridge still handles the device link while your node handles blockchain queries.
• Use browser profiles: Maintain a dedicated browser profile for crypto interactions with most extensions disabled — this reduces the attack surface.

Uninstalling or updating Bridge

If you need to uninstall Bridge, use your OS's standard removal process (Windows Control Panel / macOS Finder / Linux package manager). To update, download the latest installer and run it — installers generally update the existing installation safely. After updating, restart the browser to ensure it picks up the new Bridge instance.

Summary and best practices

Trezor Bridge is a practical and secure helper that bridges the gap between web applications and your hardware wallet. It is intentionally lightweight and local-only; it does not hold your keys. For smooth use: download from official sources, keep Bridge and your browser updated, verify every transaction on-device, use a trusted browser profile for crypto sites, and prefer the desktop Suite for high-assurance workflows. When in doubt, consult official documentation and support channels — and never share your recovery seed with anyone.