Trezor Bridge — Connect Your Trezor Wallet Securely
Trezor Bridge is the lightweight connector that lets your computer and browser talk safely to your Trezor hardware wallet. Instead of brittle extensions, Bridge creates a stable local channel so you can verify every sensitive action on the device screen—while your private keys remain offline and under your control. This landing page walks through what Bridge is, why it matters, how to install it cleanly, and the simple habits that keep every session smooth.
Purpose-Built Connectivity for Your Hardware Wallet
Direct USB Communication
Bridge talks to your Trezor over USB and exposes a local interface for approved apps. That means reliable detection and fewer browser quirks.
Keys Stay Offline
Private keys never leave the Trezor. Bridge relays messages; confirmations happen on the device screen you physically control.
Desktop & Web Friendly
Use Bridge with the desktop app or supported web experiences. Your security model doesn’t change—only your convenience improves.
Lightweight & Quiet
Runs as a tiny background service. It’s ready when you need it and invisible when you don’t.
Transparent Updates
Install once and update intentionally. New releases improve compatibility without demanding new trust assumptions.
Human-Readable Flows
Clear prompts, fee controls, and address previews in your app—matched by on-device confirmations—make mistakes easier to catch.
Local host interfaceUSB reliabilityOn-device approvalsWorks with SuiteLow resource usageSimple updates
Value
What You Gain with Trezor Bridge
Confidence in Every Click
Bridge keeps confirmations anchored to the hardware device. If the screen on your computer ever disagrees with the device, you can refuse safely.
Better Reliability Than Extensions
Browser releases can break extensions unexpectedly. Bridge operates system-wide, so apps discover your device consistently.
Clean Separation of Secrets
PIN entry and optional passphrase happen through the device. Your seed stays offline—no copy-paste risks, no keyboard loggers to worry about.
Future-Proof Setup
As features ship in apps and firmware, Bridge provides a stable conduit without altering the underlying trust model.
Reminder: No legitimate support will ever ask for your 12/24-word recovery seed or passphrase. If a site or “agent” requests them, close the page—it’s a scam.
How It Works
Install & Use in Five Straightforward Steps
Download from an official source. Use a bookmark you created—avoid search-ad links and third-party mirrors.
Run the installer for your OS. Bridge adds a tiny background service. Grant permissions so the system can talk to your device.
Connect your Trezor via USB. Prefer a trusted cable and port. If the OS prompts for device access, allow it.
Open your wallet app. Trezor Suite or supported web apps discover Bridge automatically and request access when needed.
Approve on the device. Review amounts, addresses, and metadata on the Trezor screen and confirm only if everything matches exactly.
Pro tip: Keep firmware, Suite, and Bridge current; many “device not detected” hiccups vanish after updates and a quick reboot.
Important: Never type your recovery seed on a computer or website. The seed is for recovery on a Trezor device only.
Choosing the Right Connector
Bridge vs. Browser Extension (At a Glance)
Capability
Trezor Bridge
Generic Extension
Device Discovery
System-wide service reliably seen by apps
Depends on browser APIs; can break on updates
Security Model
Keys stay on device; on-screen confirmations
Varies by extension; greater browser surface area
OS Integration
Direct USB communication with local interface
Browser-sandboxed, limited access to USB layers
Reliability Over Time
Stable across browser updates
May require frequent extension updates
Resource Footprint
Lightweight background process
Shared with browser; performance varies
Bridge offers a calm, predictable path for day-to-day device communication—especially useful if your browser changes often.
Help & Diagnostics
Quick Fixes for Common Issues
Device not detected? Try a different USB port/cable, reconnect the device, and ensure no other wallet app is open.
Browser can’t find the device? Close duplicate wallet tabs, disable conflicting extensions temporarily, and refresh once Bridge is running.
“Waiting for device” loop? Unlock the Trezor with your PIN on the device, and confirm any prompts that appear on its screen.
After an update things broke? Reboot to restart the Bridge service. If needed, reinstall from your verified bookmark.
Security check: If any page asks for your recovery seed or passphrase, stop immediately and close it.
Healthy Setup Checklist
Verified download sourceUp-to-date firmwareTrusted USB cableOnly one wallet app openPrivate network
Write it on paper or engrave in steel; store offline in a safe place. Never digitize or photograph it. You don’t need the seed to use Bridge.
Confirm on the Device
If the device screen and computer disagree, reject the action. The hardware display is the source of truth.
Beware of Social Engineering
Support reps will never ask for your seed or passphrase. Avoid screen-sharing and remote-control requests regarding wallets.
Use Bookmarks, Not Search
Phishing sites love typos. Bookmark official pages and type addresses yourself when in doubt.
Tip: Keep a dedicated user profile (or separate computer) for crypto tasks to reduce distractions and attack surface.
FAQs
Common Questions
Do I need Bridge if I only use the desktop app?
The desktop app can communicate directly with your device. Bridge adds compatibility for certain setups and improves supported browser flows.
Is Bridge a browser extension?
No. It’s a small background service that provides a local interface for apps and browsers to communicate with your Trezor.
Can multiple apps talk to Bridge?
Yes, but for reliability keep only one wallet app interacting with the device at a time when signing or managing accounts.
Does Bridge ever see my private keys?
No. Keys remain sealed inside the hardware wallet. Bridge relays messages; sensitive approvals happen on the device.
How do I update Bridge safely?
Use your verified bookmark, review checksums if offered, and avoid third-party download sites or repackaged installers.
Connect with Confidence
Trezor Bridge provides a dependable path between your computer and your hardware wallet. Install from official sources, verify every action on the device screen, and keep recovery information offline. Slow is smooth, smooth is safe—and safe is how you keep control.