Trezor Bridge: Secure Connectivity for Trezor Devices
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a background communication tool developed by Trezor (by SatoshiLabs) that enables your browser to interact directly with your Trezor hardware wallet. It serves as a local interface between your computer and your Trezor device, especially when using web-based wallet interfaces like Trezor Wallet or the browser version of Trezor Suite.
Without Trezor Bridge, your browser may not detect the Trezor device or communicate with it securely.
Why Use Trezor Bridge?
Prior to Bridge, browser extensions were used to connect to hardware wallets, which posed several security and compatibility concerns. Trezor Bridge solves these by:
Better Security
It avoids risky third-party extensions and ensures end-to-end encrypted communication between your browser and the device.
Greater Compatibility
It works across all major operating systems and popular browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
Stable Performance
The background process runs smoothly without constant user interaction or permission prompts.
How Trezor Bridge Works
When you install Trezor Bridge, it runs silently in the background. When you open a supported web app like the Trezor Wallet in your browser and plug in your hardware wallet, the Bridge software acts as the secure translator, facilitating all data exchanges.
The communication is local only, meaning none of your wallet data or recovery seed ever touches the internet.
Installing Trezor Bridge
To use Trezor Bridge, simply download and install it from the official source. Once installed:
- The software begins running in the background.
- Restart your browser.
- Plug in your Trezor device and access your wallet via the web.
- You’ll be prompted to authorize the connection.
That’s it—Trezor Bridge now handles the secure handshake between your wallet and browser.
When Do You Need Trezor Bridge?
You need Trezor Bridge when:
- You are using Trezor Wallet on a browser.
- You are not using the Trezor Suite desktop app, which includes direct hardware communication.
- Your browser doesn’t support WebUSB, or WebUSB is not stable on your system.
Bridge vs Trezor Suite Desktop App
The Trezor Suite desktop app does not require Bridge because it has built-in device communication. Bridge is mainly for those who:
- Prefer web interfaces.
- Want to access their wallet from different browsers or platforms.
For most users, the desktop app is recommended for simplicity and maximum features.
Security Best Practices
- Only download Bridge from the official source.
- Keep your firmware and Bridge software updated.
- Never share your seed phrase or PIN.
- Always verify transactions on the Trezor screen before confirming.
Common Troubleshooting Tips
If your Trezor device isn't being recognized:
- Restart your browser after installing Bridge.
- Make sure Bridge is running in the background.
- Try different USB cables or ports.
- Disable browser extensions that may block device communication.
Operating System & Browser Compatibility
Trezor Bridge is supported on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
And works with:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Edge
Safari is not recommended due to limited WebUSB support.
Conclusion
Trezor Bridge is a foundational utility that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based wallet interfaces. For users who prefer browser access to manage their crypto assets, this tool ensures a safe and smooth experience without compromising your private keys or personal data.
While not needed if you're using the Trezor Suite desktop app, Bridge remains a lightweight and reliable option for web-based interactions with your wallet.