What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight native application that runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Its purpose is straightforward: enable secure, encrypted communication between your physical Trezor device and supported browser interfaces such as Trezor Suite or compatible third-party web wallets. Because browser security models evolved and legacy protocols like U2F became less reliable, Bridge provides a robust, cross-platform method for device discovery and messaging.

Why you need it

• Browser compatibility: Modern browsers no longer support some legacy device communication methods. Bridge restores reliable connectivity.
• Security: All data exchanged between your browser and Trezor stays encrypted; private keys never leave the device.
• Stability: Bridge handles device detection and connection lifecycle, reducing connection errors during transactions and firmware updates.

Key features

• Cross-platform support: Official installers for Windows, macOS, and popular Linux distributions.
• Automatic updates: Bridge can update itself so you get security fixes and compatibility improvements without manual downloads.
• Encrypted channel: Communication between browser and device is protected by an encrypted local channel.
• Silent background operation: Once installed, Bridge runs quietly and connects when a Trezor is plugged in.

How to install Trezor Bridge

Follow these steps to get Bridge up and running:

1. Open https://trezor.io/start in your browser.
2. Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system and download the package.
3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. On macOS you may need to allow the app in Security & Privacy settings.
4. Restart your browser after installation to ensure it can detect the Bridge service.
5. Plug in your Trezor device and open Trezor Suite or your chosen web wallet. The device should be detected automatically.

If you encounter issues, check the official troubleshooting guide on the Trezor website or ensure no other application is blocking USB access.

Trezor Bridge vs. Trezor Suite

Think of Trezor Bridge as the connector and Trezor Suite as the user interface. Bridge handles the low-level device communication, while Suite provides account management, transaction creation, and firmware management. Both work together to give you a secure experience.

Best practices

• Always download Bridge from the official Trezor domain to avoid tampered installers.
• Keep your operating system and browser up to date to reduce compatibility issues.
• Never share your recovery seed—Bridge never requests it.
• Use Trezor Suite for firmware updates and device management whenever possible.