Trezor Bridge

The secure, background communication layer for your Trezor device

What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service created by SatoshiLabs that acts as an intermediary between your Trezor hardware wallet (e.g. Trezor One, Model T) and software interfaces such as web browsers and wallet apps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Its role is to translate USB or WebUSB communication from the device into a form that browser/web apps can understand, enabling you to perform actions like signing transactions, updating firmware, or connecting to decentralized apps — all while keeping your private keys securely inside the hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Importantly, Trezor Bridge does **not** handle or store your private keys or seed phrases — its sole function is facilitating secure, local communication. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

How Trezor Bridge Works

  1. **Runs Locally as a Background Service** — when installed, Bridge launches a process (often called `trezord`) that listens for connection requests from compatible web apps or software. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  2. **Mediation of USB / WebUSB Traffic** — Bridge handles low‑level USB communication, translating browser calls to USB commands and vice versa, so that applications don’t have to manage the complexity themselves. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
  3. **Secure Session Management** — Bridge establishes encrypted, permissioned communication channels ensuring only approved applications can access the device interface. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
  4. **Transaction & Action Confirmation on Device** — any sensitive operation (e.g. sending crypto, modifying settings) must be approved physically on your Trezor device screen, ensuring you always verify what’s happening. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  5. **Compatibility & Fallbacks** — in browsers that fully support WebUSB, some operations may bypass the need for Bridge, but Bridge ensures broader compatibility, especially on older or restricted browser/OS environments. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Installing & Using Trezor Bridge

Below is a step‑by‑step guide to installing and using Trezor Bridge on your system.

  1. **Download from Official Source** — Always download Bridge from the official Trezor website (e.g., via `trezor.io/start`) or trusted official links. Avoid mirror or third-party sites. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
  2. **Run the Installer** — Choose the correct version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) and run the installer. On macOS, you may need to approve it in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
  3. **Allow Permissions / Drivers** — The installer may request USB access or driver installations; allow these so Bridge can communicate. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
  4. **Reconnect Your Trezor Device** — Using the USB cable, connect your device. Bridge should now make it visible to web apps or Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
  5. **Approve Connection** — On the Trezor device, you’ll be asked to approve the connection. Always verify the domain or action shown before approving. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Go to FAQ →

Current Status & Deprecation Notes

As of recent updates, the **standalone Trezor Bridge** is being deprecated. Trezor now recommends that users uninstall older standalone Bridge installations, because newer versions of Trezor Suite bundle the needed Bridge functionality internally. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Keeping an old standalone Bridge installed may cause conflicts or errors in future versions of Suite. If you have a standalone installation, consider removing it to avoid interference. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

To check if Bridge is currently running on your system:

If you are running a version of Trezor Suite that already includes Bridge, you probably do **not** need to manually install the standalone Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I always need Trezor Bridge?
Not always. If you're using the desktop version of Trezor Suite, it can sometimes interact directly with your device without a separate Bridge. Bridge is predominantly required when using the web (browser) interface in environments where direct WebUSB support is limited or blocked. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Is Trezor Bridge safe?
Yes — when installed from official sources. Bridge does *not* access, store or transmit your private keys or recovery seed. It simply relays signed and unsigned data between your device and apps. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Can Bridge steal my crypto?
No — the critical security operations (signing transactions, viewing seeds) occur only on the Trezor device itself. Even if a malicious Bridge were installed, it cannot access your private keys stored on the device. However, using a fake installer from an untrusted source is risky. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Why does my browser say “Bridge not running”?
This may occur if Bridge is not installed, if the background service isn’t active, or if your browser lacks permission (USB, local host) to access the device. Try restarting Bridge, reconnecting the device, or reinstalling it. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
What should I do if Bridge keeps asking to reinstall?
Sometimes older versions conflict or fail to persist. Uninstall any existing Bridge installation, reboot, then install the official latest version. Also check for OS or driver issues. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Can I uninstall Bridge after installation?
Yes. On Windows, you can use the uninstall program. On macOS, use the uninstall package. On Linux, remove via package manager. Be careful: uninstalling might disable web interface connectivity. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Does Bridge affect performance?
Bridge is designed to be lightweight, running quietly in the background with minimal resource usage. It is active only when device communication is needed. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Will Bridge be replaced or removed?
Yes, Bridge is in a transition phase. The standalone Bridge is being deprecated in favor of bundling its functionality directly into Trezor Suite. Users are encouraged to uninstall older standalone versions to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
What if my browser supports WebUSB already?
In some modern browsers, WebUSB may allow direct communication without Bridge. But as browser versions or policies change, that compatibility can break — Bridge offers a stable fallback. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}