Trezor Bridge — Secure Desktop Communication for Your Trezor

Trezor Bridge is the lightweight, cross-platform helper that allows your Trezor hardware wallet to communicate securely with web apps and desktop software. Below you’ll find a concise but comprehensive guide on what Bridge does, how to install it, and best practices for safety and troubleshooting.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is an intermediary application that runs on your computer and provides a secure channel between your Trezor device and cryptocurrency apps (for example, Trezor Suite or supported browser wallets). When a website or native app needs to talk to your Trezor, Bridge handles USB or WebUSB communication so your browser doesn't need low-level privileges.

Because browser security policies change frequently, Bridge abstracts USB access into a stable local endpoint (typically http://127.0.0.1:21325). This allows DApps and wallet software to sign transactions, display addresses, and manage accounts without requiring drivers or elevated privileges.

Key features

Cross-platform — available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Secure — uses local-only communication; it does not forward your keys or seeds to the internet.
Automatic discovery — Bridge exposes a local API that wallet software can discover and use without complex setup.
Lightweight — minimal memory and CPU footprint with quick startup.

Why you need it

If you use a Trezor hardware wallet with desktop applications or certain web applications that rely on native device access, Bridge is required to translate requests between your software and the device. Without it, your browser might not be allowed to access the USB interface due to security sandboxing, driver limitations, or browser compatibility.

How to install

  1. Download the official installer. Always download Bridge from the official Trezor domain or Trezor Suite download page. Avoid third-party mirrors to reduce the risk of tampered installers.
  2. Close wallets and browsers. Before installing, close any wallet software or web pages that may be interacting with the device.
  3. Run the installer and follow prompts. On Windows you’ll run the .exe; on macOS open the .dmg and move Bridge to Applications; on Linux follow the distribution-specific steps or use the AppImage when provided.
  4. Re-open your wallet software. After install, launch Trezor Suite or the web app and connect your device. The app should detect Bridge automatically.

If you prefer command-line, many Bridge releases ship with a binary suitable for scripting and advanced setups.

Security & privacy

Trezor Bridge only provides an interface to the hardware wallet and intentionally cannot access your seed phrase or private keys — those remain on the device itself. The Bridge service listens on a local loopback address and is not exposed to the network. Nevertheless, follow these best practices:

  • Only download Bridge from trezor.io or the official GitHub releases linked from Trezor's website.
  • Verify checksums or signatures if you want to ensure installer integrity.
  • Keep Bridge and Trezor firmware up to date to receive security fixes.

Troubleshooting

Bridge not detected: Restart Bridge (or your computer) and make sure the device is unlocked and plugged directly into a USB port (avoid hubs when diagnosing).
Permission issues (macOS): You may need to allow the installer in System Preferences → Security & Privacy. If macOS blocks installation, follow the onscreen directions to approve the app.
Browser shows no device: Close and re-open the browser after Bridge is installed. For certain browsers you may need to enable WebUSB support or update to a modern release.
Multiple versions: If you previously installed Bridge or Trezor Suite, remove older versions before installing a new release to avoid port conflicts.

Compatibility notes

Bridge supports mainstream browsers and wallet applications that explicitly rely on the Trezor Bridge API. Mobile devices generally use the Trezor Mobile workflow (where supported) and do not rely on Bridge, which is primarily a desktop component.

FAQ

Is Bridge required for all Trezor interactions?

No — some integrations use direct WebUSB without Bridge or mobile Bluetooth workflows. Bridge is the most compatible desktop method for many apps.

Can Bridge access my private keys?

No. Private keys and recovery seeds never leave the Trezor device. Bridge only forwards commands and responses between your software and the device.

How do I update Bridge?

Download the latest installer from the official site and run it; most releases will replace the old binary. Some package managers and distributions may provide Bridge updates as well.

Get started with Trezor Bridge