Trezor Bridge is the official communication layer that connects your Trezor hardware wallet to compatible desktop browsers and applications like Trezor Suite. Without it, your device cannot communicate securely with your computer. It acts as a safe “bridge” between your physical wallet and the digital environment, ensuring cryptographic integrity and privacy at every step.
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight, background service that runs on your computer to facilitate communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and supported web interfaces. Instead of relying on insecure browser plugins or outdated drivers, Trezor Bridge provides a modern, encrypted pathway for commands and confirmations between your Trezor and apps like Trezor Suite, MetaMask (via integration), and other third-party tools.
It replaces the older Chrome WebUSB plugin and offers better stability, broader browser compatibility, and enhanced performance. With Bridge installed, you can connect seamlessly whether you're using Chrome, Firefox, Brave, or Edge on Windows, macOS, or Linux.
Trezor Bridge establishes a local connection between your browser or desktop app and the hardware wallet. When you initiate an action, such as sending crypto or signing a message, here’s what happens:
This design ensures all sensitive cryptographic operations happen offline within your device, and only verified requests pass through the bridge.
Installing Trezor Bridge is quick and straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a secure installation:
After installation, restart your browser or relaunch Trezor Suite. Your hardware wallet should now be recognized automatically.
Safari currently requires the web version of Trezor Suite and may not support direct communication via Trezor Bridge. Always ensure you’re using the latest browser versions for optimal performance and compatibility.
Security is the core design principle behind Trezor Bridge. The app uses a local loopback interface (127.0.0.1) to avoid exposing communication over the internet. Here’s how it protects you:
This layered approach helps prevent malware or rogue scripts from accessing your device.
Ensure Trezor Bridge is installed and running. You can check your system tray or background processes. Restart your browser and reconnect the device.
Clear cached site data, update your browser, and verify that no firewall or antivirus software is blocking the 127.0.0.1 connection.
Some Linux distributions require adding a udev rule for USB device recognition. Follow official Trezor documentation for setup instructions.
Ensure Bridge is the latest version and reconnect your Trezor in bootloader mode if prompted. Always update firmware only from Trezor Suite.
Trezor Bridge updates are released periodically to improve compatibility and security. When a new version is available, you’ll be prompted to update via the Trezor Suite interface. It’s recommended to:
Bridge updates do not affect your wallet data, as all sensitive information remains stored within your Trezor device.
Fake versions of Trezor software and phishing sites are unfortunately common. Only download Trezor Bridge and Suite from official Trezor domains (typically ending in .io or .cz).
Your recovery seed, PIN, and passphrase should never be entered anywhere except your Trezor device. If any site requests these details, it is fraudulent.
While Trezor Bridge is optimized for Trezor Suite, it also works with other compatible wallets and dApps that use the Trezor Connect API. Examples include:
Integration behavior may vary; always check the compatibility documentation before connecting your Trezor through Bridge.
Trezor Bridge is open-source, meaning its code can be reviewed by anyone to confirm that it does not transmit or log sensitive data. The software does not collect telemetry, track usage, or store wallet activity. This transparency aligns with Trezor’s long-standing philosophy of user sovereignty and open development.
Trezor Bridge may seem invisible once installed, but it plays a vital role in the security of your crypto assets. By providing a trusted communication channel between your computer and your Trezor hardware wallet, it ensures that your transactions, signatures, and device updates happen safely, privately, and under your full control.
Installing and maintaining Bridge from official sources, keeping firmware updated, and following security best practices will keep your digital assets safe from most common online threats.