What is Trezor bridge?
Trezor bridge is a small background application developed by the Trezor team that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and supported browsers or desktop applications. It acts as a trusted intermediary — the bridge — routing signed transaction requests to your device and returning confirmations to the app. Without Trezor bridge installed, many web-based wallet interfaces cannot detect or interact with your Trezor device.
The software is intentionally lightweight and unobtrusive: once installed it runs with minimal resource impact, starts automatically when needed, and keeps your browsing environment tidy while maintaining reliable connectivity. It supports major operating systems and makes interactions consistent across different browsers and apps.
Key features
- Cross-platform support: Works on Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Browser compatibility: Enables communication with Chrome, Edge, and supported browsers or web apps.
- Secure channel: Encrypts communication between web apps and your Trezor hardware wallet.
- Automatic updates: Maintained by the official Trezor team for compatibility and security.
- Lightweight & reliable: Low footprint, fast startup, and minimal background activity.
These features make Trezor bridge an essential piece of infrastructure for anyone who wants a seamless, trusted connection between hardware and web interfaces. It reduces friction while ensuring the hardware remains the single source of truth for keys and confirmations.
Getting started — step-by-step
Step 1 — Download
Visit the official Trezor website and download Trezor bridge for your operating system. Always download from the verified source to avoid counterfeit installers.
Step 2 — Install
Run the installer and follow the prompts. Trezor bridge installs quickly and will start running automatically in the background when required.
Step 3 — Connect
Plug your Trezor hardware wallet into your computer via USB. Open Trezor Suite or a supported web app — the app will detect your device through Trezor bridge.
Step 4 — Verify & Use
Confirm addresses and sign transactions on the device itself. Always verify details on the Trezor screen before approving. After confirmation, manage, send, and receive crypto confidently.
Step 5 — Update Regularly
Keep both Trezor bridge and your device firmware up to date for best compatibility and security. Official updates are published on the Trezor website.
Step 6 — Secure Backups
While Trezor bridge handles communication, your recovery seed (written down during device setup) is the only way to restore funds. Store it offline in a safe location.
Security & best practices
Trezor bridge is designed to preserve the core security model of the Trezor hardware wallet: private keys remain on the device and never leave it. Trezor bridge only passes encrypted messages between applications and the device; it does not have access to your seed or private keys. That said, follow these best practices:
- Download only from official sources: Avoid mirrors or untrusted links.
- Confirm device prompts: Always verify addresses and amounts on your Trezor device display before signing.
- Update frequently: Keep bridge and firmware updated to receive security patches and compatibility fixes.
- Secure your seed: Never store recovery phrases digitally or share them with anyone.
Following these steps ensures that the convenience Trezor bridge provides never compromises the safety of your assets.
Why Trezor bridge matters
As web wallets and browser-based tools become more capable, the need for a secure, consistent communication layer is essential. Trezor bridge fills that role: it allows your hardware wallet to integrate with modern web apps while preserving the hardware-first security model. For everyday users and professionals alike, it makes safe crypto management practical without sacrificing protection.