Trezor Bridge – Secure Your Hardware Wallet® (FAQ & Guide)

Trezor Bridge is the official communication layer that connects your Trezor hardware wallet to web-based apps (like the Trezor Suite or supported third-party wallets) over USB. It acts as a secure messenger: the Bridge translates USB events into a safe, browser-friendly format so that web apps can interact with your device without exposing secret keys.

Why Bridge matters

• Enables modern browsers to talk to hardware wallets securely.
• Protects against direct USB-level attacks by restricting which applications can request operations.
• Makes it simple to keep device firmware and software in sync with wallets and services.

Prerequisites

• A supported Trezor device (Model T or One).
• A desktop or laptop with a modern browser.
• USB cable and a trusted USB port.

Installation steps

1. Download Bridge from the official source (always use official links below).
2. Run the installer and follow the OS prompts (Windows/macOS/Linux installers available).
3. Restart your browser after installation.
4. Open Trezor Suite or the web app you're using — it should detect your device and prompt for connection.

Quick command (Linux advanced users)

sudo apt install ./trezorbridge__amd64.deb

1. Browser doesn't detect my Trezor

First, ensure Bridge is installed and running. Try these quick checks:

• Reload the page and restart the browser.
• Reconnect the cable to a different USB port.
• Open the Bridge status page (if present) or re-install Bridge from official site.

2. Device shows "No firmware" or prompts for update

Always follow official instructions. If asked to update firmware, make sure you have your recovery seed backed up before proceeding.

3. Bridge fails to install (permission errors)

Run the installer with administrator privileges, and on Linux check udev rules (installation usually automates this).

• Only download Bridge from official Trezor domains (links below).
• Never enter your recovery seed into any computer or website — firmware updates may be required but your seed stays on paper or another secure backup.
• Verify firmware update prompts directly on your device screen before confirming.
• Use a dedicated machine or clean operating environment if you manage large holdings.

Q: Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use Trezor Suite?

A: Trezor Suite includes built-in connectivity for many operations, but Bridge is still recommended for web-based apps and when your browser needs a secure bridge layer to interact with the device.

Q: Is Bridge open-source?

A: Parts of the Trezor ecosystem are open-source, and you can review the projects and documentation on official repositories and docs pages listed below.

Q: Can Bridge access my recovery seed or private keys?

A: No. Bridge only relays commands between the browser and device; private keys remain securely stored on the Trezor hardware.

Q: How do I update Bridge?

A: Download the latest version from the official site and run the installer. Some platforms may show auto-update prompts.

Q: Is Bridge safe to use on public Wi‑Fi?

A: Bridge itself communicates locally over USB; network security is still important for your browser and any web apps you use. Avoid using unknown public networks for sensitive transactions.

Developers can integrate with Trezor Bridge using the standardized API. When debugging, enable logs and always test with a device that does not hold mainnet funds if you're experimenting with firmware or signed transactions.

// Example: check Bridge is running (pseudo)
fetch('http://127.0.0.1:21325/')
  .then(r => r.text())
  .then(console.log)
  .catch(e => console.error('Bridge not running', e));

• ✅ Verify you downloaded Bridge from an official domain.
• ✅ Confirm device firmware version is current (or read the changelog).
• ✅ Keep your recovery seed offline and secure.
• ✅ Use trusted USB ports and cables.