What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small background application that runs on your computer and facilitates communication between a Trezor hardware wallet and host software such as the Trezor Suite, web-based wallet interfaces, or developer tools. Unlike browser plugin approaches used historically, Bridge creates a local, secure channel over HTTPS (or a local protocol) that allows the hardware wallet to remain isolated and the host to perform operations such as signing transactions, exporting public keys, and querying device status.
Why it matters
Hardware wallets like Trezor are designed to keep private keys offline while still allowing convenient use. The Bridge ensures secure, consistent connectivity across operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) while minimizing attack surface: only local applications can talk to the Bridge, and device confirmations still happen on the Trezor hardware itself. That separation helps prevent remote compromise of your keys even when the host system is connected to the internet.
Key features
Installing Bridge
Installation is straightforward: download the official installer from the Trezor website, run it, and follow the prompts. On macOS you will typically mount a disk image and drag the app to Applications; on Windows the installer configures the background service; on Linux packages or AppImage builds are available. Because Bridge operates as a local service, you might be prompted by your operating system to allow it to run or accept a network permission — this is expected for local inter-process communication.
Quickstart
After installing, connect your Trezor device via USB (or USB-C) and open Trezor Suite or a compatible wallet application. The app will detect the Bridge service and prompt you to connect the device. Always check the device screen before approving any action; the Trezor hardware will display transaction details, addresses, and confirmations independently of your host.
Troubleshooting tips
If your device isn't detected, try these steps: (1) ensure Bridge is installed and running (look for a small tray/menu icon or system service), (2) reconnect the USB cable and try a different port, (3) restart Bridge or the host app, (4) check for operating system driver issues on Windows, and (5) temporarily disable conflicting USB utilities. If problems persist, consult the official logs produced by Bridge — they contain diagnostic details useful for support teams.
Security and privacy
Bridge is purposely minimalistic: it forwards commands between your host and the Trezor hardware while never exposing private keys. Device authentication requires physical confirmation on the hardware, and Bridge does not store wallet seeds. Treat the Bridge installer like any security-critical software: download only from the official Trezor domain and verify signatures where provided. Regularly update Bridge to benefit from security patches and compatibility improvements.
Developer notes
Developers building integrations can communicate with Bridge through its documented API endpoints. Typical operations include enumerating connected devices, initiating a session, and relaying APDU-style commands. Rate limiting and origin checks help ensure that only authorized local applications access the service. Refer to the official developer documentation for request/response structures, CORS considerations, and examples in JavaScript or Python.
Final thoughts
Trezor Bridge is an essential piece of the node-to-device puzzle for desktop users of Trezor hardware wallets. By providing a stable, secure, and browser-neutral channel, Bridge simplifies day-to-day use while preserving the hardware-level security model. Whether you're an everyday user, power-user, or developer, keeping your Bridge installation current and following safe USB practices will maximize security and convenience.