Trezor Bridge: The Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about Trezor Bridge — the secure gateway and USB bridge that connects your hardware wallet to desktop apps and the web. Install, configure, secure, and troubleshoot with confidence.

Overview — What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a compact, secure connector that creates an encrypted communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and host applications. Acting as a trusted USB bridge, Bridge enables device detection, firmware coordination, and safe command forwarding. It’s the middle layer that allows modern wallets and dApps to work with hardware devices without ever exposing your private keys.

Secure Gateway

Bridge ensures encrypted, authenticated messages flow between apps and the hardware wallet, reducing remote attack risk.

Cross-Platform

Run Bridge on Windows, macOS, and Linux — one installer, consistent behavior, reliable USB handling.

Developer Friendly

Stable endpoints and well-documented interfaces make Bridge ideal for wallet developers and integrators.

Why Bridge matters for security

Bridge is intentionally lightweight and limited in scope: it facilitates device access but never has authority to sign transactions or read private keys. The security model centers on device-confirmations — every sensitive action must be confirmed on the hardware device itself, so attackers with access to your computer cannot authorize transactions remotely. Use Bridge together with best practices like verified downloads and offline seed backups to maintain sovereign control.

Quick install & setup

  1. Download Bridge from official or verified sources only.
  2. Run the installer for your OS and follow on-screen prompts.
  3. Open your desktop wallet or web wallet that supports Bridge; the app will detect the Bridge service.
  4. Connect your hardware device via USB and confirm the pairing on the device screen.

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not recognized

Try a different USB port or cable, restart Bridge, and ensure the device is unlocked. On some systems, replacing drivers or using an alternative port can solve enumeration issues.

Permission errors

macOS and Linux can restrict USB access; ensure Bridge is permitted and that no other service is monopolizing the device. Reinstalling Bridge with admin privileges often resolves permission problems.

Developer notes

For integrators, Bridge exposes consistent local endpoints to probe connected devices, query supported coins, and initiate signing flows. Rely on the documented APIs rather than attempting direct USB access — Bridge abstracts platform-specific quirks and normalizes device interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Bridge ever access my seed phrase or private keys?

No. Bridge only routes commands between apps and the hardware device. Private keys and the recovery seed remain inside the device and are never exported by Bridge.

2. Where should I download Trezor Bridge from?

Always download Bridge from official or verified distribution channels. Check digital signatures or checksums when available to ensure you have an untampered release.

3. Can Bridge be used with browser-based wallets?

Yes. Bridge provides a local service endpoint that browser-based wallets can query to detect devices and forward signing requests, enabling secure web interactions while preserving hardware confirmations.

4. What platforms are supported?

Bridge supports major desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. Use the correct installer for your operating system and follow platform-specific guidance.

5. How do I report issues or get support?

For problems that persist after basic troubleshooting, consult official documentation, community forums, or the project's support channels. Provide logs and system details to help diagnose permission and connectivity issues.