🔐 Official Site | Trezor Bridge | Getting Started

Welcome to the official guide to Trezor Bridge®. This page helps you understand, download, install, and use Bridge to connect your Trezor hardware wallet with your browser and crypto apps safely. Let’s get you started. 🚀

What Is Trezor Bridge®?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background software (middleware) developed by SatoshiLabs. Its purpose is to facilitate secure, encrypted communication between your Trezor device (Model One, Model T, etc.) and supported web interfaces (such as Suite, dApps, wallets) across operating systems. It plays the role of a “translator” between your browser and hardware without exposing your private keys. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Unlike old browser extensions or USB drivers, Bridge runs locally on your machine and acts as a safe channel — commands from the browser go through Bridge to your device, and responses return via Bridge. Your keys and seed never leave the hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Why Use Bridge?

🛡 **Security & Isolation**: The browser never speaks to the device directly. All communication is mediated by Bridge to reduce attack surfaces. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
♻️ **Cross‑Platform Compatibility**: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux — letting your hardware wallet integrate with web apps uniformly. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
🔄 **Stable Connectivity**: Reduces disconnects or USB interface issues that some browsers or OS setups may face. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
🔧 **Future‑Proof**: As browser behavior changes (deprecating plugins, strict USB policies), Bridge ensures your Trezor remains usable. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

**Note:** If you use the Trezor Suite desktop application, Bridge is often not needed because the desktop app may directly communicate with your device. Bridge is mainly essential when using browser/web interfaces that don’t natively support direct USB access. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Getting Started: Download & Installation

Step 1: Download Bridge from the Official Source

Visit trezor.io/start or the official Bridge page, and download the correct installer for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Always ensure the site is secure (HTTPS) and correct. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Step 2: Run the Installer

Execute the downloaded installer file. On macOS, you may need to authorize installation in System Preferences if Gatekeeper blocks it. On Linux, you may require elevated permissions or install via package manager. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Step 3: Start the Bridge Service

After installation, Bridge runs in the background (daemon/service). In many systems, it auto‑starts. If not, you may need to launch or enable it manually. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Step 4: Verify Bridge Operation

Open Trezor Suite or a browser app. Connect your Trezor. If Bridge is active, the device should be recognized. If not, check system tray, process list (e.g. “trezord”), or restart Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

Using Bridge with Web Wallets & dApps

Once Bridge is running, browser interfaces like suite.trezor.io, or other blockchain applications supporting hardware wallets, will communicate with your Trezor through Bridge. When a dApp requests a signature or address, Bridge forwards the request to your device, which then prompts you to confirm the action physically. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Be careful when approving: always cross-check the origin (domain), and confirm address, amount, or contract interaction on the device itself. Malicious webpages might try to trick you with fake displays. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Troubleshooting & Common Issues 🛠️

“After the latest update I keep seeing the error ‘Trezor Bridge is not running’.” :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Here are common problems and solutions:

Bridge isn't starting at boot. Ensure it's set to auto‑launch or add to system startup. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Device not detected. Try a different USB cable/port (some cables are charge-only). :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Browser not recognizing Bridge. Clear browser cache, restart browser, check firewall/antivirus settings. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Multiple Bridge versions installed. Uninstall previous versions before installing the current one to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
macOS Gatekeeper blocking installation. Go to System Preferences → Security & Privacy to allow the installer. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Security & Best Practices

🔍 Always download Bridge only from the official Trezor site (via trezor.io/start or trezor.io). Avoid third-party or clone sites. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Verify digital signatures or checksums (PGP) when available. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Keep both Bridge and your Trezor device firmware up to date. Updates often patch security or compatibility issues. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Never confirm a transaction on your device without verifying all details displayed. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Bridge does not store your private keys or seed — all signing happens on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
If you're using Trezor Suite desktop, Bridge is often optional or built‑in; confirm via official documentation. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}

FAQ & Myths

Q: Is Bridge safe or can it steal my crypto?
A: The official Bridge from SatoshiLabs is safe. It never accesses private keys or seed phrases — it only relays commands and encrypted data. Rogue or fake “Bridge” installers from phishing sites are the risk. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Q: Do I always need Bridge?
A: Not always. If you use the Trezor Suite desktop app, communication may bypass Bridge. Bridge is primarily needed for web interfaces when your browser lacks native USB support. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

Q: What if Bridge stops working?
A: Reinstall Bridge, restart the service, verify USB, check firewall permissions, and clear browser cache. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}

Q: Which browsers are supported?
A: Modern Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and other Chromium-based browsers that support localhost HTTP or WebUSB policies. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}

Final Words

By following this guide, you set up a robust foundation for connecting your Trezor device to web apps with strong security. Bridge may be a behind‑the-scenes component, but it's key to making your hardware wallet usable in modern crypto workflows.

Install only from official sources, update regularly, and always confirm transactions physically on your device. With diligence and care, Bridge lets your Trezor interface safely and reliably with the decentralized world. 🌐