Trezor Bridge® | Connect Your Trezor to Web Browsers

Comprehensive guide to securely connect your Trezor hardware wallet to web browsers and Web3 applications using Trezor Bridge®. Covers installation, configuration, usage best practices, troubleshooting, migration guidance, and security tips for safe crypto operations.

What is Trezor Bridge®?

Trezor Bridge® is a local software layer designed to securely mediate communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers or desktop wallet applications. It provides a stable, platform-agnostic channel that forwards structured requests to the device while keeping private keys isolated on the Trezor itself.

Bridge ensures that wallet apps and web-based interfaces can reliably interact with your hardware wallet across multiple operating systems and browser updates, reducing the risk of connection failures or USB communication errors.

Why Trezor Bridge® Matters

  • Stable connections: Prevents broken USB sessions caused by browser or OS updates.
  • Cross-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux distributions.
  • Secure signing flow: Transaction approval occurs on-device; Bridge only relays messages.
  • Independent updates: Bridge can be updated separately from browsers to maintain compatibility.

Tip: You can run Bridge only during active wallet sessions to reduce background activity.

System Requirements & Preparation

  • Supported OS: Windows 10/11, macOS 11+, or current Linux distribution.
  • Administrator or sudo privileges for installation.
  • Official Trezor hardware wallet and high-quality USB cable.
  • Access to the official Trezor download page.

Security reminder: Only use official installers. Avoid third-party downloads to prevent malicious tampering.

Installation & First Connection

  1. Download Bridge: Get the official installer for your OS from Trezor’s website.
  2. Run Installer: On Windows, run as administrator; on macOS, drag the app to Applications; on Linux, follow the package manager instructions.
  3. Grant Permissions: Bridge requires permission to run a background service and access USB devices.
  4. Start Bridge: Verify it’s running via the tray/menu icon or local status page.
  5. Connect Your Trezor: Use the official cable, open your wallet app, and connect via Bridge. Always confirm connection prompts on-device.

If you encounter issues, restart your browser or computer. Linux users may need to add udev rules to allow non-root USB access.

Security Best Practices

  • Always download official builds and verify signatures when available.
  • Keep your Trezor firmware updated using official methods.
  • Verify addresses and transaction details on the Trezor device before approving.
  • Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or browser.
  • Optionally quit Bridge when not in use to minimize runtime exposure.
  • Beware of phishing attacks; always verify wallet and exchange URLs.

Important: If your seed is ever exposed, generate a new one on a secure device and move funds immediately.

Daily Usage Tips

Connectivity Tips

  • Keep Bridge running during wallet sessions to avoid repeated prompts.
  • Use reliable USB cables and avoid unpowered hubs.
  • Close unused browser tabs to prevent session conflicts.

Safe Signing Practices

  • Always check transaction details on-device before signing.
  • Cancel suspicious requests and verify via wallet or blockchain explorer.
  • Understand smart contract approvals and permissions before signing.

Migration & Restore Guidance

Bridge is a conduit and does not store wallet data. Migration workflows involve the Trezor device and wallet app:

Migrating Funds from Exchanges or Custodial Wallets

  1. Create or restore a Trezor wallet and securely store the recovery seed offline.
  2. Generate a receive address and verify it on-device.
  3. Send a small test amount; then transfer remaining funds.
  4. For tokens, confirm wallet support for the token and network.

Restoring a Seed on a New Device

  1. Verify the recovery phrase is complete and correct.
  2. Use official restore flow; enter seed only on the hardware device.
  3. Update firmware and verify accounts via wallet app.
  4. If seed may be compromised, move funds to a new secure seed immediately.

For advanced users with passphrases, derivation paths, or multisig setups, document non-sensitive metadata to ensure reliable restores.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Bridge Not Detected

  1. Check that Bridge is running.
  2. Restart browser and clear site data.
  3. Reinstall using the latest official installer.

Intermittent Disconnects

  • Try a different USB cable or port.
  • Disable USB power-saving features.
  • Ensure firmware and Bridge are updated.

Linux Permissions / udev Errors

Install vendor-provided udev rules and reload with sudo udevadm control --reload-rules.

Suspicious Signing Requests

If requests display unexpected data or addresses, cancel immediately and verify transactions independently.

FAQ

Does Bridge see my private keys?

No. Bridge forwards messages; private keys remain on-device.

Is Bridge required for mobile?

No, mobile apps use Bluetooth or specific connectors. Consult mobile wallet documentation.

How to update Bridge?

Download the latest installer from the official site and run it. Some OS package managers may provide updates.

What if I suspect a compromised installer?

Do not run it. Delete, redownload from the official site, verify signatures, and contact support.

Final Recommendations

Trezor Bridge® ensures smooth and secure connectivity between your hardware wallet and web browsers. Maintain security by using official downloads, verifying on-device approvals, backing up seeds offline, testing migrations with small amounts, and following official guidance. If anything seems suspicious, pause and consult vendor resources before proceeding.