Overview
Trezor Bridge® is the official communication layer that lets Trezor hardware wallets (Trezor One, Trezor Model T, and other compatible devices) interact with web-based interfaces. Unlike legacy browser extensions, Bridge runs as a small local application that securely proxies communication between your device and web pages, improving compatibility and stability across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and other browsers.
Why use Trezor Bridge®?
There are several reasons to use Trezor Bridge®:
- Cross-browser compatibility — works with Chromium-based and Firefox-based browsers.
- Stronger security model — communication happens locally and is cryptographically limited to what the web page requests.
- Better UX — streamlined device discovery and fewer permission prompts once properly installed.
Supported devices and browsers
Trezor Bridge® supports:
- Trezor Model T
- Trezor One
- Major browsers: Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Brave, and others that support WebUSB/WebHID via Bridge.
Pre-install checklist (what you'll need)
Before installing, gather these items:
- An internet-connected computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- A compatible Web browser (latest stable Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Brave recommended).
- Your Trezor device and its USB cable.
- Access to Trezor Official Website for downloads and official documentation.
Download & installation (step-by-step)
Follow these steps to download and install Trezor Bridge® from the official source. Always verify you are on the official site before downloading: Trezor Official Website.
1. Visit the official download page
Open your browser and go to the Trezor download page on the Trezor Official Website. Look for the Bridge installer link — it is offered for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Bookmark the page if you plan to reference installation instructions in the future.
2. Choose and run the installer
Download the appropriate installer for your operating system. On Windows, you'll typically get an .exe; on macOS a .pkg or .dmg; and on Linux, packages or a universal binary. Run the downloaded file and follow on-screen prompts.
3. Allow Bridge to run (macOS / Windows UAC)
macOS users may need to allow the Bridge app in System Preferences > Security & Privacy. Windows users might need to grant permission via User Account Control. This is normal — Bridge needs to run as a small background process to handle secure USB communications.
4. Confirm Bridge is active
After installation, you should see a small background process named trezord or Trezor Bridge running. Your browser may also prompt you the first time a webpage requests access to your device. Confirm that the request comes from a trusted site (preferably one you opened intentionally).
Connecting your Trezor device
Connect the Trezor device using its USB cable. Use the cable provided with your device (avoid long or charging-only cables). Once connected, your browser interface (for example, Trezor Suite or a supported third-party wallet) should detect the hardware wallet through Bridge.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your device is not detected, try the following:
- Reconnect the USB cable and try a different USB port.
- Restart the browser or the Bridge service on your computer.
- Check that Bridge is up-to-date by visiting the Trezor Official Website downloads page.
- Try a different browser — some older versions may not support the required APIs.
- On Linux, ensure you have udev rules or appropriate permissions. Official instructions are provided on the Trezor Official Website.
Browser permissions and security prompts
When a web page requests access to your Trezor device, your browser will show a permission prompt. Grant permission only to sites you trust. If you accidentally denied permission, disconnect and reconnect the device to trigger the prompt again, or clear the site-specific permissions in your browser settings.
Advanced: WebUSB, WebHID, and privacy considerations
Trezor Bridge® uses local APIs like WebUSB or WebHID to communicate with hardware. These APIs are designed with permission models so that websites cannot silently access your hardware. For extra safety:
- Only use official or well-reviewed web wallets and web apps.
- Keep your Trezor firmware up-to-date (check via official sources at Trezor Official Website).
- Never enter your recovery seed into any website — seeds belong only on your hardware device and on paper backups kept securely offline.
Security best practices
Using Bridge does not change the core security guarantees of Trezor: private keys remain inside the device and never leave it. However, you should still follow browser and system-level hygiene:
- Use a reputable, up-to-date browser.
- Keep your operating system patched and your Bridge software updated from Trezor Official Website.
- Consider running Bridge only when needed and closing background apps linked to web wallets when finished.
- Use strong, unique passwords for accounts that interact with your wallet (e.g., exchange accounts) and enable two-factor authentication where applicable.
FAQ
Q: Is Trezor Bridge® mandatory?
A: For most browser-based workflows, yes — Bridge is the recommended method for secure communication between web apps and your Trezor device. Some native apps or dedicated desktop clients may offer alternative connection methods.
Q: Can I use Trezor without Bridge?
A: You can use Trezor with alternative clients like Trezor Suite (desktop) or certain third-party wallets that use direct USB drivers, but Bridge is the simplest cross-platform solution for web-based interactions.
Q: Where do I get official support?
Official support articles, downloads, and the knowledge base are hosted on the Trezor Official Website. Always verify links and downloads before installing software.
Developer notes (for web developers)
If you maintain a web wallet or dApp and want to support Trezor devices via Bridge, follow these recommendations:
- Use the official client-side libraries and follow the protocol documentation hosted by the vendor on the Trezor Official Website.
- Gracefully detect the presence of Bridge and provide clear UX that prompts users to download Bridge if missing.
- Respect the browser's permission prompts and never attempt to access hardware without explicit user action.
Example: Detecting Bridge in JavaScript
// Basic pattern to detect WebUSB/WebHID availability
if ('hid' in navigator || 'usb' in navigator) {
console.log('Bridge-compatible APIs available');
} else {
console.log('Bridge or compatible API not available');
}
Real-world workflow: connect, sign, and disconnect
A typical session might look like this:
- Open your browser and navigate to the web wallet you trust.
- Connect your Trezor device via USB. Ensure Bridge is running.
- Authorize the website to access your device in the browser prompt.
- Choose the account and compose a transaction in the web wallet.
- Confirm transaction details on the Trezor device physically (review addresses and amounts).
- After signing, disconnect the device and quit the web wallet if you’re finished.
Endnote: Keep calm, stay secure
Using Trezor Bridge® pairs secure hardware with modern web convenience. When used correctly, it provides an excellent balance of usability and safety. Bookmark official resources, keep software updated from the Trezor Official Website, and treat your recovery seed as the ultimate last-resort key — not something you ever type into a computer or store online.