What Is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight helper application developed by SatoshiLabs that allows your Trezor hardware wallet (such as Model One, Model T) to communicate securely with web browsers or web apps (like Trezor Suite Web, MetaMask, MyCrypto, etc.). Modern web browsers often restrict direct access to USB‑connected hardware devices for security reasons. Bridge provides a safe, local communication channel to enable full functionality.
Why You Need Trezor Bridge
- Browser compatibility: Many browsers block direct USB access; Bridge solves this gently so your Trezor can still work.
- Secure communication: It ensures messages passed between your browser and device are handled safely without exposing your private keys. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
- No legacy extensions: Older plugins or browser extensions for Trezor are deprecated. Bridge is the modern replacement. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Cross‑platform support: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
How to Download & Install Trezor Bridge
- Go to the official Trezor website: trezor.io/bridge. Ensure you are on the correct domain. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Select your operating system: Windows, macOS, or a supported Linux distribution. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Download the installer or package that matches your OS. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Run the installer:
- On Windows: run the `.exe` installer.
- On macOS: run the `.pkg` or `.dmg` file.
- On Linux: install via package manager or the provided package. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- After installation, restart your browser to let it detect the Bridge service. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Connect your Trezor device via USB. Your browser or web interface should now detect it. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Security Features & Measures
Trezor Bridge is developed with multiple layers of protection to ensure you remain safe:
- End‑to‑end encryption: Data exchanged between browser and device is encrypted so that unauthorized parties cannot intercept it. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Private Keys Stay Offline: Bridge never stores your private keys, recovery seed, or PIN. Only the Trezor device handles those. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Firmware authenticity verification: Before operations, firmware integrity is checked to ensure your device is genuine and not tampered with. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Resistance to Man‑in‑the‑Middle attacks: Bridge isolates communications locally instead of sending requests over insecure channels. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Trezor Bridge is built by SatoshiLabs, it is open‑source and audited, and it never exposes or transmits private keys. Always ensure you downloaded it from the official site. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
No. If you are using the desktop version of Trezor Suite, it usually includes whatever is necessary to talk to your Trezor device without needing a separate Bridge installation. Bridge is most important when using web interfaces or browsers that don’t have direct USB support. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Bridge supports modern browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, etc. Operating systems include recent Windows 10 & 11, macOS (newest versions), and major Linux distributions. If your browser supports WebUSB, sometimes Bridge may not be needed. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Check that Bridge is running (look in system tray / menu bar). Restart your browser. Try different USB port or cable. Update Bridge to latest version. If still not resolved, check browser permissions or clear cache. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Important Reminders
- Always download the official Trezor Bridge package from trezor.io.
- Never enter your recovery seed, PIN, or private keys into any website or prompt outside your hardware device.
- Keep your Bridge, browser, and OS up to date for best security.