Overview — purpose and scope
Trezor Bridge provides a local API that mediates USB (and platform-specific) interactions between your computer and a connected Trezor device. It is intentionally minimalist: Bridge does not handle or store secrets. Instead, it forwards requests from trusted applications to the Trezor device and returns only the public responses necessary to display accounts or receive cryptographic signatures after on-device confirmation.
Download and installation
Always download Bridge from the official Trezor start page: trezor.io/start. Official installers are provided for Windows, macOS, and common Linux distributions. Where checksums or signatures are published, verify them to ensure package integrity. During installation Bridge registers a local service/agent that runs only when needed by supported applications.
How Bridge works
When a supported application requests access to a Trezor device, Bridge mediates the session: it enumerates devices, forwards the application’s request, and transports messages to the hardware. The Trezor device displays human-readable transaction details and requires explicit physical approval from the user before producing a signature. Bridge never exposes private keys or recovery seeds to the host.
Security considerations
Trezor’s security model assumes the device holds the secrets and the host acts as a potentially untrusted UI. Bridge’s role is to minimize friction while maintaining the device-centric trust boundary. Follow these best practices:
- Download Bridge only from trezor.io/start and verify any published checksums or signatures.
- Confirm every transaction and action on your Trezor device display before approval.
- Keep device firmware, Bridge, and companion apps up to date using official updates.
- Use a trusted host machine for high-value operations and minimize untrusted browser extensions.
Privacy & telemetry
Bridge transmits only the data required for device enumeration and request forwarding. It does not collect or send your recovery seed or private keys. For users seeking additional privacy, use dedicated endpoints, limit telemetry in supported applications, and consider network-level protections where appropriate.
Troubleshooting common issues
Most connectivity problems are resolved with simple steps: ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen, try a different USB cable or port (prefer direct host ports over hubs), restart the Bridge service or host machine, or reinstall Bridge from the official site. If a browser does not detect a device, verify WebUSB support and that no extensions block device access.
Tip: When possible, use the official Trezor Suite app for automated diagnostics — it can detect outdated Bridge versions and guide safe updates.
Enterprise & advanced deployment
Organizations deploying Trezor devices at scale should consider hardened endpoints, dedicated management workstations, signed software distributions, and strict network controls. Bridge can be integrated within a controlled environment where update deployment, logging, and access policies are centrally managed. Combine hardware wallets with multi-signature or policy-enforced workflows for higher assurance custody.
Conclusion
Trezor Bridge is a small but critical connector that preserves the core security property of Trezor hardware wallets: private keys remain on-device, and signing requires on-device confirmation. When used with official software and best practices, Bridge enables convenient, secure interactions with desktop and browser tools without compromising the hardware trust boundary.