Trezor Bridge

What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is official software from SatoshiLabs that enables communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and applications like Trezor Suite or compatible web wallets and dApps. It runs locally on your computer and acts as a transport layer over USB, allowing browser-based and desktop software to detect and interact with your device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Using Bridge ensures compatibility with browsers and operating systems that limit direct hardware access. It also enhances security by isolating sensitive operations to your physical device. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How It Works

1. Local Service: After installation, Bridge runs in the background on your computer, listening on a local port (e.g. localhost). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
2. USB Device Detection: When you plug in your Trezor device, Bridge sees it via USB/HID and establishes a secure transport link. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
3. Browser / App Communication: Web apps / Suite / dApps send requests to Bridge, which forwards them to the device. For example: get public address, sign transaction, view account info. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. On-Device Confirmation: Any signing or critical operation requires you to physically confirm on the Trezor device screen. Private keys are never exposed. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
5. Response Relay: Device returns the signed transaction or required data via Bridge back to the requesting app, which then broadcasts to the blockchain or updates UI. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Why You Need It

• Browser Limitations: Many modern browsers restrict or disable direct USB / WebUSB / WebHID access for devices. Bridge bypasses these restrictions safely. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
• Unified Experience: Whether you're using Trezor Suite web, desktop, or third-party web wallets, Bridge ensures consistent behavior across platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Security Control: Since all sensitive operations happen on the device itself, risk of remote compromise is minimized. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Legacy Support: For users who used older browser extensions or sites that depend on USB transport, Bridge remains compatible. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

How to Install & Configure

1. Go to the official Trezor website (e.g. trezor.io/bridge or via Suite’s Downloads). :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
2. Download the installer for your OS: Windows, macOS, Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
3. Verify integrity if a checksum or signature is provided. This helps ensure you have the untampered version. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
4. Install & run Bridge: follow the OS prompts. Bridge usually starts automatically. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
5. Restart browser / open Trezor Suite so it detects Bridge. Sometimes a restart helps. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
6. Plug in your Trezor device and confirm requests on the device screen when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Security Best Practices

• Download Bridge only from official Trezor site to avoid malicious copies. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Keep Bridge, your OS, browser, and device firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Always verify the device screen for details (address, amount, etc.) when signing transactions. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Avoid installing from third-party or mirror sites unless they are verified. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• Check that Bridge listens on localhost only, and is not exposed to external network. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• “Bridge not running” error: Often means the background service isn’t active. Try restarting your computer or checking for the “trezord” process. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Browser connection fails: Try another browser, clear cache, check that USB permissions are granted. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Multiple versions or outdated installers: Remove old Bridge installs before installing new ones. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Firmware mismatch: If firmware is outdated, Suite might ask to upgrade. Do so following official firmware update process. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}

Is Bridge Still Needed?

As of now, in many cases **Trezor Suite** (especially desktop) includes transport functionality internally, reducing the need for a standalone Bridge installer. But for web-based workflows, older browsers, or compatibility edge cases, Bridge remains relevant. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}

If you ever see prompts saying “install or update Trezor Bridge,” ensure you're using latest Suite and official Bridge, and check whether Suite alone can handle the connection. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}