Trezor Bridge is the lightweight, local connector that securely links your Trezor hardware wallet to desktop and browser applications. This guide explains safe installation, how Bridge operates, troubleshooting steps, privacy considerations, and enterprise deployment practices — all focused on preserving the device-first security boundary.
Trezor Bridge exists to mediate communication between your computer and a connected Trezor device. It is intentionally minimal: Bridge does not store or transmit private keys or recovery seeds. Instead, it enumerates USB devices, forwards requests from trusted applications, and relays responses after the hardware device performs on-device verification and signing. This clear separation keeps secret material inside the hardware while allowing convenient host-side UX.
Always obtain Bridge from the official onboarding portal: trezor.io/start. Installers are provided for Windows, macOS, and common Linux distributions. Where checksums or digital signatures are published, verify them. During installation, Bridge registers a local service or helper that responds to requests only when needed by supported applications.
During setup, the operating system may prompt for permissions to access USB devices; those permissions are required for Bridge to detect connected Trezor hardware.
When a user opens a supported app (for example, Trezor Suite or a verified browser dApp), that application connects to Bridge using a local API. Bridge enumerates connected devices and forwards application requests to the Trezor device. The Trezor device then displays transaction or request details on its screen, and only after explicit on-device approval will it generate a signature or return sensitive responses. This model ensures the host never has access to private keys.
Trezor’s security model assumes that the device holds the secrets while the host may be untrusted. Bridge minimizes risk by operating as a simple forwarder and by requiring applications to use established, vetted protocols. Best practices include:
Bridge transmits only the data necessary for device discovery and request forwarding. It never collects seeds or private keys. Users concerned about metadata can restrict telemetry at the application level, use dedicated endpoints, or employ network-level privacy tools. Be mindful that on-chain privacy is separate — practice coin-control and address hygiene where appropriate.
Connectivity issues are often straightforward to resolve: ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen, try a different USB cable or direct host port (avoid unpowered hubs), restart the Bridge service or host machine, or reinstall Bridge from the official site. For browser detection, confirm WebUSB support and disable extensions that may interfere. If problems persist, consult official documentation and diagnostics before sharing logs with verified support channels.
For organizational deployments, integrate Bridge into hardened endpoints with signed software distributions, centralized update management, and strict network policies. Combine hardware wallets with multi-signature workflows or HSM-backed custody for higher assurance. Maintain documented provisioning, chain-of-custody logs, and separation of duties to reduce insider and supply-chain risks.