Trezor Bridge is a background communication service that enables your Trezor® hardware wallet to interact with web browsers. It acts as a secure bridge between your device and web applications like Trezor Suite, allowing for seamless communication without compromising security.
Unlike browser extensions that were used in the past, Trezor Bridge runs as a standalone application on your computer, providing more stable connectivity and enhanced security features. It's an essential component for accessing your Trezor® Wallet through web browsers while maintaining the highest security standards.
Trezor Bridge facilitates communication using the WebUSB API, which allows web applications to access USB devices securely. Here's how it works:
This architecture ensures that even though you're using a web interface, your sensitive data never leaves your hardware wallet, maintaining the security benefits of cold storage.
Trezor Bridge is typically installed automatically during the initial setup process at trezor.io/start. However, if you need to install it manually:
Visit the official Trezor Bridge download page (available through trezor.io/start) and select the version compatible with your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. The process is straightforward and typically requires no technical knowledge.
After installation, restart your web browser to ensure it recognizes the newly installed Bridge.
Connect your Trezor® device and visit Trezor Suite to begin using your wallet.
Note: The desktop version of Trezor Suite includes Bridge functionality and doesn't require separate installation for browser communication.
The Trezor Bridge login process enables secure access to your wallet through web browsers:
This process ensures that your sensitive information is never exposed to your computer or browser, maintaining the security integrity of your hardware wallet.
If you encounter problems with Trezor Bridge, try these solutions:
If problems persist, consider using the Trezor Suite desktop application, which includes built-in Bridge functionality without requiring a separate installation.
Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use the desktop version of Trezor Suite?
No, the desktop version of Trezor Suite has built-in functionality that replaces Trezor Bridge. You only need the separate Bridge application if you're using the web version of Trezor Suite.
Is Trezor Bridge compatible with all operating systems?
Trezor Bridge is compatible with Windows (7 and newer), macOS (10.11 and newer), and Linux (most modern distributions). The installation process varies slightly between systems but is straightforward on all platforms.
Can I use Trezor Bridge with multiple browsers?
Yes, once installed, Trezor Bridge works with all supported browsers on your system, including Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave. You don't need to install separate versions for each browser.
How is Trezor Bridge different from the old Chrome extension?
Trezor Bridge is a standalone application that works with multiple browsers, while the Chrome extension was limited to Chrome only. Bridge also provides more stable connectivity, automatic updates, and enhanced security compared to the deprecated extension approach.
Does Trezor Bridge pose any security risks?
No, Trezor Bridge is designed with security in mind. It doesn't have access to your recovery seed or private keys, which always remain on your Trezor® device. The Bridge simply facilitates secure communication between your device and web browsers.
What should I do if Trezor Bridge stops working after a system update?
System updates can sometimes affect Trezor Bridge. Usually, simply reinstalling Bridge from trezor.io/start will resolve any compatibility issues. If problems persist, check the Trezor support knowledge base for specific guidance related to your operating system.