What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge historically acted as a lightweight, local communication layer that lets desktop apps and browsers talk to a Trezor hardware wallet. It runs on your machine and provides a stable, cross-platform transport between the hardware device and software that manages your coins.
Trezor Bridge handled transport issues that were otherwise inconsistent across browsers and operating systems (for example, WebUSB compatibility gaps). For many users, Bridge meant plug-and-play connectivity and fewer permission prompts — it did this by exposing a local API that authorized apps could use to access your Trezor device while keeping the device's security model intact.
Important: Current status and compatibility
Trezor's official documentation notes that the standalone Trezor Bridge has been deprecated and users should follow current Trezor Suite guidance for connectivity. Depending on your setup, Trezor Suite (and nodeBridge) may provide the recommended pathway forward. Always check the official Trezor guides and support pages for the latest compatibility details.
How it worked — installation & setup
When Bridge was in use, installation was straightforward: download the installer for Windows, macOS or Linux from Trezor's official pages, run the installer, and allow the background service to start. After installing, a small system service ran and automatically handled requests from supported websites and apps.
If you still have a legacy installation, Trezor now recommends removing the standalone Bridge and switching to the latest recommended tooling in Trezor Suite. See the official deprecation guide for uninstall instructions and migration tips.
Security model
Trezor Bridge itself did not store private keys or seeds — those remained on your Trezor device. Instead Bridge acted as a relay for messages that the device signed or encrypted. This model means that even if the host machine or Bridge process were compromised, the attacker would not automatically gain access to private keys without also having the physical device and the user's PIN (and passphrase, if used).
That said, secure practices are still crucial: only download Bridge from official sources, keep your desktop software and OS up to date, and never enter your recovery seed into a computer. If you’re unsure about what’s running on your machine, consult Trezor's support resources or remove legacy Bridge software and use officially supported approaches.
Troubleshooting common issues
Connectivity problems often stem from one of a few common causes: outdated/removed Bridge, blocked USB ports or drivers, browser compatibility, interfering security software, or an outdated device firmware.
- Check whether you have a legacy Bridge installed — Trezor's docs explain deprecation and uninstall steps.
- Try a different USB cable and port; avoid using USB hubs for initial setup.
- Ensure your Trezor's firmware is up to date and that you are running the latest Trezor Suite or recommended software stack.
- Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus that may block local services and re-test connectivity.
- Consult Trezor's troubleshooting pages and forums for device-specific guidance.
When to uninstall Bridge
If you are migrating to Trezor Suite or if the official guidance recommends removal, uninstall the standalone Bridge to avoid conflicts. Uninstall procedures vary by OS; follow the official removal instructions to ensure a clean migration.
Developer notes
Developers building web integrations historically used Bridge's local API or WebUSB alternatives to communicate with devices. Today, modern recommended approaches and SDKs may use other transports — refer to Trezor's developer docs and guides when building integrations to ensure compatibility with current tooling and security expectations.
Best practices & recommendations
- Always download software only from official Trezor channels.
- Prefer the latest Trezor Suite or other officially recommended tooling rather than legacy Bridge where instructed.
- Keep device firmware and host software updated.
- Never enter or store your recovery seed on a connected computer.
- Use strong PINs and consider a passphrase for additional account separation.
Need help?
Consult Trezor Support, troubleshooting guides, and the community forum for hands-on help. If you’re dealing with an unusual issue, provide exact OS details, Trezor model, firmware version, and any error messages to speed up diagnosis.