What is Trezor Bridge? Full Overview and Installation Guide

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service that enables communication between your Trezor device and supported web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Brave. It acts as a bridge between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based applications such as the Trezor Suite.

Unlike the older Trezor Chrome extension, Trezor Bridge works across multiple browsers and doesn't require any browser plugins. It runs as a standalone application in the background and facilitates secure communication with your Trezor device.

Note for Advanced Users

If you prefer not to install Trezor Bridge, you can use the Trezor Suite desktop application which has built-in communication capabilities. Alternatively, advanced users can run Trezor Bridge from source or use the command-line interface.

Why is Trezor Bridge Needed?

Web browsers have security restrictions that prevent websites from directly accessing USB devices. This is an important security feature that protects users from malicious websites trying to access connected devices without permission.

Trezor Bridge solves this problem by:

Enabling Secure Communication
It creates a secure communication channel between your browser and Trezor device, allowing authorized websites to interact with your hardware wallet.
Providing Cross-Browser Support
It works with multiple browsers without requiring browser-specific extensions.
Maintaining Security
It ensures that only authorized applications can communicate with your Trezor device, protecting you from malicious websites.
Running in Background
It operates as a background service, so you don't need to manually launch it each time you want to use your Trezor.

Installation Guide

Installing Trezor Bridge is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below for your operating system:

Windows

macOS

Linux

Download the Installer
Visit the official Trezor Bridge download page and download the Windows installer.
Download for Windows
Run the Installer
Locate the downloaded file (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click to run it.
Follow Installation Steps
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. You may need administrator privileges.
Restart Your Browser
After installation, restart your web browser for the changes to take effect.
Verify Installation
Connect your Trezor device and visit the Trezor Suite web app to verify everything is working correctly.

Download the Package
Visit the official Trezor Bridge download page and download the macOS package.
Download for macOS
Open the Package
Locate the downloaded file and double-click to open it. You may need to confirm that you want to open it.
Install Trezor Bridge
Drag the Trezor Bridge icon to your Applications folder to complete the installation.
Launch the Application
Open Trezor Bridge from your Applications folder. It will run in the background.
Verify Installation
Connect your Trezor device and visit the Trezor Suite web app to verify everything is working correctly.

Add Trezor Repository
Open a terminal and add the Trezor repository to your system:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install software-properties-common sudo add-apt-repository ppa:trezor.io/trezor
Install Trezor Bridge
Install Trezor Bridge using your package manager:
sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install trezor-bridge
Start the Service
Start the Trezor Bridge service:
sudo systemctl start trezor-bridge
Enable Auto-Start (Optional)
To automatically start Trezor Bridge on boot:
sudo systemctl enable trezor-bridge
Verify Installation
Connect your Trezor device and visit the Trezor Suite web app to verify everything is working correctly.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you're experiencing issues with Trezor Bridge, here are some common solutions:

Bridge Not Detected
Make sure Trezor Bridge is running. On Windows, check the system tray; on macOS, check the menu bar; on Linux, check if the service is running with systemctl status trezor-bridge.
Browser Compatibility Issues
Ensure you're using a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, or Brave) and that it's updated to the latest version.
Connection Problems
Try using a different USB cable or port. Some USB 3.0 ports can cause connectivity issues.
Reinstall Trezor Bridge
If problems persist, try uninstalling and then reinstalling Trezor Bridge.
Firewall Interference
Check if your firewall is blocking Trezor Bridge. You may need to add an exception for it.

Still Having Issues?

If you continue to experience problems, visit the Trezor Support Center for more help or contact their support team directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trezor Bridge safe to install?

Yes, Trezor Bridge is developed by SatoshiLabs, the creators of Trezor. It is open-source software, meaning its code can be reviewed by anyone for security issues. It only facilitates communication between your Trezor device and authorized web applications.

Do I need to keep Trezor Bridge running all the time?

No, you only need Trezor Bridge running when you want to access your Trezor device through a web browser. It doesn't consume significant resources when idle, so you can leave it running if you prefer.

Can I use Trezor without Bridge?

Yes, you have alternatives: 1) Use the Trezor Suite desktop application which has built-in communication capabilities, or 2) Use the command-line interface if you're comfortable with technical tools.

Does Trezor Bridge work with all Trezor models?

Yes, Trezor Bridge supports all Trezor hardware wallet models, including Trezor One and Trezor Model T.

How often should I update Trezor Bridge?

It's recommended to keep Trezor Bridge updated to the latest version. The software will typically notify you when updates are available. Regular updates ensure compatibility with the latest security features and browser updates.