What is Trezor® Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a background communication service that enables web browsers to securely interact with your Trezor® hardware wallet. It acts as a liaison between your browser and your Trezor® device, facilitating the secure exchange of information without compromising your private keys, which always remain protected on your hardware wallet.

Unlike browser extensions that might have security vulnerabilities, Trezor Bridge operates as a standalone application on your computer, providing a more secure connection method for accessing your Trezor® Wallet through web browsers.

Installation and Setup Process

1Automatic Installation

When you first visit the trezor.io/start page or attempt to use the web version of Trezor Suite, you'll be prompted to install Trezor Bridge if it's not already on your system. The installation process is straightforward and guided by the website.

2Manual Installation

If automatic installation doesn't occur, you can manually download Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor website. The application is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems.

3Verification

Once installed, Trezor Bridge runs silently in the background. The Trezor Bridge login process is automatic - when you connect your device and access Trezor Suite web version, Bridge facilitates the connection without requiring separate authentication.

Note: The desktop version of Trezor Suite does not require Bridge, as it has built-in communication capabilities. Bridge is specifically needed for browser-based access to your Trezor® Wallet.

How Trezor Bridge Enhances Security

Isolated Environment

Bridge operates separately from your browser, creating a secure channel that is less vulnerable to browser-based attacks and extensions that might compromise security.

Encrypted Communication

All data transmitted between your Trezor® device and the web interface is encrypted, protecting your information from interception.

Automatic Updates

Bridge regularly checks for and installs security updates, ensuring you always have the latest protection against emerging threats.

No Private Key Exposure

Like all Trezor® interactions, your private keys never leave your hardware device, even when using Bridge for communication.

Troubleshooting Common Bridge Issues

If you encounter connection problems with your Trezor® device, consider these solutions:

Trezor Bridge vs. Desktop Suite

While Trezor Bridge enables web browser connectivity, the desktop version of Trezor Suite (available through trezor suite download) offers built-in communication capabilities without requiring Bridge. The desktop application generally provides enhanced security and performance compared to the web version.

For mobile users, the trezor suite app connects directly to your device without needing Bridge, using either USB-OTG or Bluetooth connectivity depending on your device model and mobile platform.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use the desktop app?

No, the desktop version of Trezor Suite has built-in communication capabilities and does not require Bridge. Bridge is only necessary when using the web version of Trezor Suite through a browser.

Is Trezor Bridge compatible with all browsers?

Trezor Bridge works with most modern browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Brave. It may not function correctly with some less common or outdated browsers.

How do I know if Trezor Bridge is running?

Bridge runs as a background service. On Windows, you can check in your system tray; on macOS, look in the menu bar; on Linux, it runs as a background process. The Trezor Suite web interface will also indicate if Bridge is properly connected.

Can I use Trezor Bridge with multiple devices?

Yes, Trezor Bridge can handle connections from multiple Trezor® devices simultaneously, allowing you to manage different wallets through the same browser interface.

What security risks does Bridge protect against?

Bridge protects against browser-based attacks, malicious extensions, and man-in-the-middle attacks by creating a secure communication channel outside of the browser environment.

Do I need to manually update Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge automatically checks for updates and typically installs them without user intervention. However, if you're experiencing issues, manually reinstalling the latest version can help.