Trezor Bridge

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service that enables secure, local communication between your Trezor hardware device and wallet interfaces like Trezor Suite or supported web apps. It acts as a “bridge” translating commands and responses between your browser (or desktop app) and the USB/HID interface of your device, while ensuring that private keys never leave the hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

In many environments (especially older browsers or operating systems), direct WebUSB or HID support may be limited or inconsistent. Bridge supports those cases by exposing a local API, improving compatibility and stability across platforms. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

How It Works — Under the Hood

When installed, Trezor Bridge runs as a background process (daemon/service) on your local machine. It listens on a `localhost` (loopback) port and accepts requests from trusted wallet software or web apps. Those requests are translated and forwarded over USB (or HID) to your Trezor device. Responses (e.g. public keys, signatures) are sent back through the Bridge to the application. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Critically, Bridge does **not** store or access your private keys. All cryptographic signing, seed management, and key derivation occur inside the Trezor device itself. Bridge merely relays and mediates. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Installation & Setup

1. Download from official source
   Navigate to the official Trezor downloads or Bridge page (e.g. `trezor.io/bridge`) and select your operating system. Always verify checksums or digital signatures when available. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
2. Run the installer
   On Windows, use the `.exe` installer; on macOS, use `.pkg`; on Linux, use the appropriate package (e.g. `.deb`, `.rpm`) or repository instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
3. Restart your browser / apps
   After installation, restart your browser or the desktop wallet so it can detect the Bridge service. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
4. Connect your Trezor
   Plug in your device (using data-capable USB cable). The application should detect it and prompt for confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
5. Authorize operations
   When your app requests a transaction or any sensitive operation, review the details on the Trezor device screen and confirm or reject. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Note: In many modern Trezor Suite desktop versions, Bridge functionality is integrated or bundled, reducing the need for separate installation. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Deprecation & Migration

Trezor’s roadmap indicates that the **standalone** Bridge installer is becoming deprecated. In newer versions of Trezor Suite, connectivity logic is being folded into the Suite application itself, lessening reliance on Bridge as a separate component. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

If you have a legacy standalone Bridge installed, the official guidance suggests uninstalling it to avoid conflicts with the integrated connectivity in newer Suite releases. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Security & Best Practices

Although Bridge is designed to minimize trust, security also depends heavily on your environment and usage behavior. Below are recommended practices:

• Always download installers from the official Trezor site and verify digital signatures where provided. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
• Keep Bridge, Trezor Suite / apps, and your device firmware up-to-date. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
• Use a trusted, secure computer free from malware or rootkits.
• When approving transactions, carefully verify address, amount, and other details displayed on the Trezor device — not just what the app shows.
• Avoid exposing Bridge to external networks: ensure it listens only on localhost (i.e. `127.0.0.1`).
• If you stop using Bridge or move fully to Suite, uninstall the standalone Bridge to reduce conflicting behavior. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
• Be alert for phishing attempts — do not trust unsolicited prompts to install or update Bridge unless initiated by you.

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

• Bridge not running / not detected: Restart the service or your computer, ensure the process (e.g. `trezord`) is active. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• Browser cannot connect: Restart the browser, clear cache, or try a different browser. Check that browser security policies aren’t blocking `localhost`. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• USB permission issues: On some OSs you may need to allow access to USB devices or grant permissions. Use a data-capable USB cable. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
• Multiple Bridge versions installed: Uninstall older versions before installing a fresh one to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Device isn’t recognized: Try another USB port/cable and power cycle the device. Make sure no other software is occupying the USB bus. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}

If your issue persists, consult the official support pages or Trezor community forums. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}