Trezor Bridge is a compact, security‑focused application that acts as a translator between your computer (or browser) and your Trezor hardware wallet. It’s not flashy, but its role is crucial: Bridge handles USB-level communication and exposes a limited, well-defined interface so web applications and desktop tools can interact with your device without direct low-level access. That separation is what helps keep private keys sealed inside the hardware—where they belong.
How Bridge protects your crypto
When you request an action—like sending funds, exporting a public key, or signing a message—your browser crafts the request and passes it to Bridge. Bridge forwards that request to your Trezor device, which displays the transaction details on its secure screen and requires you to physically confirm. Because the key material never leaves the device and signatures are produced onboard, even if your computer were compromised, an attacker could not sign transactions without the device owner’s approval.
Private keys remain inside the hardware; Bridge only relays requests and responses.
Each sensitive action requires on‑device verification so no silent approvals occur.
Bridge limits what external software can request, reducing the host attack surface.
Installation & compatibility
Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Install it from the official Trezor website to avoid tampered versions. Once installed, the service runs in the background and is generally detected automatically by compatible browser wallets and the official Trezor Suite. On first use you may need to grant a browser permission or reload the page where you're interacting with a wallet interface.
Practical security tips
- Download official builds only. Avoid unofficial or mirrored installers—always use the vendor site.
- Keep software up to date. Regularly update Bridge and your device firmware for security and compatibility fixes.
- Confirm everything on the device. Carefully check addresses and amounts shown on the device display before approving.
- Prefer trusted machines. Use a personal, secure computer rather than public terminals when moving large amounts.
- Secure your recovery seed. Bridge doesn't manage seeds—store your recovery phrase offline, in a physically secure place.
Troubleshooting quick fixes
If your wallet isn't detected, check that Bridge is installed and running. Try a different USB cable or port, restart Bridge, or reboot the machine. Some browser extensions or settings can block detection—temporarily disabling them or trying an alternate browser often helps. If issues continue, check firmware compatibility and consult official support resources.