Trezor Bridge® — Connect Your Trezor to Web Browsers
A clear, browser-friendly guide to installing, using, and troubleshooting Trezor Bridge for secure hardware wallet connections.
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight helper application that enables modern web browsers to communicate with Trezor hardware wallets over USB. While browsers used to allow direct low-level USB access, changes in browser security meant a bridge component was necessary to safely and reliably connect Trezor devices to browser-based wallets such as Trezor Suite, web-based dApps, and exchange integrations.
Bridge acts as a translator and secure relay — it doesn't hold keys or account data. Your private keys always remain on the Trezor device itself. Bridge simply forwards encrypted requests between the browser and the device.
Why you should run Trezor Bridge
Using Bridge improves compatibility across browsers and operating systems. If you want to use the official Trezor Suite app or connect your device to web wallets that rely on USB transport, Bridge ensures:
- Stable device detection and consistent behavior across Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari (where supported)
- Simpler pairing flow with fewer prompts and clearer device names
- Enhanced security by isolating low-level USB access to a trusted local application
How to install Trezor Bridge
Installation is intentionally straightforward. Download the official installer from the Trezor website, run the installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux), then open your browser and visit the wallet or dApp you want to use. When asked to connect, choose your Trezor device and confirm the connection on the device screen.
Note: Always download Bridge from official sources and verify digital signatures when provided. Avoid third-party builds and unofficial links to reduce risk.
Using Bridge with different browsers
Most modern browsers either support a secure web API for USB devices or integrate with Bridge when installed. If your browser prompts for permission to access the device, grant permission only when you initiated the connection. If a browser doesn't detect the device, ensure Bridge is running and has the proper permissions on your OS.
Tip: If you switch between browsers regularly, keep Bridge updated. New browser releases occasionally change how USB endpoints are exposed and Bridge updates resolve compatibility gaps.
Security considerations
Trezor Bridge has been designed to minimise attack surface. Important points:
- Your seed phrase and private keys never leave the Trezor hardware — Bridge does not, and cannot, access secrets.
- Always confirm transaction details on the physical device screen before approving.
- Run only official Bridge installers and keep both firmware and Bridge updated to benefit from the latest security fixes.
Troubleshooting common issues
If your Trezor is not recognized, try the following steps in order:
- Check that the USB cable is data-capable and firmly connected.
- Restart Trezor Bridge (quit and relaunch the app).
- Reboot your computer and try a different USB port.
- Temporarily disable other USB management utilities or extensions that might intercept device access.
- Make sure your OS allows local applications to listen for USB devices (macOS System Settings, Windows privacy settings, Linux udev rules).
If issues persist, collect the Bridge logs (instructions in the official support docs) and contact support with the exact error text shown in Trezor Suite or your browser console.
Best practices
- Keep your computer free of malware and avoid installing unknown browser extensions.
- Verify downloads using checksums or signatures when available.
- Back up your recovery seed in multiple secure locations and never share it online.
- Use a dedicated machine or browser profile for crypto activities if you regularly interact with high-value accounts.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Do I need Bridge if I use Trezor Suite desktop app?
A: The desktop app usually includes the necessary transport; Bridge is primarily for browser-based interactions. However, Bridge can still be helpful if you use web wallets.
Q: Is Bridge safe to run on public networks?
A: Bridge only listens locally on your machine; it does not expose a public endpoint. Still, exercise caution on unknown networks and keep your OS firewall enabled.