Trezor Bridge – Definitive Guide & Reference

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a communication interface that allows your Trezor hardware wallet to connect to your computer and web browser. It acts as a background service or "bridge" between your device and Trezor Suite (or browser-based apps that support Trezor), enabling secure interactions without exposing your private keys.

It replaces older methods like WebUSB or the deprecated Chrome extension, making it the default communication tool for modern setups.

Why Use Trezor Bridge?

• Security: Prevents exposure of sensitive data by handling requests locally.
• Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Trezor Suite and third-party apps.
• Performance: Lightweight service that runs in the background with minimal impact.
• Cross-platform: Works on Windows, macOS, and Linux.

How to Install Trezor Bridge

Follow these steps to install Trezor Bridge safely on your system:

1. Go to the official Trezor Bridge download page.
2. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
3. Download the installer and run it.
4. After installation, refresh your browser or relaunch Trezor Suite.

After installing, Trezor Bridge runs as a background process and starts automatically when you boot your device.

Troubleshooting Trezor Bridge Issues

Common problems and how to fix them:

• Device not detected: Try restarting your browser and ensure Trezor Bridge is running.
• Bridge not installed: Check in your system's background services or reinstall.
• Browser extension conflict: Disable old Trezor Chrome extension or any conflicting USB tools.
• Firewall/Antivirus blocks: Whitelist Trezor Bridge in your security software.
• Outdated version: Revisit trezor.io/bridge and download the latest update.

Advanced Usage of Trezor Bridge

If you're a developer or power user, Trezor Bridge supports advanced features:

• API Integration: Communicate with localhost:21325 where Trezor Bridge listens.
• Custom Wallets: Use Bridge in combination with custom crypto wallets or backend services.
• CLI Utilities: For scripting wallet operations on local machines.

You can also disable Bridge temporarily by stopping its background process if you prefer WebUSB.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Trezor Bridge required?

If you're using Trezor Suite on desktop, yes. Some web wallets may use WebUSB instead, but Bridge is more stable.

Is it safe?

Yes, it's open-source and maintained by SatoshiLabs. Always download from the official site.

Can I uninstall it?

You can uninstall it like any program, but Trezor Suite will prompt you to reinstall it when needed.

Where is it installed?

Windows: C:\Program Files\Trezor Bridge
macOS: /Applications/Trezor Bridge
Linux: Varies by distro, typically in /opt or via package manager

Conclusion

Trezor Bridge is an essential tool that enables your hardware wallet to securely communicate with applications. It's lightweight, reliable, and continuously updated to provide a seamless experience for Trezor users worldwide.

Whether you're a crypto beginner or an experienced trader, understanding Trezor Bridge will help you better secure your assets and avoid common connectivity issues.