Trezor Bridge — Secure Connection for Your Trezor

1. Overview

Trezor Bridge is (or historically was) the small companion software that allowed a web browser or desktop application to communicate securely with a Trezor hardware wallet over USB. It acted as a local transport layer that translates between your Trezor device and web apps (for example, Trezor Suite in web mode), enabling operations such as account viewing, transaction signing and firmware updates.

1.1 Why a transport layer?

Browsers intentionally restrict direct USB/HID access for security. A local bridge server safely mediates those communications, enforcing origin checks and helping ensure only authorized pages can talk to your hardware wallet.

2. Current status & practical note

Important: Trezor has moved much of its user-facing functionality into the official Trezor Suite. The standalone Bridge has been deprecated and users are encouraged to migrate to the Suite (or to newer transport methods supported by modern devices). This transition improves the overall user experience and simplifies support.

Tip: If you still have a standalone Bridge installed, check Trezor’s official guidance for uninstall or upgrade instructions before installing new software.

3. Security model

3.1 Core principles

Local-only transport: Bridge runs locally (on your machine) so private data never traverses the internet via that service.
Origin checks: Only web pages with the correct origin are allowed to initiate device commands.
Device confirmation: Any action that moves funds requires manual confirmation on the Trezor device itself.

3.2 Threat vectors & mitigations

The main risks are running tampered software or malicious web pages. Mitigations: always download Bridge/Suite from official sources, verify signatures where provided, keep firmware up to date, and confirm transactions on the hardware device screen.

4. Practical usage notes

4.1 Installing and updating

Prefer using the official Trezor Suite desktop app for a smoother experience; Suite bundles or integrates the necessary transport layer as appropriate for your OS. If you require standalone Bridge for a particular legacy workflow, follow the official uninstall/installation guidance in the Trezor docs before proceeding.

4.2 Browser compatibility

Modern Trezor devices support WebUSB or other transport methods that reduce the need for Bridge in many setups — but dependencies vary by browser and OS. If a web app asks for Bridge, use only the official installer and validate it with the published guidance.

4.3 Quick troubleshooting

Restart the Bridge service or Trezor Suite if device is not detected.
Unplug and replug the device; try a different USB cable/port.
Check for conflicts with other wallet software that also access USB devices.

5. Best practices

Download only from official Trezor sources and GitHub org repos.
Keep both device firmware and Suite/Bridge up to date.
Verify package signatures when provided and prefer desktop Suite over older standalone Bridge.
Always confirm addresses and amounts on the hardware device screen before approving.
Use a healthy, up-to-date OS and avoid installing unnecessary USB-accessing utilities.