Trezor Bridge | Starting® Up® Your® Device®

A clear, friendly walkthrough for installing Trezor® Bridge, connecting your Trezor® device, and keeping your crypto access secure.

Introduction

Trezor® Bridge is the small host-side helper that lets your computer talk to your Trezor® hardware wallet via USB. This guide walks you through downloading, installing, and using Trezor Bridge safely on Windows, macOS, and Linux. We'll also cover common troubleshooting steps, security best practices, and FAQ so you can get started quickly and securely.

Before you begin — What you’ll need

  • Trezor® hardware device (Model T or One) with its original cable.
  • Computer running Windows 10/11, macOS, or a modern Linux distribution.
  • Chrome, Firefox, or Edge — an up-to-date browser for the Trezor web suite.
  • Internet connection to download Bridge and firmware (if needed).

Step 1 — Download the correct Trezor® Bridge

Download only from official channels. Look for the official Trezor distribution for your OS and follow the instructions on the website.

Security note: Never download Bridge from third-party mirrors or random links. Always verify the site domain and HTTPS padlock.

Step 2 — Install (quick platform notes)

Windows

  1. Run the downloaded installer trezor-bridge-setup.exe.
  2. Allow the installer to add the driver and accept prompt UAC if shown.
  3. When finished, reboot if the installer asks.

macOS

  1. Open the downloaded .dmg, drag the Bridge app to Applications if required.
  2. On newer macOS, you may need to approve the extension in System Settings → Privacy & Security.
  3. Grant permissions if prompted and restart your browser.

Linux

Many distributions provide packages, or you can use the generic installer. Linux users sometimes need to add a udev rule so the wallet is accessible without root:

# Example (run as root)
echo 'SUBSYSTEM=="usb", ATTR{idVendor}=="534c", MODE="0664", GROUP="plugdev"' > /etc/udev/rules.d/51-trezor.rules
udevadm control --reload-rules
udevadm trigger

Step 3 — Connect your Trezor® device

Use the original cable. Connect your Trezor® to the computer. Open your browser and go to your Trezor Suite or web interface. When requested, allow the browser to use Trezor Bridge.

Troubleshooting — Quick fixes

  • No device detected: Try a different USB port or cable; avoid USB hubs. Ensure Bridge is running in your system tray / menubar.
  • Permission denied on Linux: Check udev rules and add your user to the plugdev group, then re-login.
  • Browser can't connect: Restart the browser. Disable conflicting extensions that block USB or change network behavior.
  • Firmware update failed: Do not unplug the device. Follow the instructions shown in the official app; if stuck, contact official support and provide device model and software version.

Security best practices

Your Trezor® hardware wallet is your vault — treat its setup like a bank vault configuration:

  • Seed safety: Your recovery seed (recovery phrase) is the single most important secret. Write it down on the card provided or a metal backup. Don't store it in cloud notes or photos.
  • Never share: No legitimate service will ever ask for your recovery phrase. If a website or support asks for it, it's a scam.
  • Keep software updated: Keep Trezor Suite, your browser, and Trezor Bridge up to date to receive security and stability fixes.
  • Buy hardware from official channels: Unsealed or tampered packaging is a red flag — return and obtain a direct replacement from the manufacturer or authorized reseller.

Advanced: Using Trezor Bridge programmatically

Trezor Bridge exposes an API used by official apps. Developers who integrate must follow the official documentation and ensure user consent flows are clear. Never automate or share private keys in server-side logs.

Common FAQ

Do I need Trezor Bridge if I use Trezor Suite?

Trezor Suite includes direct desktop connections; Bridge is primarily for browser-based interactions and some third-party apps. Install Bridge when the web interface prompts you to.

Is Bridge safe?

Bridge is a local helper that talks to the device. When downloaded from official sources and kept updated, it is safe. Treat downloads with the same caution as any security-critical software.

Can I use a USB hub or hub cable?

Best practice: plug directly into a known-good USB port. Some hubs can cause intermittent connections or insufficient power for the device.

When things go wrong — what to gather before support

Prepare the following when contacting official support (never send your recovery phrase):

  • Device model (Trezor One or Model T)
  • OS and version (e.g., Windows 11, macOS Ventura)
  • Bridge version (if visible in the app/system tray)
  • Exact error messages and steps to reproduce

Checklist — Quick startup summary

  1. Download Bridge from official site.
  2. Install and approve permissions.
  3. Connect Trezor® with original cable.
  4. Open Trezor Suite or web app; allow Bridge access.
  5. Verify device screen prompts and confirm actions on-device only.
Tip: Always confirm actions on the physical device screen — the host computer can be compromised but the Trezor® display is your final authority.

Concluding notes

Trezor Bridge is a light, essential helper that makes browser-based interactions with your hardware wallet smooth and secure. Follow the steps above, keep your software updated, and treat your recovery phrase with extreme caution. With those basics in place, you’ll be ready to manage your crypto safely.