What is Trezor Bridge and why it matters
Trezor Bridge is the local connector software that enables secure communication between a Trezor hardware device and web interfaces on a desktop. It handles the low-level messaging between the browser and the device, ensuring commands and responses are routed safely. For anyone managing private keys on a hardware device, a stable Bridge installation is essential for interacting with wallets, signing transactions, and performing device maintenance.
Step-by-step installation
Installation is straightforward on standard desktop systems. Download the Bridge installer from official channels and run the package for your operating system. On modern systems the installer will place a small background service that listens for connections from browser pages and routes them to the device attached via USB.
- Obtain the installer from the vendor's official distribution page.
- Run the installer with administrative privileges when required.
- Confirm the background service is running after installation — many systems expose a small indicator or a system tray icon.
- Open your wallet web interface and allow the browser to connect when prompted.
Browser considerations and permissions
Modern browsers have tightened direct device access for security. Bridge typically avoids direct browser USB APIs by providing a local service which the browser reaches via a loopback HTTP endpoint. If a browser blocks access, check that the Bridge service is running, and that the browser has permission to reach local loopback addresses. Some privacy extensions or hardened profiles may require an explicit exception.
Secure usage tips
Always verify on the device screen before approving any action. That physical confirmation is the primary defense against remote tampering. Keep the host machine free of unknown code, maintain up-to-date system patches, and avoid connecting the device to public or shared machines for sensitive operations. Back up any recovery phrases in a secure, offline way and keep them separate from the device.
Common troubleshooting steps
If the wallet web interface cannot detect the device, try the following sequence:
- Disconnect and reconnect the USB cable; prefer high-quality cables that support data.
- Restart the Bridge service or the host system to clear transient resource issues.
- Try a different USB port, avoiding hubs; direct motherboard ports are more reliable.
- Temporarily disable browser extensions that intercept network requests or block local connections.
- Reinstall the Bridge package if the service fails to start or behaves inconsistently.
Updating and maintenance
Keep Bridge up to date. Updates may add compatibility for new operating system versions or improve security and reliability. Before updating, close any wallet pages and ensure the device is not mid-operation. After an update, confirm the service restarts automatically and verify successful connection to a trusted wallet page.
Advanced diagnostics
For persistent issues, examine Bridge logs provided by the service. Logs often contain clear error codes indicating permission issues, device enumeration failures, or certificate problems. Use the logs to narrow root causes and, when necessary, share sanitized log excerpts with support teams for faster resolution.
Uninstalling safely
To remove Bridge, stop the service and run the official uninstaller for your system. Confirm no wallet pages are open and that the device is disconnected. If reinstalling, reboot before running the fresh installer to remove lingering processes.
FAQ — quick answers
Q: The web page can’t see my device — what next?
A: Confirm the Bridge service runs, check USB cable and port, and temporarily disable restrictive browser extensions.
Q: The service shows an error after a system upgrade?
A: Reinstall the latest Bridge build and confirm system-level permissions for the service. Reboots often help after system-level changes.
Example: Restart the Bridge service (macOS)
sudo launchctl stop com.trezor.bridge
sudo launchctl start com.trezor.bridge
Following the steps above will resolve most common issues while keeping device operation secure. The Bridge component is intentionally lightweight but crucial — treat it as part of your secure workflow and keep an eye on updates and trusted channels for distribution.