Trezor Bridge

What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background service (daemon) that runs on your operating system and acts as a secure intermediary between your Trezor hardware wallet and host software such as web wallets or Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Because modern browsers restrict direct USB access (for security reasons), Bridge provides a local, trusted interface through which browser-based or desktop applications can communicate with the Trezor device. Bridge abstracts away operating system differences, USB stack quirks, and permission issues to offer a smooth, consistent experience. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Why Do You Need Trezor Bridge?

• Browser USB limitations: Many browsers impose restrictions on direct USB hardware access; Bridge bypasses that by running locally and exposing a safe interface. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Cross‑platform compatibility: Bridge ensures that your Trezor device works consistently across Windows, macOS, and Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Security & isolation: Bridge doesn’t hold your private keys or seeds — it merely passes commands between trusted software and the hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Legacy plugin replacement: It replaces older browser extensions or connectors (like the Chrome connector) which had limitations and security concerns. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• Enabling advanced functions: Firmware updates, passphrase handling, device settings, and other advanced operations rely on Bridge to safely mediate between device and host. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

How Trezor Bridge Works (Technical Overview)

1. Bridge runs as a local service: After installation, it operates in the background, listening on a loopback interface (e.g. `127.0.0.1:xxxx`) for requests from client software. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. Host software sends requests: When you use a wallet interface (like Trezor Suite or a browser wallet), it sends commands (e.g. “get public key,” “sign transaction”) to the Bridge service. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. Bridge forwards to the Trezor device: Bridge translates the host command into USB-level communication to the device. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. Device processes and replies: The Trezor hardware executes the command (e.g. signing, reading data) and returns a response. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. Bridge relays back to host: The response is delivered to the host application, which interprets it and updates UI or proceeds with next steps. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
6. Origin & validity checks: Bridge verifies that the calling host is trusted (origin checks) and that the commands are well‑formed and safe. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Installing & Managing Trezor Bridge

Steps to Install

1. Download the correct version of Bridge from the official Trezor site (Windows, macOS, Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
2. Run the installer (or package) and follow the OS prompts (approve permissions, USB access). :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
3. Once installed, Bridge usually starts automatically as a background service. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
4. Connect your Trezor hardware, open your wallet interface (e.g. Trezor Suite or browser wallet), and it should detect the device. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

Updating & Uninstalling

Note: The standalone Trezor Bridge has been **deprecated** and in some future versions may be integrated or replaced by components bundled with Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

If you already have the standalone Bridge installed, it could interfere with newer releases of Suite. Uninstall it when prompted. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}

Uninstall Instructions

• **Windows**: Use the uninstall executable in Program Files > Trezor Bridge or via Windows Settings / Control Panel. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
• **macOS**: Use the uninstall package or remove via Applications > Utilities > Trezor Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
• **Linux**: Use your package manager (e.g. `sudo apt remove trezor-bridge`) or the appropriate removal command. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}

Security & Best Practices

• Use official sources: Always download Bridge from the official Trezor domain to avoid malicious or counterfeit versions. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
• Keep Bridge up to date: Updates often include compatibility fixes and security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
• Verify firmware and device prompts: You should always check the device display before confirming any operation. Bridge cannot override hardware confirmation. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
• Avoid multiple Bridge instances: Having redundant or conflicting Bridge installations can cause detection issues. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
• Whitelist Bridge in firewall/antivirus: Ensure Bridge's local loopback communication isn’t blocked by security software. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
• Uninstall when no longer needed: Especially in the transition to Suite's integrated connectivity, remove the standalone Bridge to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}