Introduction
Welcome to your new Trezor experience. If you've just acquired a Trezor hardware wallet, one essential component in getting it running is installing and using Trezor Bridge®. Bridge acts as the communication link between your hardware device and the browser or applications on your computer. This guide walks you through everything from installing Bridge to using it safely and troubleshooting common issues.
What Is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a local software tool that enables your browser (or desktop wallet applications) to detect and communicate with a Trezor device over USB or, in some cases, via USB-OTG on Android. Because most browsers block direct USB access for security reasons, Bridge handles the secure transport of commands and responses between your browser and hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Bridge runs in the background on your computer and listens to local requests from your browser or wallet app. It then forwards those to the connected Trezor device, and returns responses back through the same channel. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why You Need Bridge
Without Bridge, your browser often will not be able to see or interact with your Trezor device. While some browsers support WebUSB, that support is partial and may not work uniformly across all operating systems or browser versions. Bridge ensures consistent compatibility and reliability. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Enables USB access when browser alone cannot
- Maintains encryption and secure command passing
- Keeps private keys on the hardware, not exposed to apps or browser
- Works across operating systems and multiple browsers
Step 1: Visit the Official Setup Page
Start by going to the official Trezor setup site. In most cases this will be trezor.io/start. This page will detect whether Bridge is installed or not, and prompt you to download or install it if needed. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Step 2: Download and Install Bridge
If Bridge is not detected, the setup page gives you download links tailored to your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux). Click the appropriate link and run the installer. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Choose your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux)
- Download the installer package
- Run the installer and follow prompts
- Once finished, restart your browser
After install, Bridge will begin running as a background service. You might see a small icon in your system tray or status area, depending on your OS.
Step 3: Connect Your Trezor Device
Use the USB cable that came with your Trezor to connect it to your computer. Bridge should detect the device automatically and your setup page or wallet app will proceed. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Step 4: Initialize or Recover Your Wallet
Once your device is recognized, the setup flow will guide you to either create a new wallet or recover an existing one using your seed phrase. This involves generating or inputting the recovery seed, setting up a PIN, and confirming everything. The commands for this are securely relayed via Bridge to your device. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Step 5: Firmware Installation or Update
If your device doesn’t have firmware or requires an update, the setup will prompt you to install it. Bridge is used to handle the firmware transfer in a secure manner. Always ensure you get firmware from the official source. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Step 6: Set a PIN and Secure Settings
As part of your basic security, you’ll choose a PIN for accessing the device. Bridge ensures the PIN setup process happens securely and correctly. You may also be offered options such as setting a passphrase or enabling advanced security features. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Using Your Device via Bridge
With Bridge active and your wallet setup complete, you can now use supported browser and desktop wallet interfaces to send, receive, and manage your cryptocurrencies. Each action that involves the hardware will prompt confirmation on the Trezor device itself. Bridge ensures the commands and responses flow securely between the UI and hardware.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Device not detected: Make sure Bridge is installed and running, try re-plugging the device or using a different USB port.
- “Bridge is not running” errors: Restart your computer and launch Bridge manually, or reinstall it. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Firmware update failing: Check that the installer is the official one and your device is properly connected.
- Browser conflicts or blocked permissions: Clear cache, disable conflicting extensions, or try a different browser.
Security Best Practices
Using Bridge adds convenience—but security remains vital:
- Download Bridge only from official sources (e.g. trezor.io) to avoid tampered versions. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Keep Bridge, firmware, and browser up to date.
- Verify addresses and transactions on the physical device screen, not only on the computer.
- Never share your recovery seed or enter it anywhere other than on your device itself.
- Use strong PINs and consider enabling passphrase protection for added layers of security.
Bridge vs WebUSB
Some modern browsers support WebUSB, allowing direct browser-to-device communication without Bridge. However, this support is inconsistent across browsers and operating systems. Bridge ensures broader compatibility and a more reliable experience. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
Updating Bridge
Bridge generally updates silently. If a manual update is needed, go to the official Bridge download page and install the new version. The system will replace the old version. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}