Trézor Bridge is the software layer that historically let your Trezor hardware wallet speak securely to desktop apps, web browsers and the official Trezor Suite. This page explains what it does, how it works, the current lifecycle status, and practical security guidance for users.
Trézor Bridge is (or in legacy installations, was) a small background application that runs on your computer and creates a secure, local communication channel between your Trezor hardware device and other software — most commonly the official Trezor Suite desktop or web app, and compatible third-party wallets. It acts as a bridge between USB/WebUSB APIs and the Trezor device so that signing requests, public key queries and firmware/management tasks can happen without exposing your private keys to the internet or browser pages directly. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Browsers have different USB and security models across platforms; a local helper (the Bridge) standardizes communication, avoids flaky browser permission issues, and isolates low-level USB access away from web content. It also permits browsers that don't support the latest WebUSB features to still interact with the hardware wallet through a trusted, local intermediary. This improves compatibility while keeping cryptographic actions (like signing) performed on the device itself where the private keys remain protected. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Important: Trezor has moved away from the standalone Trezor Bridge in favor of a consolidated, user-focused experience centered on Trezor Suite. The company has published guidance recommending users uninstall standalone Bridge installations and migrate to Trezor Suite (which packages the necessary connectivity features). If you still have a standalone Bridge installed, follow the Trezor documentation for safe removal and migration steps to avoid future compatibility issues. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Tip: If you rely on third-party integrations, check whether they use Trezor Connect or support Trezor Suite; many integrations have adapted to the newer flow. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
If you need Bridge for an older workflow, official installers (for Windows, macOS and Linux) were historically hosted under the Trezor download endpoints and include PGP signatures so you can verify integrity. However, because the standalone Bridge is deprecated, the recommended approach is to install the official Trezor Suite desktop app or use the Trezor web app where supported. If you have Bridge installed and want to remove it, Trezor’s docs provide step-by-step uninstall instructions for each operating system. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Always download software only from official Trezor sources. Do not install Bridge or Suite from random mirrors or third-party aggregators. Verify signatures where provided, and keep your device firmware and companion software up to date. The Bridge itself does not hold private keys — signing operations are performed on the device — but a compromised bridge binary or malicious helper could disrupt workflows or attempt to trick you into authorizing unintended operations, so integrity checks matter. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Other best practices: never disclose your recovery seed, confirm transaction details on the Trezor device screen before approving, and uninstall older Bridge installations if using Trezor Suite to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
If your device is not being detected: 1) check cable and USB port; 2) ensure any standalone Bridge is up to date (or removed if you're using Trezor Suite); 3) restart the host app and reconnect the device; 4) consult the official troubleshooting docs for platform-specific details (drivers on Windows, permissions on Linux/macOS). When using web apps, prefer modern browsers that support WebUSB and follow any browser prompts exactly. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Trezor Suite is the recommended, modern way to manage Trezor wallets — it bundles connectivity, updates, and a full UI for account management, swaps, staking and more. The standalone Bridge was useful for older setups or specific third-party integrations, but new users should use Trezor Suite or officially supported web workflows. If a third-party wallet explicitly requires Bridge, check the vendor’s guidance and confirm that the Bridge installer you use is the official, signed distribution. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}