Trezor Bridge Guide | Secure Connection for Trezor

This Trezor Bridge Guide | Secure Connection for Trezor explains what Trezor Bridge is, how it works, how to install and uninstall it safely, and recommended migration paths (including the move toward Trezor Suite). Follow these steps to maintain a secure, reliable connection between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer or web apps.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small local helper application that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based or desktop applications (historically used with web integrations and earlier Suite workflows). Bridge runs on your computer and exposes a local endpoint that the browser or Trezor Suite can use to detect and talk to the device without browser plugins.

Key idea: Trezor Bridge never transmits your private keys — it only relays signed messages between the device and the app. The signing and key storage remain on the hardware device itself.

Current status & recommended approach

Trezor has evolved its software stack toward Trezor Suite (the official desktop app). The standalone Trezor Bridge package has been deprecated and users are encouraged to use the integrated communication provided by Trezor Suite; if you still have a standalone Bridge installed, the official guidance recommends uninstalling it and moving to the Suite for future compatibility and security updates. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

When do you still need Trezor Bridge?

• If you use legacy web apps or browser integrations that expect a local Bridge service, you may still need a Bridge installation.
• If you are running a custom or offline environment where Trezor Suite is not available, a Bridge package (from the official source) can be used as a compatibility layer.
• For most users, installing Trezor Suite is the simpler, supported path and removes the need for a separate Bridge install. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Where to download (official sources)

Always download Trezor software from official Trezor domains. Official downloads and installation instructions live on the Trezor website and verified assets endpoints (for Bridge packages). For example, Trezor Suite, official guides, and Bridge installers are published and signed from trezor.io and the Trezor distribution endpoints. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Installing Trezor Bridge (safe method)

1. Visit the official Trezor site (start page or Trezor Suite page) and confirm you are on trezor.io. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
2. Locate the Downloads section and choose Trezor Bridge only if your workflow explicitly requires it — otherwise prefer Trezor Suite.
3. Download the installer for your OS (Windows .msi/.exe with PGP signature, macOS .pkg, or Linux .deb/.rpm as provided). Verify a PGP signature where possible. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
4. Run the installer and follow prompts. Bridge typically runs as a background service and listens on a local host port used by supported apps.
5. After installation, open Trezor Suite or your browser app and connect your Trezor device; your OS may request permission to allow the Bridge service to run.

Uninstalling the standalone Bridge (recommended if deprecated)

If you still have a standalone Bridge and want to remove it (recommended by Trezor when moving to Trezor Suite), follow the platform-specific uninstall steps published by Trezor. Typical steps include:

• Windows: Use Programs & Features → Uninstall Trezor Bridge, or run the uninstaller included with the installer.
• macOS: Run the provided `uninstall.pkg` or drag the Bridge app to Trash as described by official instructions.
• Linux: Remove the installed package via your package manager (e.g. `apt remove trezor-bridge` or `rpm -e trezor-bridge`).

Official Trezor docs list exact commands and steps — follow them to avoid leaving background services running. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Connecting safely: step-by-step checklist

1. Confirm you downloaded software from trezor.io (check domain and TLS certificate).
2. Verify downloads with PGP signatures where provided (this ensures binary integrity).
3. Install Trezor Suite when possible — it bundles the communication layer and removes many compatibility hassles. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
4. When connecting the device, verify the on-device prompts and always confirm addresses on the Trezor screen, not the host computer.
5. Keep OS, browser, and Trezor firmware up to date to limit compatibility and security issues. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Troubleshooting common Bridge problems

• Device not detected: Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN), try a different USB cable/port and restart Trezor Suite or the browser.
• Permission blocked on macOS/Windows: The system may block background services — allow the Bridge in system prompts or security settings.
• Conflicts with multiple Bridge installs: If you previously installed Bridge multiple times or have an older version, uninstall all copies and reinstall the latest official package. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
• Browser-based issues: Modern browsers removed legacy NPAPI plugins — Bridge uses a local service pattern, but if you have an old browser or extension interfering, update or disable conflicting extensions.

Advanced: developer & headless setups

Developers and power users can interact with Trezor devices via trezord or through the transport libraries used by Trezor Suite. If you run headless or custom setups (for example Qubes OS, advanced Linux containers), consult the official developer docs and community guides for secure policies and port forwarding rules — those guides include steps for enabling the local socket/port for the Trezor service. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

Security best practices

• Never enter your recovery seed into a computer — store it offline on the supplied recovery card or an approved offline method.
• Confirm every transaction on the device screen (the host should never be trusted to display the final address/amount).
• Prefer Trezor Suite for day-to-day management — it is actively maintained and reduces the need for legacy Bridge installs. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Remove standalone Bridge if official docs mark it deprecated for your environment to avoid compatibility issues and reduce attack surface. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}