How to install Trezor Bridge
Follow these steps for a secure installation. The instructions below assume you downloaded the installer from the official source (trezor.io/bridge). Verifying the source and checksum protects you from tampered files.
Windows
- Download the .exe from the official page.
- Run the installer as an administrator when prompted.
- Allow the Bridge service to start — it will appear in your system tray as a small icon (or run in background on headless setups).
- Open Trezor Suite or your browser and connect your Trezor device. Approve any on-device prompts.
macOS
- Open the downloaded .dmg or .pkg and follow installer instructions.
- If macOS blocks the installer, open System Settings → Security & Privacy and permit the app to run.
- After installation, the Bridge daemon will run in the background and allow Suite or browser interfaces to detect your device.
Linux
- Install the package matching your distribution (.deb or .rpm) or use the universal binary.
- Install the provided udev rules so ordinary users can access the device without root.
- Start or enable the bridge service and test detection with Trezor Suite.
Troubleshooting & common issues
Bridge improves detection reliability but you may still face issues. Below are the most common causes and fixes.
Device not detected
Try a different USB port and a short data-capable cable. Restart the Bridge service (on Windows restart the service in Services.msc; on macOS restart the daemon; on Linux restart the systemd unit). Close other wallet applications or browser tabs that might be holding the USB device open.
Permission & udev problems (Linux)
Ensure the udev rules supplied with Bridge are installed and your user is in the plugdev or similar group. After installing rules, reload them with sudo udevadm control --reload and replug the device.
Bridge conflicts with WebUSB
Some browsers have native WebUSB access; in that case, avoid running both Bridge and WebUSB simultaneously for the same site. If you prefer browser-native USB access, close Bridge or follow on-site instructions to switch modes.
Service won't start
Check logs: system event viewer on Windows, Console on macOS, and journalctl -u trezor-bridge on systems using systemd. Reinstall the latest Bridge installer from the official page if logs show missing files or compatibility errors.
FAQ
Do I need Bridge to use Trezor?
Bridge is recommended for desktop environments and improves compatibility with various browsers and apps. In some modern browsers, WebUSB may allow direct access without Bridge, but Bridge remains the most reliable option for consistent detection and functionality.
Does Bridge transmit my keys?
No. Bridge only facilitates local communication between your device and applications. Private keys are generated and stored only on your Trezor device and never transmitted through Bridge.
How do I remove Bridge?
Uninstall like any other application on your OS. On Linux, also remove the installed udev rules. If you plan to switch to WebUSB-only workflows, ensure your browser supports the required features and that you close Bridge before attempting native connections.
Long-form guide & operational tips
(The following section provides extended operational advice and roughly 650+ additional words expanding the topics above to ensure a comprehensive, actionable reference.)
Trezor Bridge sits quietly between your computer and the hardware device; because it runs locally, it's conceptually simple but operationally powerful. The two main goals when installing and using Bridge are to ensure authenticity of the installer and to maintain stable local USB access so applications can reach the device when needed. Start every Bridge installation session by typing the official address (trezor.io/bridge) rather than clicking through untrusted search results or advertisements. Bookmark the official page for future use. When you download the installer, check whether the site provides checksums or signatures. If checksums are available, compute the SHA256 fingerprint locally and compare it to the value on the official page. For users comfortable with GPG, verify signed releases against the project's public key. This additional verification step is especially important on public networks or when using machines with an uncertain security posture.
USB cable quality matters more than many users expect. Charge-only cables silently block data and will make it appear that your device is not functioning. Use short (0.5–1.0m) shielded USB cables to minimize signal degradation. Avoid passive hubs that can interfere with power and data lines; connect the Trezor directly to the host whenever feasible. On laptops, prefer ports on the main body rather than on thin docking stations which may alter power delivery or signal integrity. If you rely on a USB hub due to port scarcity, choose an active hub with its own power supply.
On Linux, udev rules are a common stumbling block. The Bridge package usually includes rules that assign device nodes with the correct permissions. After installing the rules, confirm their presence in /etc/udev/rules.d and ensure your user is in the recommended group (often plugdev). After changes, reload rules and replug the device. Without correct rules, only root can access the device and daily workflows become inconvenient or unsafe because users might run GUI apps as root to access the hardware — avoid this practice and instead fix permissions.
Bridge is intentionally minimal. It does not act as a cloud service and has no remote endpoints for key material. Its network requirements are negligible; however, the host application (e.g., Trezor Suite) may fetch data from network services for balances, exchange rates, or firmware checks. Keep those host apps updated and prefer using the desktop Suite for firmware updates where you can confirm operations locally and read changelogs. Finally, if you manage multiple devices or operate in an enterprise context, consider scripted installation and verification procedures, signed packages distributed internally, and device inventory policies that record firmware versions and Bridge build hashes. This allows reproducible, auditable deployments and speeds recovery when troubleshooting hardware or host issues.
Official link (placeholder): trezor.io/bridge