Trezor Bridge — Official Download & Installation Guide

What is Trezor Bridge and why you need it

Trezor Bridge is a small background app that lets your desktop browser communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet. It acts as a secure local bridge between the device and web apps or desktop wallet software. You need Trezor Bridge to initialize devices, manage firmware, and sign transactions from a desktop environment where direct USB access from the browser may be restricted.

Before you begin — security checklist

• Use a trusted computer (your personal, malware-checked machine).
• Do not install Bridge on a public or shared computer unless you understand the risks.
• Back up your recovery seed on paper and store it offline before making changes.
• Disconnect other USB devices that aren’t needed to reduce attack surface.

Download instructions (general guidance)

Obtain the Trezor Bridge installer as indicated by your device's official packaging or the instructions displayed on your device when it boots. Because this guide contains no links, follow the guidance printed on your device’s setup screen or packaging to locate the official installer name and version number.

Prefer official installer files provided directly by your device or vendor. Avoid third-party rehosts or mirror files unless you can cryptographically verify the file.

Windows — installation steps

1. Locate the Windows installer file you downloaded (usually an .exe file).
2. Right-click the file and choose Run as administrator to ensure the installer can register drivers and services.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts: accept the license, choose an install folder (default is fine), and allow the installation to complete.
4. When prompted by Windows security, accept the driver install (if applicable). This is required for the Bridge service to access USB devices.
5. After installation, restart your browser and connect your Trezor device via USB. The Bridge runs as a background service; you may see a small Bridge indicator in the taskbar area.

macOS — installation steps

1. Open the downloaded installer package (commonly a .dmg or .pkg).
2. Double-click the package icon to run the installer and follow the prompts.
3. If macOS warns about an unidentified developer, use System Preferences > Security & Privacy to allow the app only if you are certain it came from the official installer source described in your device instructions.
4. After installation, you may need to grant the Bridge permission to access USB devices in System Settings; follow any on-screen prompts.
5. Restart your browser and plug in your Trezor device to begin the setup flow in your wallet application.

Linux — installation notes

Linux installers vary by distribution. Common formats include .appimage, .deb, and .rpm. Use the package type recommended for your distro. Typical steps:

1. Make the file executable if required:

   chmod +x trezor-bridge-file.AppImage

2. Run the AppImage or install the package via your package manager for .deb / .rpm.
3. Ensure udev rules are installed so non-root users can access the USB device. If your distro provides a udev package or script with the installer, run that step.
4. Restart your browser and connect the device.

Note: If your distribution uses snap/flatpak, Bridge may require special steps — consult your system's package docs provided with your device packaging.

Verifying the installation

• Restart your browser and open your desktop wallet software or the setup instructions shown on your Trezor device. The wallet should detect the Bridge automatically.
• If a browser prompt asks to connect to the device, accept and follow the rest of the onboarding flow on the hardware device itself.
• If detection fails, confirm that the Bridge background service is running in your OS process list and that USB permissions/drivers are installed.

Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes

• Device not detected: Replug the USB cable, try a different port, and avoid USB hubs. Use the OEM cable that came with the device if possible.
• Browser warns about access: Ensure you restarted the browser after installation and accepted any permission prompts.
• Service not running: On Windows check Services, on macOS check Activity Monitor, on Linux check ps / systemd status for a Bridge service.
• Driver errors (Windows): Reinstall the Bridge using "Run as administrator" and accept any driver warnings during install.
• uDev rules (Linux): Re-run the udev rules installation step and replug the device.

Security best practices

1. Only use the installer indicated on your device packaging or the text shown on the hardware device during setup — do not rely on third-party mirrors.
2. Verify checksums or signatures if your device instructions provide them. If no checksum is available, prefer the installer from the method recommended by the hardware’s official packaging instructions.
3. Keep your OS and browser updated, but verify compatibility notes on your hardware’s documentation before updating in the middle of a critical firmware operation.
4. Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or phone — recovery should always be performed on the device itself when possible.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Do I always need Trezor Bridge?

If your desktop wallet or browser requires Bridge to talk to the device, yes — Bridge is the recommended way to enable secure communication between older browser security models and the hardware wallet. Some native desktop wallets may provide direct support without Bridge; follow your device instructions for those workflows.

Will Bridge run automatically?

After installation, Bridge typically runs as a background service. On first run you may see a small indicator or notification from your OS confirming the service started.