Trezor Bridge — install, troubleshoot and secure your connection
A practical guide to set up and maintain the tiny background tool that helps your device talk to desktop tools and browser-based interfaces.
Trezor Bridge is a small background utility that facilitates communication between a hardware device and desktop or web management tools. It acts as a reliable translator so your computer and the device exchange messages securely and reliably.
Quick setup (step-by-step)
Pick the package that matches your operating system. For desktop users, a standard installer is available for the major platforms. For Linux, distribution packages or archive files are offered.
Execute the installer and follow on-screen prompts. The tool runs as a lightweight background service and usually does not require special system modifications.
After installing, restart the browser or desktop app to let the host detect the new service. Then connect the device and open the desktop management app or the hosted interface you prefer.
Troubleshooting common issues
When the host does not detect a device, try the following sequence: unplug and replug the cable, try a different USB port or cable, verify the background service is running, and restart the host application. If the problem persists, uninstall any older copies of the helper utility and reinstall the current package.
When an integrated app replaces the helper
Modern desktop management applications may incorporate direct support, removing the need for a separate background utility. If your management app bundles connectivity natively, using the bundled implementation is generally recommended for the smoothest experience.
Security best practices
Only obtain installer files from an official source to avoid tampered packages. Ensure the device’s firmware is current and always confirm device prompts on the hardware itself before approving any action. Treat the helper utility as a connectivity layer — critical approvals remain on the hardware device, not on the host.
Updating and removal
Keep your desktop management software up to date. If a tool deprecates the standalone utility in favor of a bundled approach, follow removal guidance to avoid conflicts. Removal steps differ by platform: use an uninstaller on macOS, the package manager on Linux, or the appropriate removal routine on Windows.
Advanced: browser vs native bridge
Some browsers support direct device access via platform APIs; others rely on the helper. If you run multiple hosts or custom software, ensure only one access path is active at a time to avoid contention. When troubleshooting, temporarily disable alternate access channels to identify the source of conflicts.
Checklist for reliable connectivity
- Confirm the helper service is running after install.
- Use a short, shielded USB cable and a direct port on the computer.
- Keep desktop management tools up to date.
- Validate firmware and approve actions on the physical device.
When to get help
If you encounter unexpected behavior after trying the standard steps, consult the official documentation for platform-specific removal and recovery instructions or reach out to the official support channels. Keep any logs handy to speed diagnosis.
Important: treat the hardware device as the authority for approvals. Background utilities only ferry messages between host and device; any transaction approval must be confirmed on the physical device itself.