Your step‑by‑step installation, configuration & security walkthrough
The Trezor Bridge is the official companion software for your Trezor Wallet hardware device. It allows the wallet to communicate with your computer’s browser or desktop application in a secure, seamless manner. This setup guide walks you through every step: installation, connection, configuration, and best practices to maximise your hardware wallet security.
Whether you are new to hardware wallets or upgrading your existing setup, this guide will empower you with the knowledge you need to get started confidently. We emphasise the phrase “hardware wallet” because when configured correctly, your treasure‑chest of crypto assets remains offline, while the Bridge handles the secure plumbing between your device and your computer.
Modern browsers and operating systems impose strict restrictions on direct USB access for security reasons. The Bridge abstracts those nuances and provides a stable channel that works across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Without it, your computer might fail to detect your Trezor device properly.
Crucially, the Bridge does not store your private keys. It merely acts as a transporter between your wallet client and your hardware device. Every critical action—setting a PIN, confirming a transaction, exporting a public key—happens on the physical device. The Bridge simply relays commands and responses in a secure fashion.
From downloading the correct installer to plugging in your device and initiating your first transaction, the Bridge simplifies the entire flow. With this guide, you’ll be able to start your Trezor Wallet with confidence in under 15 minutes.
Always download the Bridge installer from the official site of Trezor (avoid third‑party mirrors or links from emails). Check for digital signatures or checksums if provided. Make sure your computer’s OS and browser are fully updated and free of malware or ad‑blockers that could interfere with device detection.
Visit the official Trezor download page, select the Bridge version matching your OS, and download it. Do not install software from unknown sources—this is critical for your hardware wallet’s security.
Run the .exe or .msi installer, accept the license, and complete the installation. The Bridge service should start automatically and run quietly in the background.
Open the .dmg file, drag the application into your Applications folder, then launch it and approve any USB or security prompts. The Bridge will run after you log in next time.
Download the .deb package (or equivalent), then install via `sudo dpkg -i trezor‑bridge‑x.x.x.deb`. Ensure the service is running, or start it manually using `systemctl` if needed. Some distros may require USB udev rules for non‑root access.
After installation, plug in your Trezor via USB. Open the official wallet software or web application (via the supported site). The Bridge should detect your device, and the client will automatically prompt for firmware check or updates if required.
Follow the guided flow on your Trezor device to set a PIN, write down your recovery seed, and (optionally) enable a passphrase for an advanced hidden wallet. Always write your seed on paper or steel backup — never digitally. When asked to confirm an address or sign a transaction, always verify the details on the device screen before approving.
Regularly check for updates for your Trezor Suite, firmware, and Bridge. These patches often address new security threats and compatibility issues.
Never click links in unsolicited emails purporting to upgrade your Bridge. Always verify you are on the official domain and that the checksum or PGP signature matches the published value.
Your Trezor hardware wallet’s screen is the final arbiter. Whether you’re receiving a new address, sending funds, or enabling a passphrase wallet, always compare what’s shown on your computer with what’s displayed on your device.
For best reliability and security: use a direct USB port, and avoid using public or shared computers. If your device fails to be recognized, try a different cable or port first.
Yes, for most browser‑based workflows you will need the Bridge installed. It enables your wallet client to talk to your hardware device via USB. Some desktop applications may bundle it or provide alternative transport, but installing the Bridge ensures the broadest compatibility.
Absolutely. When you download the Bridge from the official Trezor site, it acts as a secure intermediary — it doesn’t store keys or seeds. The critical cryptographic operations remain inside your hardware device, protecting your assets from remote compromise.
Try these troubleshooting steps: ensure your USB cable is working and connected directly (not via hub), restart your computer, uninstall and reinstall Bridge, check firewall or security software isn’t blocking localhost ports, and ensure your operating system grants USB permissions (especially on macOS or Linux).
While you can set up your Trezor wallet without a passphrase, setting a strong PIN is mandatory to prevent unauthorized access. A passphrase is optional but adds a valuable extra layer of security (think of it as a “25th word”). It’s highly recommended if you store significant assets or want a hidden wallet variant.
First, back up your recovery seed securely before proceeding. Then uninstall the existing Bridge, reboot your machine, download the latest Bridge installer from the official site, and reinstall. If firmware update is failing, ensure your device is unlocked, connected properly, and that you follow on‑device prompts exactly. If issues persist, contact official Trezor support.