Trezor.io/Start® | Starting Up Your Device

Introduction to Trezor Bridge

Trezor Bridge is the secure communication layer between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. 🌐 Browsers cannot access USB devices directly due to security policies, so Bridge acts as a trusted local proxy, translating commands safely between your Trezor device and the web wallet interface.

This guide covers installation, daily usage, troubleshooting, security practices, and developer integration tips, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.

Why Trezor Bridge Matters

Seamless Browser Integration

Bridge allows Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Brave to recognize your Trezor device. 🔒 It ensures all confirmations occur on the hardware device itself, protecting your private keys.

Core Functions

• Device detection and connection handling
• Secure command forwarding between web apps and the device
• Support for firmware updates
• Maintaining cryptographic integrity

Installing Trezor Bridge

Windows

Download the EXE or MSI installer, run with admin privileges, and follow prompts. A system reboot may be required.

macOS

Download the DMG, move the Bridge app to Applications, approve Gatekeeper prompts, and you're ready.

Linux

Install DEB, RPM, or AppImage packages. Setup udev rules to allow non-root USB access:

sudo cp 99-trezor.rules /etc/udev/rules.d/
sudo udevadm control --reload-rules
sudo udevadm trigger

Using Trezor Bridge

Bridge runs in the background. When connecting your device and opening Trezor Suite or supported web wallets, it automatically handles communication. All sensitive actions require physical confirmation on the device. 🛡️

Supported Actions

• Creating or recovering wallets
• Sending and signing transactions
• Firmware updates
• Managing passphrase-protected wallets

Troubleshooting

Browser Not Detecting Bridge

1. Check if Bridge is running in system processes
2. Restart Bridge and the browser
3. Update to the latest Bridge version
4. Disable extensions blocking localhost

Device Not Recognized

Switch USB ports or cables. Update drivers. On Linux, verify udev rules.

Firmware Update Fails

Do not disconnect the device mid-update. Follow Trezor recovery instructions if unresponsive.

Security Best Practices

Bridge never handles private keys or recovery seeds. Keep these inside your Trezor device. 🌟

Recommendations

• Download Bridge only from official sources
• Keep Bridge, Suite, and firmware updated
• Never approve unknown requests on your device
• Use strong PINs and passphrases

Developer Integration

Developers can use Trezor Bridge with trezor-connect to build secure wallet integrations:

import { TrezorConnect } from 'trezor-connect';
await TrezorConnect.init({ bridge: true });
const features = await TrezorConnect.getFeatures();
console.log(features);

Conclusion

Trezor Bridge is essential for secure, browser-based access to your Trezor wallet. Proper installation, usage, and security practices ensure smooth crypto management. Stay updated, follow best practices, and confirm all actions physically on your device. 🎉