Introduction
Trezor Bridge historically served as a tiny background app that allowed web browsers and desktop applications to communicate with Trezor hardware wallets over USB. It acted as an intermediary, exposing a secure local API so websites and the Trezor software could access the device without directly depending on browser-native USB stacks.
Over time the Trezor team consolidated functionality around Trezor Suite and updated browser and OS integrations. As a result, the standalone Bridge utility has been deprecated and users are encouraged to use the official Suite or newer supported flows.
How Trezor Bridge worked (brief)
When installed, Bridge ran in the background and listened for requests from a browser page or Trezor Suite. It then forwarded JSON-RPC style requests to the connected hardware device, handling connection, device discovery, and low-level transport. This separation made it easier to standardize communication across operating systems and allowed browser-based wallets to remain simple and sandboxed.
Why it existed
- Cross-platform USB access normalization.
- Isolated communications for security and stability.
- Compatibility layer for older browsers and OSes not exposing secure HID/webUSB APIs.
Current status — deprecation and recommended path
The Trezor team has deprecated the standalone Bridge application and recommends using Trezor Suite (desktop or web-native offerings) for most interactions today. If you still have Bridge installed, uninstalling it where advised prevents potential conflicts with newer releases.
What to do next
- Switch to Trezor Suite for device management and transactions.
- Download Suite only from the official Trezor website.
- If you previously used Bridge with third-party apps, check whether those apps now support Trezor Suite or native WebUSB/HID integration.
Install, uninstall & troubleshooting tips
Install or migrate
Download Trezor Suite for your OS, follow the install prompts, and connect your device. Suite will handle device detection and the necessary permissions without requiring the legacy Bridge shim.
Uninstall Bridge (if present)
If you have a Bridge installation from years past, remove it via your OS's normal uninstall procedures — this reduces the chance of port conflicts or duplicate background services.
Troubleshooting quick checklist
- Use an official USB cable and a direct computer port (avoid hubs).
- Restart Suite and the browser after installing or uninstalling Bridge.
- On macOS, grant permissions in System Settings → Security & Privacy if the OS blocks components.
- Update Suite to the latest version (it includes compatibility fixes).
- If third-party app fails, check the app's support docs for Trezor compatibility notes.
Security considerations
Trezor Bridge was intentionally minimal—designed to only forward requests to your hardware device. Critical security properties (your seed and private keys) always remained on the hardware wallet itself. That said, only install Bridge or Suite from the official source, verify signatures when possible, and keep your OS and applications updated.
FAQ
Do I need Bridge to use my Trezor now?
No — modern workflows encourage Trezor Suite or supported web integrations. Bridge is deprecated; migrate to supported apps for the best experience.
Where can I download the official software?
Always use the official Trezor website or official release channels. Avoid third-party mirrors.
