What Is Trezor Bridge® and Why You Need It

Trezor Bridge® is the official gateway between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer’s web browser. Unlike the old Trezor Chrome App—which required native integration—Bridge runs locally on your device, allowing seamless, secure communication with Trezor Suite and various web apps (such as MetaMask, MyCrypto, and MyEtherWallet).

1. A Secure Local Translator

  • Browser support: Modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, Opera) no longer support direct hardware access, so Bridge acts as a local HTTP server, translating browser requests into USB commands your Trezor understands.
  • Security isolation: Because Bridge runs only on your computer and communicates over a local protocol, your browser never directly accesses USB devices—this ensures that malicious web scripts can’t interact with your hardware wallet.

2. Compatibility That Doesn’t Compromise

  • Cross-platform coverage: Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Whether you're a MacBook user or a Linux enthusiast, Bridge ensures your Macintosh or machine speaks fluent Trezor.
  • Chrome App sunset: As the Chrome App is now obsolete, Bridge is your approved path for Trezor connectivity. It’s endorsed, maintained, and updated by SatoshiLabs.

3. Installing Is a Breeze

  1. Download the installer: Visit Trezor’s official site and grab the right version for your OS.
  2. Run it: Installation takes just a few clicks—no tricky drivers or terminal commands.
  3. Launch the daemon: On Windows and macOS, Bridge starts automatically; on Linux, run and keep it running.
  4. Connect your device: Plug in your Trezor, open Trezor Suite or your preferred web app, and Bridge handles the handshake.

4. Staying Updated—and Sane

  • Auto-checks for updates: Bridge auto-detects when a new version is available and prompts you to upgrade.
  • Manual upgrades: A simple rerun of the installer keeps you on the latest version.
  • No firmware fuss: Bridge updates are separate from your Trezor device’s firmware—no risk of accidentally resetting your wallet.

5. Common Questions

  • What if Bridge won’t detect my Trezor?
     Try reconnecting the USB cable, switching ports, or restarting Bridge. If issues persist, reinstalling Bridge often resolves pending updates or broken drivers.
  • Do I need unplug and re-plug between apps?
     No! Once Bridge recognizes your device, you can switch between Trezor Suite and browser apps without replugging.
  • Is Bridge open-source?
     Absolutely! You can review its source on GitHub (search "satoshilabs/trezord").

Final Thoughts

Trezor Bridge is the essential link that makes your hardware wallet usable across operating systems and browsers. It’s secure, regularly updated, and easy to install. Without it, interacting with your Trezor device would be clunky at best—or flat-out impossible.