Trezor Bridge — Simple Guide

Trezor Bridge — Simple Guide

Short and clear words. This page explains Trezor Bridge in simple steps. It uses many short parts so it is easy to read.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small program. It helps your Trezor device talk to your web browser and apps. It runs on your computer. It is safe when you use it with care.

Trezor Bridge sits between your laptop and the Trezor device. It moves messages back and forth. This helps apps to read and send data to your hardware wallet.

Why you need it

Most browsers cannot talk to the Trezor device directly. Trezor Bridge fills that gap. It lets web apps read your device. It lets apps ask the device to sign a message.

How it works

The program runs on your computer. When you plug in your Trezor device, Bridge notices it. The Bridge then shares data with the app in a safe way. The app can ask for a key or a signature. The device shows a prompt and asks for your action.

Quick facts
Install steps

Here are the steps to install the Bridge. Use simple words and follow them one by one.

  1. Go to the official Trezor site or the link you trust.
  2. Download the Bridge file for your system.
  3. Run the file and follow the easy setup steps.
  4. Once done, plug your Trezor device in.
  5. Open your browser and go to your wallet app.
Note: Do not download Bridge from unknown sites. Only use trusted sources.

Basic setup tips

After install, restart your browser. Plug in your device. If asked, allow the site to use the Trezor device. The device will show a prompt. Confirm the prompt on the device.

Common platforms

Trezor Bridge works on Windows, macOS, and some Linux versions. You may need admin rights to install it. For some Linux setups, extra steps may be needed. Check the guide on the official site if you use Linux.

If the device is not found

Try these small checks:

Security notes

Bridge does not hold your seed. Your seed stays on the device. Never share your seed phrase with any app. Do not type your seed on a web page. Keep your device firmware updated.


Deep dive — simple words

This part is longer. It explains the Bridge in more detail. It still uses simple words. Read one bit at a time.

What Bridge does in steps

Step one: You open a web page that wants to use Trezor. The page asks your browser for permission. Step two: Bridge sees the request and links the browser to the device. Step three: The device asks you to allow the action. Step four: If you allow, the device signs the data or gives the key the app needs.

Why a local program?

Browsers have limits. They cannot access some device functions. A small local program can. Bridge runs on your computer. It talks to the USB. It shares safe messages with the browser.

How Bridge keeps things safe

Bridge uses simple rules. It only forwards requests. The Trezor device itself holds the keys. Bridge cannot read the keys. Only the device can sign things. You must confirm on the device for any signing action.

Key points

Step by step install (more detail)

We give a simple set of steps. Each is short. Follow them slowly.

Windows

1. Download the Windows file.

2. Open the file and click install.

3. If Windows asks, allow the install.

4. After install, plug in the Trezor device.

5. Open the wallet web app and allow the device.

macOS

1. Download the macOS file.

2. Open the file and move the app to the App folder if asked.

3. You may need to go to Security & Privacy and allow the app.

4. Plug the device and open the web wallet.

Linux

1. Download the right file for your system.

2. You may need to set the file as executable.

3. On some systems, add a rule for USB access.

4. Plug the device and open the wallet app.

Trouble and fixes

Here are many small fixes you can try if things fail. Try the easy ones first.

Bridge not running

Check if the Bridge app is open. If not, open it. If it is open, try to quit and re-open it. On Windows, check the task bar. On macOS, look in the menu bar.

Browser asks to connect but fails

Try to restart the browser. Try a private window. Clear the cache if you want. Make sure the site you use is the one you trust.

Device not shown

Try a different cable. Use the cable that came with the device. Some cables are power-only and do not carry data. Try a different port on your computer.

Update Bridge

Go to the official site and find the latest Bridge file. Download it and install. Restart the computer if the site says to do so.

Driver issues on Windows

Windows may need a driver. The Bridge install can add the driver. If not, check in Device Manager for errors and reinstall Bridge.

Safety and good habits

Keep your system safe. Use a strong password for your computer. Use a known and safe browser. Do not install Bridge from a link you do not trust.

Never share your seed

Your seed is the key to your funds. Never give it to any person or site. Trezor staff will never ask for your seed. If someone asks, do not share it.

Keep firmware updated

Firmware updates add safety features. Use the official site to update your device. Read the notes before you update.

Use the device screen

The device shows what you sign. Check the screen before you allow any signing. If the screen shows odd text, do not confirm.

Long FAQs (simple answers)

Q: Can Bridge see my seed?

A: No. The seed stays on the device. Bridge never stores your seed.

Q: Do I need Bridge for all apps?

A: Many web apps that use Trezor need Bridge. Some apps use other methods. Follow the app guide to learn which is used.

Q: Is Bridge safe?

A: It is safe when you use a trusted file and keep your device secure. Do not use files from unknown sources.

Q: What if I lose my device?

A: Use your seed to restore on a new device. Keep your seed safe in a secure place. Do not store a digital copy of the seed on a computer or online.

Q: Can I use Bridge on public or shared computers?

A: It is not a good idea. A public computer may have bad software. Use a computer you trust.

Q: Does Bridge have a log?

A: The Bridge app may keep small logs for activity. Logs do not have your seed. You can clear logs by reinstalling or by using system tools.

Guide to updates and versions

Bridge gets updates. It is best to keep it up to date. New versions fix bugs and make things safer. Check the official page for the latest release.

How to check your version

Open the Bridge app. Look for About or Version info. Or, go to the menu in the Bridge and find the version. Compare it to the site to see if you have the latest.

How to update

Download the newest file and run it. The installer will replace the old files. After install, restart the app and browser if needed.

Extra tips for power users (still simple)

Use a secure browser

Choose a browser with good security. Keep it updated. Use only needed extensions. Remove any extension you do not use.

Keep backups

Write down your seed on paper. Keep the paper in a safe place. Consider a metal plate for long-term safety. Do not take photos of your seed.

Use strong passphrases

You can add a passphrase to your seed. A passphrase adds a layer to protect your funds. But if you forget it, you lose access. Store it safely.

Comparison with other tools

Trezor Bridge is like a helper app. Other wallets may use other helpers. Some wallets use direct browser APIs. Some use native apps. Bridge is small and focused on the Trezor device.

Bridge vs native app

Native apps may not need Bridge. But Bridge is simple and works with many web apps. Choose what fits your use case.

Glossary — short words

Seed

A list of words that restore your wallet.

Bridge

The small app that links your device to the web app.

Firmware

Software that runs on your Trezor device.

Signing

Giving a digital note that says yes to a transaction.

Long walk-through example

In this part we show a long example of how to use Bridge. It is simple and slow. Read each step and do it.

Step 1: Prepare

Make sure your computer is on. Close other apps. Plug in the Trezor device.

Step 2: Open the web wallet

Go to the site. If the site asks to use the device, allow it. The site may show a pop up. Click allow.

Step 3: Confirm on device

The device will show the request. It may show amounts or text. Read it. If it is right, press the button to confirm. If not, cancel.

Step 4: Finish

The site will show that the action is done. You can check the result on the site or on the device.

Troubles we have seen often

Here are many short reports of problems users may see and short fixes.

Problem: Bridge not allowed in firewall

Fix: Allow Bridge in your firewall rules. On Windows, go to Firewall settings and allow the Bridge app.

Problem: Old version on system

Fix: Uninstall old Bridge and install the new one from the site.

Problem: Site blocked by browser

Fix: Add the site to a safe list or try a different trusted browser.

Final tips