Introduction — What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge historically acted as a small local service that enabled secure communication between Trezor hardware wallets and web-based wallet interfaces (or desktop apps) on platforms and browsers that could not talk to the device directly. For many years it helped users connect their physical device to the wider crypto ecosystem with minimal friction. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why a “Bridge” was needed
Web browsers have varied capabilities for USB and HID access. Trezor Bridge provided a predictable, cross-platform transport layer so that websites and apps (for example, wallet web apps) could ask the device to sign transactions, display addresses, or confirm actions without exposing the private keys. This architectural layer emphasized a small, well-defined surface area for communication and auditing.
Current state: Deprecation and transition
Important: Trezor has deprecated the standalone Trezor Bridge in favor of the integrated Trezor Suite experience and modern browser transports. Users are encouraged to move to Trezor Suite or the supported browser/web mode. If you still have the standalone Bridge installed, Trezor documents explain removal and migration steps. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
What changed in practice
The move away from a separate Bridge package simplifies the user experience (fewer separate installers to manage) and reduces confusion about when Bridge is required. The modern stack supports WebUSB and platform-native transports where available, while still providing fallbacks for older setups. When Trezor Suite is used, many connectivity details are handled inside the Suite application itself. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Security considerations
Principle of least privilege
Whether using Bridge, Suite, or direct browser transports, follow the principle of least privilege: only connect your Trezor to interfaces you trust, verify domains and application sources, and always confirm on-device prompts before approving any transaction or action. Trezor's security pages and documentation outline threat models and safe usage patterns. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Software verification
Always download Trezor Suite (or Bridge installers if necessary) directly from official sources and verify signatures when provided. Trezor provides instructions for download verification for desktop apps and installers to prevent supply-chain attacks. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
How to use Trezor Bridge (legacy) — practical steps
1. When you might still need Bridge
Some older browsers or particular combinations of OS and browser might prompt for Bridge. If a site asks for Bridge, confirm the prompt originates from an official Trezor domain and follow the official installation instructions or instead switch to Trezor Suite.
2. Installing and removing
If you must install Bridge, use the official download endpoints and follow OS-specific instructions. If you later migrate to Trezor Suite, remove standalone Bridge per the official guide so it does not conflict with the integrated transport. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Developer notes (brief)
trezord and integration
The Trezor ecosystem maintains components like trezord (a small server/daemon) for local communications. Developers
integrating hardware wallet support should prefer official libraries and reference implementations from Trezor's GitHub organization. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
APIs and transports
Modern integrations should support WebUSB or the HID transport where possible. Build with user consent in mind and always surface on-device verification steps rather than relying solely on remote confirmations.
Best practices & troubleshooting
Checklist before connecting
- Verify you are on an official Trezor domain or running an official Trezor Suite build.
- Keep device firmware up to date via Trezor Suite.
- Confirm every prompt on the device screen — physical confirmation is the root of trust.
- Uninstall legacy Bridge if migrating to Trezor Suite to avoid conflicts.
Troubleshooting tips
If your device is not detected: try another USB cable/port, check OS permissions, or follow Trezor's troubleshooting guides in the Support area for device visibility and driver issues. Many common issues are covered in the official support documentation. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Summary
Trezor Bridge played a critical role bridging hardware wallets and web interfaces. As the stack modernizes—favoring Trezor Suite and native browser transports—the Bridge has been deprecated as a standalone piece of software. Whether you're a user or developer, follow official guidance, verify downloads, and always confirm actions on your device to keep your crypto safe. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}