What is (or was) Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge was a small background application historically used to create a secure communication channel between a Trezor hardware wallet and browser-based wallet interfaces. It acted as a local bridge (hence the name) so that websites and browser apps could talk to the physical device over USB without exposing sensitive operations to the web.
WebUSB
or the official Trezor Suite desktop/web app. If you still have the standalone Bridge installed, check official guidance about removal.
Why the change matters
The crypto UX space has moved toward fewer background services and stronger browser APIs. WebUSB — supported by Chromium-based browsers — lets websites securely request access to USB devices directly, simplifying the connection flow and reducing attack surface introduced by legacy background services. In parallel, the Trezor Suite app provides a polished, secure experience for managing firmware, accounts, and transactions.
How to connect your Trezor to a browser today (recommended)
There are two mainstream ways to work with a Trezor device in a browser environment:
- Trezor Suite (desktop or web) — recommended for the best compatibility and security.
- Direct WebUSB from supported browsers such as Chrome/Edge — useful for quick session-based access without installing extra software.
1. Using Trezor Suite (best practice)
Download and install the official Trezor Suite desktop app or open the Trezor web app. The Suite bundles device drivers and a trusted UI to manage accounts, firmware updates, and device settings. For many users, this replaces the need for standalone Bridge entirely and provides an actively maintained interface.
- Visit the official Trezor site and get Trezor Suite.
- Connect your device with a USB cable and unlock it with your PIN/brand-new setup.
- Follow on-screen prompts in Suite to grant access and sign transactions on-device.
2. Using WebUSB directly
If you prefer using browser-wallet sites (or single-page web wallets), you can connect via WebUSB when the site supports it. When a page requests device access, your browser will show a permission prompt — you must confirm on both the browser and the Trezor device where applicable.
Note: Browser support for WebUSB varies. Chromium-based browsers generally work; Firefox and Safari historically had limited or no WebUSB support. Use Trezor Suite if you hit compatibility issues.
Installation & safety checklist
- Always download Trezor Suite and firmware updates from trezor.io (official site).
- Never accept or run installers from untrusted sources claiming to be "Trezor Bridge."
- Use an original or good-quality USB cable — power-only or damaged cables can interfere with USB communication.
- Keep your device firmware up to date using the official Suite; firmware updates patch security issues and improve compatibility.
Troubleshooting — common problems and fixes
If your browser refuses to see your Trezor, try these steps:
- Restart the browser and reconnect the device. Some browser processes keep old device state cached.
- Try a different USB port or cable. Ports on keyboards or hubs sometimes fail to pass USB data reliably.
- Check for interfering software. If you have a legacy Bridge installed, the official guidance recommends uninstalling it to avoid conflicts.
- Use Trezor Suite to test whether the device itself is responsive; if Suite talks to the device, the problem is likely the browser.
- Clear browser permissions for USB devices (browser settings → site permissions → USB devices) and reconnect to force a fresh prompt.
Security best practices
A hardware wallet is only as secure as the operational practices around it. To keep funds safe:
- Only install software from official sources and verify signatures where available.
- Store your recovery seed offline, on paper or metal, and never type it into a website or cloud service.
- Confirm addresses on the device screen before approving a transaction; never rely solely on the web UI’s displayed address.
- Regularly update device firmware and the Trezor Suite app to receive security patches.
Alternatives and compatibility
If you encounter compatibility issues with WebUSB or Suite, consider:
- Using the desktop Trezor Suite instead of a browser-based interface.
- Trying a different browser (Chrome/Edge vs Firefox/Safari) for WebUSB compatibility.
- For advanced users, using third-party integrations that explicitly list Trezor support — but verify the integration’s reputation before connecting your device.
FAQ
Q: Do I still need Trezor Bridge?
A: As of recent guidance, the standalone Trezor Bridge is deprecated. Use Trezor Suite or WebUSB-supported browsers for the most reliable and secure connection.
Q: My browser doesn't show the device. What next?
A: First test with Trezor Suite. If Suite works, clear browser USB permissions and try again or switch to a Chromium-based browser that supports WebUSB.
Q: Can I manage firmware without Bridge?
A: Yes — Trezor Suite manages firmware updates directly and is the recommended path.
Conclusion
Trezor Bridge historically served an important role, but the ecosystem has shifted toward direct browser USB APIs and the official Trezor Suite app. For most users, the easiest and safest route is to run the Trezor Suite (desktop or web) or connect via a WebUSB-compatible browser when a web app supports it. Always use official downloads, verify prompts on the device screen, and keep firmware and apps up to date to maintain the highest security.