This document explores the crucial role of the **Trezor Bridge** software in establishing a trusted, encrypted communication channel between your **Trezor Hardware Wallet** and the **Trezor Suite** application, whether desktop or web-based. The Bridge is the silent, essential component that ensures your private keys remain offline and secure during all online operations.
... (Expand this section to cover the fundamentals, its background operation, and the problem it solves. **~200 words**)
... (Detail how the Bridge operates as a local service, listening for connections and translating web/app requests into USB communication for the Trezor device. **~300 words**)
... (Explain why a local server model is superior to browser extensions for security and stability. **~150 words**)
... (Focus on how the Bridge makes the Trezor Suite experience seamless and secure across desktop and web platforms. **~200 words**)
... (Discuss that the standalone Bridge is deprecated and the Desktop Suite now embeds its functionality. **~250 words**)
... (Cover how the combined desktop/bridge environment maximizes security features like Tor. **~150 words**)
... (Explain that the web version still requires the Bridge service to run in the background for secure communication. **~250 words**)
... (Briefly touch on WebUSB or other connection methods used by different browsers. **~100 words**)
... (Deep dive into the security aspects: private keys never leaving the device, communication encryption, and isolation from the web. **~200 words**)
... (Reinforce that the Bridge/Suite acts only as an interface; the Trezor device holds the keys. **~250 words**)
... (Detail how transactions are signed only after physical confirmation on the Trezor's screen, a step the Bridge facilitates. **~150 words**)
... (Provide practical information on initial setup, common connectivity issues, and keeping the software updated. **~200 words**)
... (Simple steps for installing the Trezor Suite which includes the Bridge. **~200 words**)
... (Tips like checking the USB cable, restarting the computer/Bridge service. **~150 words**)
... (Explain that the Bridge/Suite system also enables secure connection to select third-party wallets like MetaMask or MyEtherWallet via Trezor Connect. **~200 words**)
... (Detail Trezor Connect's role as the intermediary for third-party interaction. **~200 words**)
... (List and briefly describe a few common integrations. **~100 words**)
A collection of common questions to clarify the functionality and security of the Trezor Bridge and Trezor Suite.
The Trezor Bridge serves as a **local communication layer** (a small server) that facilitates secure, encrypted communication between your Trezor hardware wallet (via USB) and the Trezor Suite application, especially the web version, or any third-party web wallet that uses Trezor Connect. Without it, your web browser cannot interact with your device.
No, the standalone Trezor Bridge is **deprecated** and no longer actively supported. Trezor now recommends and bundles the Bridge's functionality directly within the **Trezor Suite Desktop Application**. If you only use the Trezor Suite web app, the most recent versions of the Suite for desktop still provide the necessary background service. You should uninstall any old standalone Bridge installations.
Absolutely **not**. The Bridge only relays communication requests and signed transactions. Your private keys are stored exclusively on the secure chip of your Trezor device and **never leave the device** itself. The Bridge's role is simply to create the trusted, encrypted conduit for data transfer.
The Trezor Suite application (which includes the Bridge functionality) is officially supported on **Windows**, **macOS**, and **Linux** operating systems. Trezor also offers a mobile app (without the Bridge component, using direct connection methods or Bluetooth for newer devices) for Android and iOS.
If you have installed the Trezor Suite Desktop app, the Bridge service runs silently in the background. The easiest way to confirm it's working is to open the Trezor Suite web app (suite.trezor.io/web/) and plug in your Trezor device. If the web page successfully detects your device and prompts you for a PIN, the Bridge is functioning as expected.
Yes. The Bridge facilitates secure communication with many third-party wallets through the **Trezor Connect** protocol. When you connect your Trezor to MetaMask (or another supported wallet), the Bridge relays the signing request to your Trezor, and you confirm the action on the device's screen, adding hardware security to your software wallet experience.