What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small, local helper application that used to run on a computer to mediate communication between a Trezor hardware wallet and desktop applications or browser-based interfaces. Historically it provided a local bridge that allowed secure messages to pass between the device and apps in a stable and consistent way, especially across operating systems. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why this matters today
Over time the official approach has shifted toward a unified desktop application and browser APIs that reduce or remove the need for a separate helper. The vendor now encourages using the official suite application where available, and notes that standalone bridge installations are being phased out to avoid conflicts with newer tools. If you still have an older standalone helper installed, consider updating your workflow to match current guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Quick checklist before you begin
- Make sure your hardware device firmware is up to date (follow vendor prompts on first connection).
- Close competing wallet apps while setting up to avoid connection conflicts.
- Have a secure, offline backup of your seed phrase before making changes to software.
Safe setup: step-by-step
- Choose the official application path. For current desktop workflows, prefer the vendor’s official suite download that bundles communication support directly; this reduces the need for a separate helper. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Install the suite or bridge installer. Follow on-screen prompts from the official source. On macOS and Windows, packaged installers guide you through the process.
- Connect your device. Plug the hardware wallet into a USB port. When the desktop app requests permission to interact with the device, confirm on the physical unit exactly what is shown on its small display before approving.
- Verify the device on-screen. The suite will typically display a fingerprint or device identifier; match this with your hardware to ensure you’re connecting to the correct unit.
Troubleshooting common issues
If connections fail, work through these checks:
- Try a different USB port or cable (data-capable, not just charging).
- Close other wallet or bridge utilities that might be running to avoid conflicts. If you have a legacy standalone helper installed it can interfere with more recent tools; consider removing it if the official guidance suggests so. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Restart the desktop application and reconnect the device, confirming any prompts on the device itself.
- Where a web-based interface is used, modern browser APIs (such as direct USB access) are sometimes recommended instead of an external helper; check the guidance for your browser and app. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Uninstall and replace (if applicable)
If you are moving from a standalone helper to the official suite or a new recommended method, follow the vendor’s removal steps for your operating system to prevent conflicts. The vendor provides step-by-step uninstall instructions for major platforms when the separate helper is deprecated. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Best security practices
- Only install software from the official source linked on the vendor site.
- Keep your device firmware current, but verify update prompts directly on the device’s display before confirming.
- Store recovery details in a secure, offline manner — never in cloud text files or unencrypted notes.
Wrapping up
Whether you still rely on a helper tool or have migrated to the vendor’s integrated application, the principles are the same: validate the source of software, confirm prompts on the physical device, and prefer official, maintained software that minimizes background conflicts. If you run into persistent connection problems after trying the steps above, consult the vendor’s support pages and follow the recommendations for your operating system and chosen workflow. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}