Overview — role of Bridge and current guidance
Trezor Bridge was a lightweight helper application that allowed browsers and desktop applications to communicate with Trezor hardware wallets over USB. With evolving browser and OS behaviors, the recommended user flow now emphasizes Trezor Suite for most users. Suite centralizes firmware updates, device setup, and wallet interactions into one supported application, simplifying connectivity and reducing the chance of compatibility issues.
Why switching to Suite is recommended
Using the official Trezor Suite reduces the number of moving parts on your computer: Suite bundles the recommended connectivity stack, streamlines firmware checks, and gives a security-focused user flow. That means fewer manual installs of helper apps, fewer potential conflicts when browsers update, and a single, supported upgrade path.
Where to download safely
Only download Trezor Suite or Bridge from official Trezor endpoints — start at trezor.io/start. If a release includes cryptographic signatures or checksums, verify them before running an installer. Avoid third-party mirrors and untrusted aggregators; those sources are the most common vectors for supply-chain tampering.
Install & connect: concise step-by-step
- Select the right package: choose Trezor Suite for most users; only use standalone Bridge if a specific workflow requires it.
- Verify artifacts: compare checksums or signatures when provided (recommended for security-conscious users).
- Run the installer: accept typical OS permissions; administrators rights may be required on macOS/Windows.
- Connect your Trezor: use a data-capable USB cable and follow on-device prompts — never enter the recovery seed into software.
- Approve firmware/txs: always confirm firmware updates and transactions directly on the device screen.
Troubleshooting — common fixes
If your Trezor is not detected or connectivity fails, try these proven steps in order:
- Replace the USB cable with a known data-capable cable (some cables are power-only).
- Try a different USB port, preferably a motherboard port instead of a hub.
- Uninstall any old Bridge versions, reboot, and then re-install Suite.
- Ensure your OS and browser are updated to supported stable releases.
- Check device firmware within Suite and follow official update prompts when necessary.
Security checklist — essential items
- Download only from official Trezor domains.
- Never share your recovery seed — Trezor will never request it.
- Verify cryptographic signatures or hashes when available.
- Confirm every transaction and firmware change on the hardware device display.
- Keep the host OS and browser patched; prefer a dedicated machine for large holdings if possible.
When to remove legacy Bridge
Once you have migrated to Trezor Suite and verified your workflows, uninstall any legacy Bridge helper programs. Removing unnecessary background helpers reduces attack surface and prevents version conflicts which can cause device detection issues.
Notes for developers & advanced users
Power users who maintain deployment images or offline environments should mirror official signed artifacts and re-check signatures periodically. For air-gapped setups, follow Trezor’s recommended verification and firmware procedures documented in the official guides.
Summary: prefer Trezor Suite for a smoother, more secure experience; always use official download sources; verify artifacts where possible; and confirm every action on the physical device.