Introduction — What this guide covers
Trezor Bridge is the small, secure application that creates a reliable communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and desktop/browser applications such as Trezor Suite. This guide walks you through starting up your device: installing Bridge, connecting the device, completing the initial setup and recovery steps, and basic troubleshooting so you can start managing crypto safely.
Before you begin — checklist
- Have your Trezor device (Model T or One) and original USB cable available.
- Use a trusted computer (avoid public or shared terminals).
- Ensure your operating system is up to date (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Download software only from the official trezor.io domain.
- Prepare a secure place to write down your recovery seed (no screenshots or digital copies).
Step 1 — Install Trezor Bridge
Trezor Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It runs in the background and enables USB communication between your device and supported apps.
- Open your browser and go to https://trezor.io/bridge/.
- Download the installer that matches your OS and run it. On macOS you may need to authorize the installer in System Settings → Security & Privacy.
- After installation, restart your browser (or computer) to ensure the Bridge service starts correctly.
Tip: Only install Bridge from the official site. If your firewall or antivirus flags Bridge, temporarily allow it while you verify the downloaded file's origin.
Step 2 — Connect your Trezor device
- Plug the Trezor into a USB port using the cable included with the device.
- Open Trezor Suite or the web interface recommended on the official site.
- When prompted, allow the browser to use the Bridge connection. The Suite will detect the device and walk you through the next steps.
Step 3 — Initial device setup
If your Trezor is new or reset, perform the following carefully. If you already have a seed and want to restore, skip to the restore instructions below.
- Create a new wallet: Follow on-screen prompts in Suite to create a new wallet.
- Set a device PIN: Choose a PIN you can remember but others cannot guess. The PIN protects access to the device if it’s physically stolen.
- Write down your recovery seed: The device will generate a 12, 18 or 24-word recovery seed. Write these words on paper (or on the official metal backup) and store them offline in a secure place.
- Confirm seed words: The Suite will ask you to confirm a few words to ensure you recorded them correctly.
Never enter your recovery seed into a computer, phone, or online form. Your seed is the master key to your funds — keep it offline and private.
Step 4 — Restoring an existing wallet
If you already have a Trezor seed from another device, choose Restore wallet in Suite and enter the seed words when prompted by the device. The Bridge simply passes encrypted requests; the seed entry and validation occur on the device itself for maximal security.
Security best practices
- Always verify that the site you use is the official Trezor domain.
- Confirm the device's fingerprint or fingerprint verification prompt if provided by Suite.
- Keep your recovery seed physically secure (consider a fireproof safe or a metal backup).
- Use passphrase feature only if you understand the implications — lost passphrases cannot be recovered.
Common troubleshooting
Bridge not detected
- Restart your browser and computer.
- Reinstall Bridge from the official page.
- Try different USB ports or a known-good cable.
- Check that Bridge is not blocked by firewall or antivirus settings.
Device shows “Bootloader” or “Firmware update”
Follow Suite prompts carefully when updating firmware. Only install firmware delivered through the official Trezor Suite — firmware updates improve security and compatibility but must be done with care.
After setup — what to do next
Once your device is connected and initialized, you can:
- Send and receive supported cryptocurrencies through Trezor Suite.
- Explore additional integrations (wallets, exchanges) that support Trezor via Bridge.
- Consider setting up a hidden wallet with a passphrase for extra privacy.
Final notes
Trezor Bridge is intentionally lightweight and secure — it exists to create a trustworthy channel between your hardware wallet and software. Starting up your device with Bridge installed ensures the best compatibility across browsers and operating systems while keeping private keys protected on the device itself.