Trezor Bridge - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is Trezor Bridge?

Answer: Trezor Bridge is a piece of software that allows your Trezor hardware wallet to connect to web-based services such as cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet apps, and other platforms directly from your browser. It acts as a bridge between your hardware wallet and these online services, enabling secure transactions without exposing your private keys.

2. How does Trezor Bridge work?

Answer: Trezor Bridge communicates with your Trezor device over USB, facilitating secure communication with web-based apps and services. It ensures that all sensitive information, such as private keys, never leaves the device, keeping your cryptocurrencies safe during operations like signing transactions or managing wallets.

3. Do I need Trezor Bridge to use my Trezor device?

Answer: No, you don't need Trezor Bridge for basic wallet functionality or for interacting with the Trezor Web Wallet or Trezor Suite desktop application. However, Trezor Bridge is required if you wish to use third-party web-based applications, such as exchanges or decentralized apps (dApps), which need to interact with your Trezor device.

4. Is Trezor Bridge safe to use?

Answer: Yes, Trezor Bridge is completely safe. It is developed by the Trezor team, and like the Trezor hardware wallet itself, it follows best security practices. Your private keys are never exposed to your computer or the internet—they always remain on the Trezor device, keeping your funds secure.

5. How do I install Trezor Bridge?

Answer:

  1. Go to the official Trezor website (https://trezor.io/bridge).
  2. Download the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install Trezor Bridge on your computer.
  4. Once installed, connect your Trezor device to the computer, and the Bridge will automatically detect it and allow you to start using it with supported web services.

6. Can I use Trezor Bridge with any browser?

Answer: Trezor Bridge supports popular web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and others. However, it may work best with Chrome and Firefox, as they have better support for the necessary web technologies required to communicate securely with your Trezor hardware wallet.

7. What should I do if Trezor Bridge is not detecting my device?

Answer: If Trezor Bridge is not detecting your device, try the following:

  • Ensure that your Trezor device is properly connected via USB.
  • Restart Trezor Bridge and refresh your browser page.
  • Make sure your Trezor firmware is up to date by visiting the Trezor Suite or Web Wallet.
  • Try using a different USB port or cable.
  • Restart your computer or browser and check if the device is recognized.

8. Can I use Trezor Bridge on a mobile device?

Answer: No, Trezor Bridge is designed specifically for use on desktop computers (Windows, macOS, and Linux) and is not available for mobile devices. For mobile transactions, you can use the Trezor mobile app (Trezor Suite for mobile) which connects to your Trezor hardware wallet directly via USB or Bluetooth, depending on the device.

9. Is Trezor Bridge compatible with all Trezor devices?

Answer: Yes, Trezor Bridge is compatible with both the Trezor One and Trezor Model T hardware wallets. It works seamlessly with both models to ensure secure connections with supported web applications.

10. Do I need Trezor Bridge if I’m using Trezor Suite?

Answer: No, Trezor Bridge is not required when using Trezor Suite (either the desktop or web version) to manage your wallet. Trezor Suite connects directly to your device without needing a separate bridge. Trezor Bridge is specifically used for web-based applications that are not integrated directly with Trezor Suite.

11. How do I uninstall Trezor Bridge?

Answer: To uninstall Trezor Bridge:

  • On Windows: Go to 'Control Panel' → 'Programs and Features', then find Trezor Bridge in the list and click 'Uninstall'.
  • On macOS: Open the 'Applications' folder, find Trezor Bridge, and drag it to the trash.
  • On Linux: Use your package manager or terminal to uninstall the Trezor Bridge package, depending on how it was installed.

12. Is there a way to use Trezor Bridge with a browser extension?

Answer: Currently, Trezor Bridge does not require or support any browser extensions. Instead, it directly integrates with browsers that support the technology necessary for communication with your Trezor device. As long as Trezor Bridge is installed on your computer, supported web services will recognize your device.

13. What web services support Trezor Bridge?

Answer: Trezor Bridge is compatible with many cryptocurrency exchanges, wallet apps, and decentralized finance (DeFi) applications. Some examples of supported services include Binance, Coinomi, MyEtherWallet, and various dApps. Check with the specific service or app you're using to see if Trezor Bridge is required.

14. How do I update Trezor Bridge?

Answer: Trezor Bridge updates automatically when new versions are released. Simply keep your Trezor Bridge installed, and the software will update when necessary. If you want to manually check for updates, visit the official Trezor website and download the latest version.

15. What should I do if I’m having trouble with Trezor Bridge?

Answer: If you're encountering issues with Trezor Bridge, try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Restart your computer and reconnect your Trezor device.
  • Check that Trezor Bridge is running in the background and that your browser is up to date.
  • Visit the official Trezor support page for more detailed troubleshooting steps or contact Trezor support if the issue persists.