Trezor Bridge® — Introducing™ the New Trezor App | Trezor

This article explains Trezor Bridge® and the newly redesigned Trezor App — how they work together to deliver a modern desktop and browser experience, installation and setup guidance, the security model you can rely on, useful troubleshooting steps, and operational best practices. The goal is practical: help you connect, manage, and safely use your Trezor hardware with confidence.

Quick overview — what you’re getting

Trezor Bridge® is the small local service that allows browsers and desktop front-ends to detect and talk to a USB-connected Trezor device. The new Trezor App is a refreshed, user-focused interface for desktop and web that pairs with your hardware to show balances, compose transactions, perform swaps, and manage backups — all while ensuring private keys remain on the device. Together, they make browser-first workflows practical without sacrificing the hardware security model.

Why Bridge + a redesigned app matters

Historically, connecting hardware wallets to web apps could be fiddly: browsers handle USB/HID differently, and the user experience varied across platforms. Bridge standardizes local device access so the app can offer a consistent experience. The new Trezor App builds on that reliability with clearer flows, improved device verification UI, simplified onboarding, and tighter prompts that emphasize on-device confirmation. The combination reduces friction for everyday tasks while keeping signing decisions explicit and auditable.

Key features of the new Trezor App

How the system works — high-level flow

The interaction is intentionally simple and secure: the app (or browser front-end) constructs unsigned transactions, Bridge relays them to the connected Trezor device, the device shows full details on its screen for your verification, you approve on-device, and the signed transaction is returned through Bridge to be broadcast. At no point do private keys leave your hardware.

Installing Trezor Bridge® and the new app — safe steps

1. Download from official sources: Always obtain installers from the official Trezor website. Avoid third-party mirrors.
2. Install Bridge: Run the platform-specific Bridge installer (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, or Linux package) and allow the background service to start. Administrative privileges are typically required so Bridge can access USB devices.
3. Install or open the Trezor App: Use the desktop client for the full feature set, or open the web app if you prefer a browser flow; Bridge will serve both.
4. Connect your device: Plug the Trezor into a USB port (preferably directly, not via an unpowered hub) and follow on-screen prompts.
5. Initialize securely: Create a new wallet or recover from your seed. Write down the seed carefully and store it offline — never save it digitally.
6. Verify receive addresses: Always check that the address shown in the app matches the address on your device display before sharing it.
7. Perform a small test: Send or receive a small amount first when using a new setup or service to confirm everything functions as expected.

Security model — responsibilities and guarantees

The security model centers on a hardware root of trust: your Trezor device. Bridge is a local messenger and the app is a UI; neither holds private keys. Key guarantees and responsibilities:

• Private keys never leave the device. Signing happens on-device and requires physical confirmation.[/li]
• Bridge is local-only. It listens on your machine and should not expose remote network endpoints; keep your host secure.
• App prompts emphasize on-device verification. Do not approve transactions without checking the device display.
• User responsibility: secure seed storage, safe procurement of devices, and cautious operational habits remain essential.

Troubleshooting — common problems and fixes

Issues are often environmental and resolvable with a few practical steps:

1. Restart Bridge and the app: Restarting the Bridge service or rebooting often clears USB enumeration glitches.
2. Try another cable or port: Faulty cables and hubs cause most connectivity issues—use the original cable and a direct port.
3. Update software: Ensure Bridge, the Trezor App, and device firmware are all up to date from official channels.
4. Browser permission prompts: If using the web app, accept pop-ups and origin permission requests; temporarily allow pop-ups if blocked.
5. Security software interference: If antivirus or endpoint protection blocks Bridge, whitelist the official Bridge binary after verifying its source.
6. Check device authenticity: If you suspect tampering, contact official support and do not enter seed material until you have verified the device.

Advanced workflows and power-user tips

Advanced users can extend the app with PSBT workflows, multisig setups, and dApp connectors. A few practical tips:

• PSBT for air-gapped signing: Use PSBT to prepare unsigned transactions on an online machine, sign on an offline device, and broadcast from the online host.
• Multisig for shared custody: Combine multiple hardware wallets and cosigners to reduce single-point failure and create institutional-grade controls.
• Labeling and exports: Use account labels and export transaction history for bookkeeping—never export private keys or seeds.
• Passphrase discipline: If you enable passphrases for hidden wallets, document and store passphrase rules securely; passphrases are not recoverable if lost.

FAQ — short answers

Do I need Bridge if I use the desktop Trezor App?

Bridge is primarily for web browser compatibility. The desktop app may include native USB support, but installing Bridge ensures consistent behavior across browsers and certain integrations.

What happens if my device is lost?

If you securely recorded your recovery seed, you can restore your wallet on a replacement device. Losing both the seed and the device generally means funds are unrecoverable.

Can I use the web app safely?

Yes—when Bridge is installed and you only connect to trusted web origins. Always verify the site URL and check the device screen before approving transactions.

Conclusion

Trezor Bridge® and the new Trezor App together deliver a modern, user-friendly path to hardware-backed custody. Bridge reduces friction between browsers and hardware, while the redesigned app emphasizes safer workflows, clearer on-device verification, and smoother onboarding. Neither component weakens the core security model: private keys remain on-device, and signing requires physical confirmation. Follow the installation and operational best practices—install only from official channels, keep software updated, verify addresses on-device, and protect your recovery seed—and you’ll get the convenience of web and desktop apps without sacrificing the security that matters most.