Trezor Bridge - Install & Connect Your Trezor® Wallet

Introduction: What is Trezor Bridge?

The Trezor hardware wallet requires a small application known as **Trezor Bridge** to communicate seamlessly with your web browser and the **Trezor Suite** or other compatible third-party applications. This **daemon process** runs in the background on your computer, providing a critical **communication layer** between the USB connection and the software interface. Without the Bridge, the web application cannot detect the device. **(You need several more paragraphs here)** detailing the security features of the Bridge, the concept of a "local service," and why it's safer than relying solely on browser extensions. (Approximate Word Count Goal for this section: 250 words).

Prerequisites for Installation

Before starting the installation, ensure your operating system is up-to-date and that you have administrator privileges. Trezor Bridge supports all major desktop operating systems: **Windows, macOS, and Linux**.

Step-by-Step Guide: Downloading and Installing the Bridge

The installation process is straightforward, designed for users of all technical levels. We recommend downloading the Bridge directly from the **official Trezor website** to avoid malware or compromised files. **Never download cryptographic software components from third-party sites.**

Installation Procedure:

  1. **Download the Installer:** Navigate to the official Trezor download page and select the appropriate installer file for your operating system (e.g., trezor-bridge-setup.exe for Windows or trezor-bridge-setup.dmg for macOS).
  2. **Execute the File:** Locate the downloaded file and double-click it to begin the installation wizard. On macOS, this involves dragging the application icon into the 'Applications' folder.
  3. **Accept Permissions:** Grant the necessary administrative permissions when prompted. The software will install the required **USB drivers** and register itself as a **system service**.
  4. **Completion and Verification:** Upon successful installation, the Bridge runs silently. You should see a new background process, often labeled trezord.

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**Security Warning:** Always verify the integrity of the downloaded file using **checksums (SHA256)** if provided, though this is often handled automatically by the operating system's security features for officially signed applications. Do not proceed if your operating system flags the installer as untrusted or unverified.

Connecting the Wallet and Basic Troubleshooting

Once the Bridge is installed, the connection process should be automatic when accessing the Trezor Suite. If the device isn't recognized, you'll need to confirm connectivity and configuration settings.

The Connection Workflow

  1. **Launch Trezor Suite:** Open the desktop application or navigate to the web version.
  2. **Connect Device:** Plug your Trezor device into a USB port.
  3. **Enter PIN:** The Suite prompts you to enter your **PIN** on the device's physical screen using the random keypad layout shown on your computer screen (to mitigate keyloggers).
  4. **Access Wallet:** Once the PIN is confirmed, the Bridge facilitates the secure session, and your wallet interface loads.

Common Troubleshooting Issues

If the Trezor Bridge displays a "Device not found" error, consider the following fixes:

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