Welcome to the comprehensive guide on **Starting Up Your Device** using the **Trezor Bridge®** and performing the **login** process in a secure, efficient manner. In this document, you will find step‑by‑step instructions, helpful hints, terminology, and answers to common queries.
The **Trezor Bridge®** is a small interface application that acts as a communication layer between your Trezor hardware wallet and your web browser or desktop client. It handles the data handshake, encryption, and secure transport so that your sensitive operations remain protected. Without Trezor Bridge installed and running, your computer may not “see” the Trezor device or may fail to initiate the **login** flow.
Bridge acts as a mediator: it translates USB commands from the browser into instructions the Trezor can understand, and vice versa. It runs in the background and typically updates automatically when a new version becomes available.
Trezor Bridge® supports major operating systems including Windows, macOS, and many Linux distributions. For browsers, modern browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, and Brave are generally supported. Some browser extensions or privacy blockers may interfere with the **login** handshake, so temporarily disabling them may help.
You should have:
Visit the official Trezor website and download the correct Bridge installer for your OS. Ensure you verify the cryptographic signature if provided, to maintain integrity. Once downloaded, run the installer and allow necessary permissions.
Run the installer executable (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, Linux .AppImage or .deb). Follow on‑screen prompts: accept license, pick installation directory, and allow system-level driver installation if needed.
After installation, Bridge will often launch as a background daemon or service. On Windows, check for “Trezor Bridge” in the system tray; on macOS, check Activity Monitor or in **/Applications**; on Linux, check running processes (`trezord` or `trezor‑bridge`).
You can also confirm by navigating to http://127.0.0.1:21325/ in your browser — if Bridge is active, it may respond with a version string or a small status page.
Periodically, the Trezor Bridge® software is updated to improve security, fix bugs, and add compatibility. When prompted by the Trezor client or by official notifications, always update to the latest version.
Plug your Trezor device into a USB port. Use a direct port rather than via a hub, if possible. The device will power on and display its splash or welcome screen. If it's the first time, you may need to accept USB permissions prompts on your OS.
Open the Trezor web client or desktop software. The client tries to connect to the Bridge service running locally. Once connected, it issues the **login** prompt, asking you to confirm access on both the browser and the physical device. This dual confirmation helps ensure your connection is genuine.
After connection, you'll be asked to enter your PIN using the device’s screen (not your keyboard) to avoid keylogging. If your wallet uses a passphrase, you may need to input it (on the device or via secure input). Once correct, the session is authenticated and your accounts can be accessed safely.
After a period of inactivity, the session may time out and require reauthentication (relogin). This ensures extra security. You may also see a prompt to renew or revalidate the connection via Bridge if updates or reconnection occurs.
Use the USB cable that came with your Trezor device (or a high-quality data cable). Avoid power-only cables (which lack data lines). Try different USB ports if the device is not recognized.
Some firewall or antivirus software may block Bridge’s local server. Allow “trezord” or “trezor‑bridge” as an exception. Temporarily disable browser extensions (like script blockers) that might block localhost traffic.
If Bridge becomes corrupt or fails to start, uninstall it completely, reboot, and reinstall from the official source. Ensure no residual processes remain before reinstalling.
If the client suggests a firmware update after login, read the release notes carefully. Always have your recovery seed in a safe place before performing firmware updates. Never skip backups.
Always confirm pop‑ups on the physical Trezor screen, and never enter your PIN or passphrase on an unverified device. Avoid using public or untrusted computers for **login** operations.
If the Bridge doesn’t detect your Trezor, try switching USB ports, using a direct cable (not via a hub), or restarting the Bridge service. Also ensure your firewall or antivirus isn’t blocking it. Finally, reinstall Bridge if nothing works.
No. The private key never leaves your Trezor device. During the **login** and **Starting Up Your Device** flow, all signing and cryptographic operations are done within the device itself, and Bridge simply transports signed/unsigned messages.
Updates typically come when there’s a security improvement or bug fix. You may get prompted occasionally. It’s best to update when recommended to maintain compatibility and safety.
Yes — each computer must have the Bridge installed. You can connect your Trezor device to any of them, perform the **login**, and access your wallet, as long as the Bridge and client software are installed and properly configured.
If your session times out, simply reconnect the device, reopen the client, and go through the login flow again. Make sure Bridge is running and up to date. If the timeout is unusually frequent, check your client settings or reinstall Bridge.
In summary, the **Trezor Bridge®** plays a crucial role in the **Starting Up Your Device** process and secure **login** flow. By bridging your hardware wallet to your browser or client, it ensures that commands, signatures, and data remain protected. Always use authentic installers, maintain updated software, and practice good security hygiene (use strong PINs, safeguard your seed phrase, avoid unknown machines). With the information here and the FAQs answered, you should now be well equipped to set up your Trezor, start it, and perform safe logins.