Trezor Bridge Not Working? | Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Trezor hardware wallets are trusted worldwide for their unmatched security, open-source architecture, and ease of use. Whether you're accessing Trezor Suite, interacting with Web3 dApps, or managing your crypto portfolio, one crucial component makes it all possible: Trezor Bridge. This lightweight software enables communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer.

But what happens when Trezor Bridge stops working, your browser fails to detect your wallet, or you get stuck on the dreaded “Connect your Trezor” screen?

This comprehensive, step-by-step troubleshooting guide will help you diagnose and fix the most common causes of Trezor Bridge issues across Windows, macOS, and Linux. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced user, you’ll find the solutions you need to get your hardware wallet working smoothly again.

1. What Is Trezor Bridge and Why Is It Important?

Before troubleshooting, it helps to understand what Trezor Bridge actually does.

Trezor Bridge is a background application that:

• Allows your browser and operating system to detect your Trezor hardware wallet

• Provides a secure communication channel between software (like Trezor Suite) and the device

• Eliminates the need for browser extensions

• Ensures your private keys always remain offline and protected

If Trezor Bridge is not working properly, your Trezor wallet may not appear in Trezor Suite, your browser may not recognize the device, and you may be unable to send or receive cryptocurrency.

2. Common Symptoms of Trezor Bridge Problems

If you’re experiencing any of the following issues, the Bridge may not be functioning correctly:

• Trezor Suite says "Device not recognized"

• Browser cannot detect the Trezor wallet

• Wallet stuck on “Looking for Trezor”

• Web3 dApps fail to connect to Trezor

• Bridge installer appears to run but nothing happens

• Device does not appear after firmware update

• Bridge starts but immediately stops running

These problems may arise due to browser issues, USB connectivity, outdated software, OS permissions, or conflicts with other applications.

3. Quick Fixes to Try First

Before diving deeply into advanced troubleshooting, try these simple fixes—they resolve most issues:

1. Restart your computer

A system restart clears hung processes, USB driver conflicts, and Bridge errors.

2. Unplug and reconnect your Trezor wallet

Use the original USB cable if possible.

3. Close and reopen Trezor Suite or your browser

Sometimes, the app simply needs to reload.

4. Try a different USB port

USB hubs often cause connection instability.

5. Ensure you installed Trezor Bridge

You can confirm this in your system’s running processes.

If none of these resolve your issue, move on to the next sections.

4. Check Whether Trezor Bridge Is Installed and Running

Trezor Bridge must be running in the background for your computer to detect your Trezor device.

On Windows

Do the following:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager

2. Look for Trezor Bridge under “Processes”

3. If it is not running, reinstall the Bridge

Check Windows Services

Sometimes Windows blocks services.

1. Press Win + R

2. Type: services.msc

3. Look for services related to Trezor

4. Make sure they are running and set to automatic

On macOS

1. Open Activity Monitor

2. Search for trezor-bridge

3. If it is not listed, reinstall the application

macOS sometimes blocks new apps from running silently. Go to:

System Settings → Privacy & Security → Allow apps from identified developers

Approve any Trezor-related prompts.

On Linux

Use:

ps aux | grep trezor

If nothing appears, reinstall Bridge or run it manually.

5. Reinstall Trezor Bridge Properly

Incorrect installation is one of the most common causes of problems.

Step-by-Step Reinstallation Guide

1. Uninstall the current Trezor Bridge

• On Windows: Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall

• On macOS: Delete the app from Applications

• On Linux: Remove via package manager

2. Restart your system

This ensures old processes are cleared.

3. Download the latest version

Always download from the official Trezor website.

4. Install the Bridge and grant permissions

On macOS and Windows, confirm any security prompts.

5. Reconnect your Trezor device

Launch Trezor Suite or your browser afterward.

A clean reinstall fixes most detection problems.

6. Fix Browser Compatibility Issues

Many users experience problems due to browser incompatibility or outdated caches. Trezor Bridge communicates with browsers differently, so you must ensure everything is configured properly.

Supported Browsers

Trezor Bridge works with:

• Chrome

• Firefox

• Brave

• Opera

• Chromium-based browsers

It does NOT work with Safari.
Mac users must use Chrome or Firefox.

Clear Browser Cache

Browser cache can block device recognition.

Chrome / Brave:

Settings → Privacy → Clear Browsing Data → Cached files

Firefox:

Settings → Privacy & Security → Clear Data → Cached Web Content

Disable interfering extensions

Browser extensions like ad blockers or privacy tools may block Bridge.

Temporarily disable:

• Adblock / uBlock

• Privacy Badger

• NoScript

• Script blockers

• VPN browser plugins

Then reconnect the Trezor.

Allow USB Access in Browser

Some browsers require manual permission.

On Chrome:

1. Go to chrome://settings/content/usbDevices

2. Allow sites to access your USB devices

3. Add suite.trezor.io as an allowed site

This often resolves connection failures instantly.

7. Check USB Cables and Ports

Connectivity issues are more common than you might think.

Try these steps:

• Use the original Trezor USB cable

• Avoid USB hubs—they cause instability

• Plug directly into your motherboard (rear ports)

• Try multiple ports (USB 2.0 and 3.0)

• Inspect the cable for physical damage

Loose or incompatible cables frequently cause intermittent detection problems.

8. Update Your Trezor Firmware

Sometimes, outdated firmware prevents the device from communicating with the Bridge.

How to update firmware:

1. Connect your Trezor wallet

2. Open Trezor Suite

3. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions

Do NOT disconnect the device during the update.
Once updated, reconnect and check if the Bridge works correctly.

9. Fix Driver Issues (Windows Only)

Windows sometimes fails to install USB drivers correctly.

Manually Update Trezor Drivers

1. Right-click Start → Device Manager

2. Expand USB Devices or Other Devices

3. Look for Trezor or an unrecognized USB device

4. Right-click → Update Driver

5. Choose Search automatically

If Windows installed the wrong driver:

• Remove the device

• Restart and reconnect your Trezor

Use Zadig Driver Tool (Advanced Users)

For persistent driver conflicts, tools like Zadig can repair USB drivers.

10. Check for Conflicting Software

Some antivirus tools or security programs block Trezor Bridge.

Disable temporarily:

• McAfee

• Avast / AVG

• Bitdefender

• Kaspersky

Also check:

• VPNs

• Firewalls

• Endpoint protection software

Then reconnect the Trezor.

If the Bridge works after disabling something, add Trezor to the allowed list.

11. Fix macOS Security Restrictions

macOS may silently block new apps.

Do this after installing the Bridge:

1. Open System Settings

2. Go to Privacy & Security

3. Scroll to the bottom

4. Approve Trezor Bridge under “Allow apps from developers”

12. Fix Linux Bridge Issues

Linux can block Trezor access without proper udev rules.

Add udev Rules

Run:

sudo udevadm control --reload-rules sudo udevadm trigger

Then reconnect your Trezor device.

Also ensure Browser integration is allowed in Chrome or Firefox.

13. Trezor Suite Alternatives for Testing

If Trezor Suite still fails to detect your wallet, test using:

• MyEtherWallet (MEW)

• MetaMask Trezor integration

• Electrum for Bitcoin

If these recognize the wallet, the problem is likely in Trezor Suite, not the Bridge.

14. When to Reset Bridge Settings

If all else fails, you can reset configuration files manually.

On Windows:

Delete:

C:\Users\<YourName>\AppData\Local\TrezorBridge\

On macOS:

Delete:

~/Library/Application Support/TrezorBridge/

Restart Trezor Bridge afterward.

15. Reaching Out for Support

If nothing works, gather the following information:

• OS version

• Browser version

• Trezor model and firmware

• Bridge version

• Screenshots of the error

Then contact:

• Trezor Support

• Trezor community forums

• GitHub issues (for technical users)

16. How to Prevent Trezor Bridge Problems in the Future

To avoid future issues, follow these best practices:

✔ Keep Trezor Bridge up to date

✔ Keep firmware updated

✔ Use supported browsers

✔ Restart your computer after major updates

✔ Avoid USB hubs

✔ Keep your cable in good condition

✔ Approve macOS or Windows security prompts

✔ Do not use outdated browser extensions

With these precautions, Trezor Bridge should operate smoothly long-term.

Final Thoughts

When Trezor Bridge is not working, it can be frustrating, especially when you need to access your crypto quickly. However, most issues stem from simple causes like browser settings, cable problems, outdated software, or OS restrictions. By following this troubleshooting guide step by step, you can resolve nearly all connection problems and restore secure communication between your computer and your Trezor hardware wallet.

Trezor Bridge remains a crucial component of the Trezor ecosystem—ensuring safe, encrypted, and reliable interaction with your crypto assets. Once fixed, you can confidently continue managing your portfolio with maximum security and peace of mind.