Trezor Bridge®

Introduction to Trezor Bridge & Account Access

In the Trezor ecosystem, **Trezor Bridge®** serves as the secure local communication link between your hardware wallet and browser-based interfaces. But when you **“Sign In”** to your account—what’s really happening behind the scenes is a **device-authenticated login** process, not a conventional username/password login.

This page explains how that process works, why Bridge is involved (sometimes), and how to safely sign into your account. If you're new, you might also be guided to trezor.io/start to set up your device first.

Why You Don’t “Log Into” Bridge

One common misconception is that there’s a “Bridge login” step. That’s incorrect. Bridge does **not** manage user credentials. Its sole role is to facilitate encrypted, local communication between your browser (or web apps) and your Trezor device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The actual “Sign In Your Account” is done via the Trezor web interface (e.g. suite.trezor.io) or application, and requires your physical device to confirm identity via PIN or passphrase. Bridge is just the silent helper when needed.

How the Sign-In Flow Works

Here’s a simplified breakdown of how you “sign in” using your Trezor device:

1. Connect your Trezor device via USB (or supported connection).
2. If your browser or system doesn’t natively support the required USB API, Bridge is invoked or installed to mediate the connection. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
3. In the web UI or application, the system or site requests access to your hardware wallet.
4. The request is forwarded (potentially via Bridge) to the device.
5. Your Trezor device displays a confirmation and prompts for your PIN (and optionally passphrase). You enter it on-device—not in the browser. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
6. Once confirmed, your session is active. You can now manage your funds, view dashboard, and perform transactions. Any operation that affects funds still requires on-device consent.

🔒 Always verify the numbers or fingerprint shown on your browser against what’s on your device screen before confirming — this helps prevent man-in-the-middle attacks.

When Bridge Is Needed for Login

You’ll only see Bridge involved in the login process under certain conditions:

• Your browser lacks built-in WebUSB support (older versions of Firefox or other niche browsers). :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Your operating system or browser policy restricts direct USB access.
• You are using the **web** version (suite.trezor.io) or another web wallet interface that requires Bridge to mediate USB communication. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

If you're using the **Trezor Suite desktop application**, Bridge is not needed—the application handles USB communication internally. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Step-by-Step: Signing In via Web Interface

Below is how you’d typically sign into your account via the browser-based interface if Bridge is required:

1. Visit suite.trezor.io (or relevant web wallet site).
2. Connect your Trezor device via USB.
3. If prompted, download and install Bridge from the official source. (Always use trezor.io links.) :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
4. Allow the browser to access your device (a permission request). The request is handled by Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
5. On your Trezor device, verify visual confirmation and enter your PIN (and passphrase if used). :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
6. Once approved, the web interface loads your account dashboard. You’re signed in.

Security Considerations During Sign-In

While Trezor’s design is inherently secure, following these practices further protects your funds:

• Never enter your recovery seed or private key anywhere online during login.
• Verify the domain (e.g., suite.trezor.io) and SSL padlock before connecting.
• Only download Bridge from official sources (e.g. trezor.io). :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
• Keep your firmware, software, and browser updated to patch potential vulnerabilities.
• Avoid using untrusted or public computers for login.

Troubleshooting Login Problems

Sometimes the sign-in process may fail. Here are common issues and fixes:

• Bridge not installed or detected: Ensure it's running in the background; reinstall from official source. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
• Browser not allowed to access USB: Grant proper permissions in browser settings.
• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable or port; avoid USB hubs.
• Wrong PIN or passphrase: Confirm correct entry on the device. If wrong, you may need to retry or reset and recover using seed.
• Outdated Bridge or browser: Update to latest versions. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}