Deprecation and Removal of Standalone Trezor Bridge
Trezor users, please note: the **Standalone Trezor Bridge** software is being deprecated and removed in favor of a more integrated and secure solution built into **Trezor Suite**. This document explains what Bridge is, why it’s being phased out, how this change affects you, and what steps you should take to ensure continued, secure access to your Trezor hardware wallet.
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a background application (daemon) developed by SatoshiLabs that allows Trezor hardware wallets to communicate securely with web browsers and desktop applications. It handles USB encryption, device detection, and acts as a middleware between the Trezor device and built‑in or third‑party wallet software. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Key roles of Bridge included:
Enabling browser‑based tools to detect and talk to Trezor devices (via WebUSB / WebHID / USB/HID) when browser support alone is insufficient. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Ensuring cross‑platform support (Windows, macOS, Linux) for secure device connections. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Serving as a local, encrypted communication channel so private keys stay on the hardware. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Why Deprecate Standalone Bridge?
Over time, Trezor Suite has evolved to include all the functionality that Bridge provided — baked in directly, with tighter integration, fewer moving parts, and better security practices. Maintaining a separate standalone Bridge component introduces complexity, potential version mismatches, and additional attack surface. The decision was made to simplify the user experience and reduce maintenance overhead by removing the standalone Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Benefits of moving to Suite‑embedded functionality:
Simpler installation and fewer software dependencies. You install/install Suite once and get the required connectivity automatically. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Less chance of conflicts between versions of Bridge and Suite. Running both standalone Bridge and Suite‑embedded Bridge can lead to detection or connectivity errors. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
More secure updating path: Suite updates cover the embedded Bridge logic so users are less likely to run outdated or vulnerable standalone components. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Timeline & Status
Here’s a high‑level timeline of the deprecation process:
Date / Version
Milestone
What It Means for Users
2022
Announcement of deprecation of standalone Bridge
Users are informed that Bridge will be phased out and users should begin using Trezor Suite instead. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Late 2023 / Early 2024
Introduction of Suite versions with embedded Bridge functionality
Suite includes automatic device‑detection and communication formerly handled by standalone Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
2024‑2025
Standalone Bridge begin to be unsupported for some use cases or flagged with warnings in Suite
Users who rely on legacy third‑party tools or browser‑based workflows may start experiencing incompatibilities. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Mid‑2025 onward
Removal / disabling of standalone Bridge in many workflows
Full transition expected — users should have migrated to Suite or use alternative supported mechanisms. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
What Users Should Do
For regular users using Trezor Suite
If you are using the desktop version of **Trezor Suite** (latest version), you likely already have embedded Bridge functionality. No separate installation needed. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Check Suite settings or version info to verify that Bridge functionality is working internally. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
If you have standalone Bridge installed in addition to Suite, uninstall the standalone version to avoid conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
For users relying on browser‑based or third‑party apps
Because some browsers or applications (e.g. MyEtherWallet, Electrum, or other dApps) may still require standalone Bridge (or alternate connection methods), consider the following:
Make sure you are using up‑to‑date software versions. If an app requires Bridge, verify they support Suite‑embedded bridge or fallbacks such as WebUSB or WebHID. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
If standalone Bridge is still necessary, keep it installed only temporarily until migration is complete. Ensure it's the latest version. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Monitor Trezor announcements and support channels for any further removals or changes. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
How to Uninstall Standalone Trezor Bridge
Windows: Open Control Panel → Apps → find “Trezor Bridge” → Uninstall. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
macOS: Go to Finder → Applications → Utilities → “Trezor Bridge” → run uninstall.pkg. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Linux: If installed via package manager, run something like sudo apt remove trezor-bridge or use your distro’s package removal. Confirm removal by checking installed packages or processes. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Potential Impacts & Things to Watch Out For
Browser‑based detection issues: Without standalone Bridge, some older browsers or sites might not detect your Trezor device unless they support the newer connection methods. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Third‑party wallet compatibility: Some wallets historically depended on standalone Bridge. These may require updates or users may need to use Suite as the intermediary. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Version mismatches: Running an old version of standalone Bridge alongside Suite may cause conflicts, detection failures, or weird behaviors. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
User confusion: Some users may not know whether they need Bridge or not; documentation and support channels must guide clearly. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is my private key still safe without standalone Bridge?
Yes. The private key has always remained inside the hardware device. Bridge (standalone or embedded) handles communication only. Moving to Suite‑embedded Bridge doesn’t change that. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Will my web‑apps that use Bridge stop working? What do I do?
Some web apps may require updates to use embedded Bridge logic or fallback connection options (like WebUSB or WebHID). Contact the developers of those apps or check for updates. In many cases, Suite or the app will guide you. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
When will the standalone Bridge stop being supported entirely?
There is no confirmed single cutoff date public for all contexts, but mid‑2025 and beyond has been indicated as the timeframe when legacy standalone Bridge will be removed from many workflows. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Can I reinstall Bridge later if needed?
Yes, technically you can reinstall the standalone Bridge. But doing so is less advised because of possible conflicts and because future versions may be incompatible. It’s better to migrate fully to Trezor Suite where possible. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Security Considerations
Always download software (Suite, Bridge) from official Trezor site. Avoid third‑party or unknown sources. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Verify hashes or PGP signatures when provided for installers. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
Keep firmware and Suite updated so embedded Bridge remains compatible. :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
Summary
The standalone Trezor Bridge has served user needs well for years by enabling communication between devices, browsers, and apps. But the future is Suite‑centric: simplicity, integration, and improved security are the goals. If you are a Trezor user, especially if you rely on standalone Bridge, this is the time to migrate. Uninstall legacy Bridge where appropriate and ensure you're using the latest Trezor Suite for a smoother, supported, and secure experience.