🔐 Trezor Bridge & Device Setup Guide

Your essential steps for a secure cryptocurrency journey.

Step 1: Understanding Trezor Bridge

The Trezor Bridge application is **essential** for your Trezor hardware wallet to communicate with your computer and the Trezor Suite software. It acts as a local service running in the background, allowing seamless interaction, especially on Windows and macOS. Without it, your device cannot be properly recognized or utilized for transactions.

Important Note: Always download Trezor Bridge **only** from the official Trezor website to prevent installing malware or compromised software. Verify the URL before downloading.

Step 2: Installing Trezor Bridge

Action 1: Download

Navigate to the official Trezor website's download section. Select the appropriate version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). Save the installer file to a familiar location.

Action 2: Run the Installer

Double-click the downloaded file. Follow the on-screen prompts. The installation process is typically straightforward and requires granting administrator privileges.

Action 3: Verification

After installation, Trezor Bridge will start running in the background. You may see a small icon in your system tray or menu bar, indicating the service is active and awaiting a connection from your Trezor device.

Step 3: Initial Device Startup and Connection

Once the Bridge is operational, you can connect your physical Trezor device for the first time.

  1. Unbox and Inspect: Ensure the packaging hasn't been tampered with. The holographic seal should be intact.
  2. Connect: Use the provided USB cable to connect your Trezor to your computer.
  3. Display Check: The device screen will light up, typically displaying a welcome message or a prompt to visit the official Trezor Suite website (e.g., wallet.trezor.io or download the desktop app).
  4. Access Trezor Suite: Open the Trezor Suite application (desktop or web). The Suite will use the newly installed Trezor Bridge to detect your device.

Firmware Installation (For New Devices)

A brand new device will prompt you to install the latest **firmware**. This is crucial for security.

Security Reminder:

During the entire process, **always** verify that the information displayed on your computer screen matches the information displayed on your physical Trezor device. This protects against supply chain attacks or screen-mirroring malware.

Step 4: Creating Your Recovery Seed

This is the most critical step. Your recovery seed (usually 12, 18, or 24 words) is the only way to restore your wallet if your Trezor is lost, stolen, or damaged.

  1. Start Backup: Select the option in Trezor Suite to begin the backup process.
  2. Write Down: The words will be displayed on the **Trezor device screen**. Write them down *exactly* as shown, in the correct order, on the **provided recovery card**.
  3. **NEVER:** Take a photo, store it digitally, or type it into your computer. Keep the card in a secure, fireproof, and private location.
  4. Verification: The Suite may prompt you to re-enter a few specific words (e.g., word 5 and word 10) to confirm you wrote them down correctly.

Step 5: Setting a PIN

The PIN protects your device from unauthorized physical access.

When creating the PIN, the numbers on the computer screen will be scrambled. You look at the Trezor device to see the **layout** and then click the corresponding positions on the computer screen. This prevents keyloggers from capturing your PIN.

Choose a complex PIN (4 to 9 digits).