Trezor Bridge Offline Installation Explained


Installing Trezor Bridge offline can be useful for users who want to maintain maximum security or for those setting up Trezor in an air-gapped or low-connectivity environment. While Trezor Bridge is typically downloaded directly from the internet, you can also install it offline with a few precautions. This guide walks you through how to safely perform an offline installation of Trezor Bridge on both Windows and macOS systems.

What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small software utility that runs in the background and enables your Trezor hardware wallet to communicate with your computer's browser-based apps and tools. It is essential for web access and integrations such as:

  • Trezor Web interface (when not using the desktop version)
  • Web3 apps (via MetaMask)
  • Browser-based crypto tools

If you are using Trezor Suite Desktop, Trezor Bridge is not required. However, it becomes necessary if you plan to use Trezor in browser-based environments.

Why Install Trezor Bridge Offline?

Offline installation may be preferred when:

  • You are using a secure, isolated (air-gapped) system
  • You want to audit or verify software before installation
  • You are avoiding installation from potentially untrusted internet sources
  • Your machine has limited or no internet access

Step-by-Step: Offline Installation for Windows

Step 1: Use a Second, Internet-Connected Computer

  1. On a separate, internet-connected device:
  • Go to the official Trezor website.
  • Navigate to the page where Trezor Bridge is offered for download.
  • Download the latest Windows .exe installer for Trezor Bridge.
  1. Optionally, download the corresponding checksum file or PGP signature if available for integrity verification.

Step 2: Transfer the File Securely

  • Use a clean USB flash drive to move the installer to your offline or air-gapped Windows system.
  • Make sure the USB drive is scanned for malware before use.

Step 3: Install on the Offline System

  1. Insert the USB into your offline system.
  2. Copy the installer file to your desktop or local directory.
  3. Double-click to run the installer.
  4. Accept the license agreement and follow the standard installation prompts.

Once installed, Trezor Bridge runs silently in the background. No internet connection is required for it to operate with local browser apps or Suite Web (provided it is already loaded or cached).

Step-by-Step: Offline Installation for macOS

Step 1: Prepare the File on an Internet-Connected Mac

  1. On an internet-enabled macOS computer:
  • Visit the official Trezor website.
  • Download the Trezor Bridge .dmg file for macOS.
  1. Also download the digital signature or hash for verification (optional, but recommended for advanced users).

Step 2: Move the File via USB

  • Use a clean USB stick to copy the .dmg file to the offline Mac.

Step 3: Install on the Offline Mac

  1. Mount the .dmg file by double-clicking it.
  2. Drag the Trezor Bridge app to the Applications folder.
  3. Open the app from Applications. If macOS flags it as an unrecognized developer app, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy, and allow the app to run.

Once installed, Trezor Bridge will operate locally and allow hardware communication with browser apps that are already set up.

Verifying the Installer (Optional but Recommended)

If you're installing Trezor Bridge offline for security reasons, verifying the file ensures you didn't get a tampered version. You can:

  • Compare SHA256 hashes with the one provided on the official site.
  • Use GPG (if a signature is offered) to verify authenticity.

This process ensures the installer is genuine and unaltered.

What to Expect After Offline Installation

  • Trezor Bridge will automatically start when your computer boots up.
  • No internet access is required for the bridge to function after it is installed.
  • Browser-based tools and apps must already be accessible offline or loaded manually.

Note: If using Trezor Web or MetaMask, they may not work properly without some internet access.

When You Don't Need Bridge

If you’re only using Trezor Suite Desktop, you likely do not need Trezor Bridge at all. Suite Desktop handles USB communication directly without needing the bridge service.

Final Tips

  • Always download the Trezor Bridge installer from the official source using a trusted, clean device.
  • Keep the offline machine secure—avoid connecting it to the internet unless necessary.
  • For advanced setups (e.g., air-gapped crypto environments), pair Trezor Bridge with careful update and key management procedures.