What Is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small background application that allows communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and the interface software (like Trezor Suite or a compatible browser-based tool). It acts as a secure bridge between your physical wallet and your computer’s USB port.

Without Trezor Bridge, certain systems—especially browsers that don’t fully support direct USB communication—may not detect or interact properly with your Trezor.

Why Install It Offline?

There are several reasons you might want to install Trezor Bridge offline:

  • Security-first environment: Some users operate in controlled environments that never connect to the internet.
  • Air-gapped systems: For maximum security, some prefer to prepare software offline, then install it on isolated devices.
  • Avoiding tampering: You may want to inspect the installer before using it.
  • Limited or unreliable internet access: Offline setups may be the only viable option.

No matter the reason, it’s entirely possible to install Trezor Bridge offline with the right preparation.

Step 1: Prepare on an Online Computer

Since the offline machine won’t have internet access, your first step is to gather everything you need using a secure, internet-connected computer.

On the online system:

  1. Download the correct installer
  • Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
  • Make sure to download the most recent version available.
  1. Verify the installer file
  • Check the file’s hash or digital signature if available.
  • This helps confirm the file has not been modified or corrupted.
  1. Transfer using a secure medium
  • Use a clean USB flash drive to transfer the installer to your offline machine.
  • Avoid devices that have been used on untrusted systems.

Step 2: Transfer and Prepare on the Offline System

Now that you have the installer on a secure USB drive, plug it into your offline machine. Before you install, it’s a good idea to scan the USB for malware using your offline system’s antivirus software (if available).

Create a temporary folder to contain the installer and related files, and double-check that you have the correct version for your OS.

Step 3: Installing on Windows (Offline)

For Windows users, the process is straightforward:

  1. Double-click the .exe installer.
  2. Accept the prompts to begin the installation.
  3. Follow the setup wizard steps—Bridge installs quickly and does not require customization.
  4. Once complete, restart your computer if prompted.

You now have Trezor Bridge installed offline. The service should run in the background, ready to handle device connections.

Step 4: Installing on macOS (Offline)

On macOS, follow these steps:

  1. Open the .dmg installer file.
  2. Drag the Trezor Bridge icon into the Applications folder.
  3. If your Mac’s security settings block the app, go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy, and click Open Anyway.
  4. Enter your system password to allow the installation.
  5. Once installed, restart your Mac if necessary.

Trezor Bridge is now installed and running, ready to manage communication with your Trezor wallet.

Step 5: Testing the Installation

To ensure Bridge is functioning properly offline:

  • Plug in your Trezor device.
  • Open the Trezor Suite desktop app (also downloadable and installable offline).
  • The app should recognize the device immediately, even without an internet connection.

If it doesn’t, check your system permissions or USB settings. On macOS, make sure the app has access to USB devices. On Windows, verify that background services are running.

Final Tips

  • Keep installers: Store a copy of the verified Bridge installer in a secure backup location for future use.
  • Use official sources: Always obtain installers from the verified provider before going offline.
  • Update periodically: Trezor Bridge updates include security patches. When your offline system is reconnected to the internet (if ever), consider updating Bridge at that time.

Conclusion

Offline installation of Trezor Bridge is not only possible—it’s straightforward when planned correctly. For privacy-focused users, offline installs provide greater control, minimize exposure to online threats, and align with the philosophy of self-custody.

Whether you're working on an air-gapped system or just taking a cautious approach, knowing how to install Trezor Bridge offline ensures you can maintain access to your hardware wallet while keeping security at the forefront.