Introduction

What is Trezor Bridge?

Secure local connector between device and browser

Purpose

Connect hardware wallet to web apps safely

Trezor Bridge is a small, secure program that establishes a local communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and cryptocurrency wallet applications running in a web browser or desktop wallet. It replaces older browser-extension approaches and carefully mediates USB or WebUSB traffic so the hardware wallet remains isolated while allowing user-approved operations like signing transactions.

Why Trezor Bridge Matters

Security-first design

Separation of privileges

Minimize attack surface

Non-invasive local service

By running as a separate native service, Trezor Bridge reduces the risk of granting direct USB access to websites. It only responds to legitimate requests and requires explicit user confirmation on the device for critical operations. This architecture helps keep private keys offline, making theft via browser exploits or malicious web pages far more difficult.

Installing Trezor Bridge

Supported platforms

Windows, macOS, Linux

Download and run installer

Quick setup steps

Installation is straightforward: download the Bridge installer from Trezor's official website, run it, and follow on-screen prompts. On Windows you will get a system tray process; on macOS a background service; on Linux, a package or AppImage. After install, browsers detect Bridge automatically and you can connect your Trezor when prompted.

How it Works

Local HTTP + WebSocket bridge

Message mediation

Device prompts

End-to-end integrity

Bridge listens on a local endpoint and translates browser requests into the wire protocol spoken by Trezor devices. When an action requiring private key access arrives, the device displays transaction details and requires an explicit button press. This ensures that even if the host is compromised, the attacker cannot sign without device approval.

Security Best Practices

Keep Bridge up to date

Use official downloads

Verify signatures

Never share recovery seed

Always update Bridge and firmware via official sources. Verify installer signatures when available. Only connect your device to trusted machines. Never enter or expose your recovery seed to software or websites—seeds belong offline on paper or hardware-secure backups. Use strong OS account protections and avoid shared/public computers.

Common Issues & Fixes

Browser doesn't detect device

Restart Bridge / reconnect USB

Check versions

Allow permissions

If detection fails: restart the Bridge service, reconnect the USB cable, try a different USB port or cable, reboot the browser, and confirm the device firmware is compatible. On some OSes you may need to adjust USB permissions (Linux). Reinstall Bridge if issues persist and consult official troubleshooting docs.

Privacy Considerations

No telemetry required

Local-only operations

Minimal data shared

Open-source transparency

Bridge focuses on local connectivity and typically does not upload sensitive information. Trezor's software and many tools are open source, enabling community review. Users should still be mindful of which web wallets they connect to, and use privacy-preserving wallets and network options (Tor, VPN) where appropriate.

Advanced Usage

Developer & integration notes

API basics

Automation caveats

Testing & sandbox

Developers integrating Trezor support should use the official libraries and follow recommended patterns: always prompt the user on the device, avoid storing keys, and treat Bridge endpoints as local-only. Automated signing requires careful UX design to avoid silent approval. Use testnets for development and verify behavior across firmware versions.

Alternatives & Complements

Other hardware wallets

Complementary tools

Mobile vs desktop

Use-cases

While Bridge is specific to Trezor devices, other vendors have similar utilities (Ledger Live, vendor-specific agents). Mobile hardware-wallet workflows often use QR or Bluetooth; choose the architecture that matches your threat model. For maximum safety, combine cold storage, multisig setups, and air-gapped signing where critical funds are involved.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Summary

Bridge keeps keys protected

Stay updated and vigilant

Resources

Trezor Bridge is a practical and secure solution for connecting Trezor hardware wallets to modern web and desktop wallet interfaces. Keep your software and firmware up to date, verify downloads from official sources, and use device confirmations for all sensitive actions. For deeper learning, consult official documentation, support pages, and community guides before handling large amounts.

Quick resources: Trezor Start · Open in Office