Trezor Bridge

Bridge the gap between hardware security and the web

Trezor Bridge — fast, private, and browser-friendly

Trezor Bridge is the small but essential connector that lets your Trezor hardware wallet communicate with web-based cryptocurrency wallets and dApps securely. It runs locally on your computer and serves as the trusted intermediary between USB devices and browser applications.

Secure local connection

All data exchanges happen on your machine — nothing is relayed through third-party servers.

Cross-browser support

Works with Chromium-based browsers, Firefox, and other modern browsers that support standard USB access.

Minimal footprint

Lightweight background service with automatic updates and a simple UI for diagnostics.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge is a small, open software component that enables secure USB communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based crypto interfaces. Unlike browser extensions that expose broader permissions, Bridge runs on your local machine and provides a well-defined API for only the actions the wallet needs: asking for public keys, signing transactions, and requesting user confirmations. Because it operates locally, Bridge reduces attack surface and keeps private keys isolated on the device.

Why the Bridge matters

Hardware wallets are the gold standard for private key protection, but the modern crypto experience is increasingly web-centric. Wallet apps, exchanges, and dApps run in the browser. Trezor Bridge is the glue: it offers a standardized and user-friendly way for a browser page to request operations from the hardware device without exposing the device directly to the network or to the browser's web page context.

How it works — simple overview

When installed, Bridge runs as a background process. A web page negotiates a secure connection with Bridge over a local loopback interface (localhost). Bridge then forwards sanitized requests to the Trezor device through USB. All signing requests require a physical confirmation on the device — the final authority. This ensures that even if malicious code runs in your browser, it cannot sign transactions without you pressing the button on your Trezor.

Installation & Compatibility

Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Most modern browsers support the communication pattern Bridge uses; however, there are occasional platform-specific quirks. Below are concise installation instructions and tips for common setups.

Windows

1. Download the Windows installer.
2. Run the .exe and follow the prompts.
3. Restart your browser after installation.
4. Connect your Trezor and open your wallet website.

macOS

1. Download the .dmg package.
2. Open the DMG and drag the Bridge icon to Applications.
3. Allow any security prompt for system extensions if requested.
4. Restart your browser and connect your device.

Linux

1. Use the provided AppImage or packages for your distro.
2. Make the AppImage executable and run it, or install the package with your package manager.
3. Ensure your user has permission for USB device access (use udev rules where applicable).
4. Restart the browser and connect Trezor.

Troubleshooting

Because Bridge interacts with hardware, issues are usually related to USB permissions, browser settings, or outdated software. Try these steps:

  • Make sure Bridge is running — check system tray/menubar for the Bridge icon.
  • Restart Bridge and your browser.
  • Try a different USB cable or port — not all cables carry data.
  • On Linux, confirm udev rules are applied and your user belongs to the appropriate groups.
  • Update Bridge to the latest version and the Trezor firmware if a device update is available.

Security & Privacy

By design, Bridge never transmits your private keys. All sensitive operations occur inside the hardware wallet; Bridge only forwards requests and responses. The requirement for manual confirmation on the device provides a strong defense against remote attacks. Still, follow best practices:

  • Download Bridge only from official sources. Verify signatures when available.
  • Keep your operating system, browser, Bridge, and Trezor firmware up to date.
  • Never enter your recovery seed into a computer or browser — the seed should remain offline.
  • Use a secure OS account and avoid running untrusted software while managing keys.

Developer notes

Developers building dApps can integrate with Bridge using the well-documented client libraries and the standard web-based flow. Bridge exposes a minimal API surface — request a session, list connected devices, get public keys, and sign transactions. The signing flow always ends with a physical touch/press: the device's UI confirms intent and displays transaction details.

Real-world usage examples

Use Bridge when interacting with decentralized exchanges, multisig wallets, and when confirming large-value transfers. Ledger and other hardware vendors use similar bridge concepts — but implementations and security trade-offs differ. Bridge's strength is a narrow, auditable scope that favors simplicity and transparency over feature bloat.

Best Practices

To keep your crypto safe while using Bridge:

  1. Confirm device screens: always read what the device shows before approving actions.
  2. Limit browser extensions when managing funds — fewer extensions reduce attack surface.
  3. Use strong passwords and system-level disk encryption for your computer.
  4. Regularly back up your recovery seed and store it offline in a secure location.

FAQ

Q: Is Bridge open-source?
A: Core components, tools, and client libraries are published with transparent change logs. Verify on the official Trezor repositories.
Q: Do I need Bridge for every browser?
A: No — Bridge is a system-level service. Once installed, it can serve any browser that supports the required API without repeating installation per browser.
Q: Can Bridge access the internet?
A: Bridge's network interactions are limited to checking for updates and telemetry (if enabled). The core signing flow uses localhost communications and USB only.

Final thoughts

Trezor Bridge is the pragmatic glue that makes hardware wallets usable in today's web-native crypto ecosystem. It preserves the strong security guarantees of an offline private key while enabling the convenience of browser-based wallets and services. Keep it updated, confirm every action on your device, and use it as part of a layered security approach for maximum protection.