Trezor Bridge | Secure Connection for Trezor Hardware Wallets
Concise overview · secure connectivity · setup & troubleshooting
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