What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge (sometimes referenced as trezor bridge or Trezor/Bridge) is a lightweight native application that runs on your computer to facilitate secure communication between your web browser and your Trezor hardware wallet. It acts as a local gateway so web-based wallet interfaces and desktop applications can talk to your device without exposing sensitive operations to the internet.
Why use Trezor Bridge?
Your Trezor device stores private keys offline. To sign transactions or manage accounts you need a secure, trusted channel to transmit requests and signatures between an application and the hardware device. trezor bridge provides that trusted channel. Instead of browser extensions or direct USB communication that may be limited by browser sandboxing, Trezor/Bridge offers a small, signed native helper that improves compatibility, performance, and security.
Key features
- Local only: Trezor Bridge only runs locally on your machine and does not send private keys or sensitive data to remote servers.
- Browser compatibility: Works with modern browsers by bridging the gap created by browser security models.
- Automatic updates: Signed releases and simple update flow keep the gateway current and secure.
- Cross-platform: Available for major operating systems so trezor bridge works across Windows, macOS and Linux.
How it works (high level)
When you connect your Trezor hardware wallet, the Trezor Bridge service listens on a local port. A web wallet or desktop app sends a request to that local service; trezor bridge validates and forwards commands to the device over USB. The device performs cryptographic operations (like signing) and returns responses that the service relays to the calling application. This split ensures the private keys never leave the hardware and the signing happens inside the device.
Installing Trezor Bridge
Installation is straightforward: download the official installer for your OS from Trezor's official site, run the installer, and follow the prompts. Once installed, Trezor Bridge will run as a background service. Your browser-based wallets will detect your Trezor via Trezor/Bridge automatically when you open them.
Security considerations
Trezor Bridge is designed with security in mind, but a few best practices keep your setup robust:
- Only download Trezor Bridge from official sources.
- Keep your operating system and browser up to date.
- Verify installer signatures when available before installing.
- Use trusted wallet interfaces and avoid unknown third-party apps that claim to support Trezor.
Troubleshooting tips
If your device is not detected, try restarting the Trezor Bridge service, reconnecting the USB cable, or using a different USB port. Check that browser permissions (like USB access) are enabled. If issues persist, reinstall the latest trezor bridge package and consult official support resources.
Developer notes
Developers integrating with Trezor Bridge should use the official libraries and follow the published API and security guidance. Do not attempt to reimplement cryptographic operations on the host — let the hardware perform sensitive tasks. For testing, use testnets and never expose real funds while developing integrations with Trezor/Bridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What is the difference between Trezor Bridge and a browser extension?
- Unlike some browser-only solutions, Trezor Bridge runs as a native helper on your computer. That improves compatibility across browsers and avoids limitations imposed by browser sandboxes. The core signing still happens on the Trezor hardware.
- 2. Is Trezor Bridge safe to install?
- Yes — when downloaded from official channels. trezor bridge does not transmit private keys off your machine and is signed by the vendor. Always verify you are on the official site before installing.
- 3. Which operating systems support Trezor Bridge?
- Trezor Bridge supports major desktop platforms including recent versions of Windows, macOS, and common Linux distributions. Refer to official platform documentation for precise version requirements.
- 4. My web wallet doesn't detect my Trezor. What should I do?
- Restart the Trezor Bridge service, ensure the device is unlocked, try another USB port and confirm the browser has permission to use local devices. Reinstalling Trezor/Bridge often fixes persistent problems.
- 5. Can I use Trezor without Trezor Bridge?
- Some advanced setups may use alternative connection methods, but for most users and modern browsers, Trezor Bridge provides the most reliable and secure experience. It is the recommended approach for connecting hardware wallets to web-based applications.