Overview
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight background application that creates a secure, local communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based wallet interfaces. It acts as middleware to avoid direct USB access from the browser, enabling browsers to talk to the device in a controlled way for actions such as signing transactions, exporting public keys, or checking balances.
How it works
When you connect a Trezor device and open a compatible web interface, the browser sends requests to the local Bridge service (running on your machine). The Bridge forwards these requests to the physical device and relays responses back to the web app. This separation improves compatibility across browsers and reduces the attack surface by limiting what web pages can do with the USB device.
Key benefits
- Consistent browser compatibility and fast device detection.
- Runs as a local, isolated service so the browser never gets direct low-level access to the device.
- Small, open-source codebase—easy to audit and update.
Install & get started
To use a Trezor with most browsers and web apps you typically install the Bridge for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). After installation the Bridge will usually run silently in the background and be automatically detected by compatible web wallets.
1) Download the correct package for your OS. 2) Run the installer and follow prompts. 3) Connect your Trezor device and open the Trezor Web app (or Trezor Suite). 4) Authorize the device when prompted on the Trezor screen.
Troubleshooting
Common issues and fixes
- Device not detected: ensure the Bridge is running (check system tray / background services) and try reconnecting the USB cable.
- Browser permission errors: close the browser and relaunch after Bridge install; verify no other application is claiming the USB device.
- Conflicting installations: if you previously installed a standalone Bridge, follow the official removal instructions before installing the latest recommended workflow.
Security considerations
The Bridge is designed to minimize risk by restricting browser-level access and keeping signing operations visible on the hardware device itself. Always download Bridge and any Trezor-related software from official sources and verify signatures where provided. Keep your device firmware and supporting software up to date.
Current integration advice
The Trezor ecosystem has evolved to encourage use of the official Trezor Suite (desktop or web) in many cases. Recent guidance from the Trezor team notes that the standalone Bridge has been deprecated in favor of integrated workflows through Trezor Suite; users are advised to follow official instructions when migrating or uninstalling older standalone Bridge versions.