Trezor Bridge™ is the secure communication layer between your Trezor hardware wallet and web-based interfaces or third-party applications. It allows your browser or applications to detect and interact with your device, sign transactions, and manage assets—all while keeping private keys on the hardware device and away from the internet. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
What Exactly Is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small software utility (background service) you install on your computer. Its purpose is to facilitate secure communication between your Trezor device and applications (like Trezor Suite Web, or other supported web‑wallet and dApp interfaces). It acts like a “bridge” (hence the name) to safely relay requests and responses, particularly when the browser cannot directly access USB or device hardware due to security restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Key Features
Encrypted Communication: All data transferred between your Trezor device and Bridge is encrypted, protecting against interception or tampering. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Private Keys Stay On Device: The signing of transactions, or any sensitive cryptographic operations, happens inside your hardware wallet; private keys are never shared. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Cross‑Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
No Browser Extensions Required: Bridge replaces or reduces need for browser plugins or unsafe add-ons for device communication. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Automatic Device Detection: When you plug in your Trezor via USB, Bridge detects it and makes it available to supported web apps. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Secure Firmware Verification: Bridge ensures the firmware on your Trezor is authentic before allowing operations, safeguarding against tampered firmware. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
How Trezor Bridge Works – A High‑Level View
This is a simplified workflow illustrating how Bridge enables secure use of your Trezor via web apps. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
You download and install Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor website. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
Connect your Trezor device to your computer via USB. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
A web application (e.g. Trezor Suite Web or other supported wallet/dApp) requests access to your device. Bridge acts as the middle‑man to facilitate that. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
The device displays information to confirm: which account/address, what transaction, etc. Only after physical confirmation on the device will signing occur. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Signed data is sent back through Bridge to the web app, which broadcasts it to the blockchain. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Security & Privacy Benefits
Because crypto and hardware wallet security is critical, here are why Bridge is built with security in mind. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
Bridge runs locally—no cloud storage of sensitive data. All transactions are approved by the user on their hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
By avoiding browser extensions, you reduce risk associated with malicious add‑ons. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
Firmware verification prevents tampered or malicious firmware from being used. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Encryption and integrity checks guard against man‑in‑the‑middle (MITM) attacks or data tampering. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
When & Why You Need Trezor Bridge
Bridge is especially needed in certain situations. If you are using the desktop Trezor Suite application exclusively, often the functionality of Bridge is embedded. But if you access your Trezor via browser‑based apps, or via certain third‑party wallets (MetaMask integrations, some DeFi apps, etc.), Bridge enables the connection. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
Common Use Cases
Using Trezor Suite Web version. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
Accessing browser‑based dApps that require signing via your hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Connecting Trezor with third‑party services that don’t have native hardware wallet support. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
Installation & Setup Guide
Here’s how to install and set up Trezor Bridge safely. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Download the latest Bridge installer from the official Trezor site. Make sure the download is from a trusted source. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
Select the version compatible with your operating system: Windows, macOS, or Linux. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
Run the installer and grant necessary permissions. On macOS you may need to allow some access in System Preferences. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Once installed, restart your browser to ensure Bridge is detected properly by web apps. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
Connect your Trezor device via USB and test detection via Trezor Suite Web or another supported app. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device Not Detected
Check that the USB cable is data‑capable and working properly. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Try different USB ports. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
Ensure Bridge is running (background service) and your browser has been restarted. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
Check for OS‑level permissions (especially on macOS or Linux). :contentReference[oaicite:32]{index=32}
Outdated Version
If Bridge is old, it might not support newer firmware or browser‑side requirements. Download the latest version. :contentReference[oaicite:33]{index=33}
Browser Compatibility Issues
Some browsers have restrictive policies around USB / WebUSB / WebHID. Using Bridge can help bypass such restrictions. :contentReference[oaicite:34]{index=34}
Disable conflicting browser extensions during setup. :contentReference[oaicite:35]{index=35}
Future & Status of Standalone Bridge
Trezor has moved toward embedding Bridge‑like functionality into the Trezor Suite desktop application. As a result, some workflows no longer require the separate Bridge app. For web‑based needs or third‑party integrations, standalone Bridge remains relevant. Users are encouraged to keep up with updates and transition when appropriate. :contentReference[oaicite:36]{index=36}
Comparison: Bridge vs WebUSB vs Desktop Suite
Feature
Trezor Bridge
WebUSB / Direct Browser
Desktop Suite
Does private key stay on device?
Yes
Yes
Yes
Browser dependency
Required for browser‑based flows
Only in browsers supporting WebUSB; may have issues
No; desktop app has built‑in communication
Need install
Yes (Bridge installer)
No, if browser supports it
Yes (Suite installer), but includes embedded support
Compatibility
High (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Browser‑limited / OS‑limited
All supported via Suite
FAQ
Is Trezor Bridge safe?
Yes. It is built by SatoshiLabs, with the core goal that private keys never leave the hardware wallet; communication is encrypted; and you must physically confirm transactions on your device. :contentReference[oaicite:37]{index=37}
Do I always need Bridge?
No. If you use Trezor Suite desktop, the functionality is often built in. But for web or browser‑based usage, or third‑party integrations, Bridge is necessary. :contentReference[oaicite:38]{index=38}
Does Bridge cost anything?
No. Trezor Bridge is free to download and use. :contentReference[oaicite:39]{index=39}
Will Bridge be deprecated?
Standalone Bridge is gradually being phased out in some flows, particularly where Suite desktop provides a full replacement. Stay informed via Trezor’s official announcements. :contentReference[oaicite:40]{index=40}