Trezor Bridge^® — Connect Your Trezor to Web Browsers

What is Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge^® is a small application that runs on your computer and lets web browsers securely communicate with your Trezor hardware wallet. Unlike browser plugins that rely on legacy APIs or complicated setups, Bridge acts as a local translator: it accepts encrypted requests from a browser-based wallet UI, forwards them to the Trezor device, and returns signed responses.

Why Bridge is important

Hardware wallets like Trezor keep private keys offline, which dramatically reduces attack surface. However, users still expect a smooth browser experience for sending transactions, viewing balances, and managing accounts. Trezor Bridge^® provides that bridge — safe, transparent, and designed to minimize permission sprawl. It ensures that sensitive operations happen only after explicit confirmation on the device itself.

How it works (simple)

• Your browser opens a secure connection to the Trezor Suite or a compatible web app.
• Trezor Bridge accepts the request locally and routes it to your connected Trezor hardware via USB.
• The device displays the transaction details and asks you to confirm on the hardware screen.
• Only after you physically confirm does the device sign the transaction and the signature returns to the browser app — all private keys remain on the device.

Browser compatibility & security model

Trezor Bridge is designed to work with modern web browsers. Because it runs locally, it avoids relying on risky remote APIs or browser extensions that request broad permissions. Bridge uses cryptographic sessions and origin checks so that web apps must prove they are authorized before they can talk to the device. Even then, any operation that involves private keys requires physical confirmation on the Trezor screen.

Installing and updating

Installation is intentionally simple: download and run the installer for your operating system, then follow the on‑screen steps. When Bridge receives updates, installers are signed and the update mechanism checks signatures to avoid tampering. Keep your Bridge and Trezor firmware updated to benefit from security fixes and new features.

Best practices for safe use

• Verify downloads: Always download Bridge from official Trezor channels and verify checksums or signatures if provided.
• Confirm on device: Never approve transactions unless the Trezor screen shows the exact destination address and amount.
• Limit apps: Use trusted web apps and avoid connecting your device to unknown websites.
• Keep software updated: Bridge, Trezor Suite, and firmware updates often contain critical security improvements.

Common troubleshooting

If your browser can't detect your Trezor, try these steps:

• Restart Bridge (or your computer) and reconnect the USB cable.
• Try a different USB port or cable — some cables are charge-only and don’t transfer data.
• Make sure your operating system has the correct drivers and permissions for Bridge to access USB devices.
• Check that no other application is blocking USB access for security reasons.

Privacy and transparency

Bridge is intentionally minimal: it does not collect your keys, transaction history, or personal data. Its role is limited to secure device communication. For transparency, Trezor open-sources many components of its ecosystem so developers and auditors can review the code and verify that the Bridge does what it promises.

When to use Trezor Bridge

Use Bridge whenever you interact with browser-based wallets or web services that need to sign transactions with your Trezor device. It combines the convenience of web apps with the security guarantees of a hardware wallet: you get a modern UX while your private keys stay on the Trezor device.