What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a small, official background application that securely connects the Trezor Hardware Wallet to web-browser based applications such as Trezor Suite and compatible web wallets. It acts as the communication middleware between your physical device and the host computer, handling encrypted USB traffic, device discovery, and simplified web integration.
Bridging the gap between USB and web
Trezor Bridge exists because browsers limit direct access to USB devices for security and compatibility reasons. The Bridge provides a safe, single-purpose local server that web apps can talk to through HTTP(S) origins, enabling reliable communications without requiring risky browser extensions or elevated system privileges.
Works across Windows, macOS, and many Linux distros, enabling web-based wallets to detect and interact with Trezor devices consistently.
Runs as a user-space process; keeps cryptographic operations on the device rather than the host.
Simple flow: Browser → Bridge → Device
The browser's Trezor web app sends JSON-RPC or similar API calls to a local Bridge server running on localhost. Bridge translates those high-level requests into USB HID or WebUSB operations and forwards them to the attached Trezor device. Responses return along the same path — always encrypted and verified.
Why it remains secure
Trezor Bridge is a facilitator — it does not hold keys or perform signing. All private keys and signing operations remain inside the Trezor hardware device. Bridge only forwards signed requests and device replies. Because the Trezor device displays transaction details on its secure screen and requires physical confirmation, remote software cannot silently authorize transactions.
Getting started
Download the official Bridge installer from Trezor's website, run the installer, and follow on-screen instructions. For advanced users, packages are available for Linux distributions. After installation, plug your Trezor device in; your browser-based wallet should detect the device automatically and prompt for device unlock or setup.
If your device isn't detected
Keeping your setup secure
Local-first, minimal network exposure
Bridge is designed to limit external exposure: it listens on localhost and does not require inbound internet connections to operate. While wallet apps may query remote nodes or services to fetch balances or broadcast transactions, Bridge itself is a local component and should be treated like any other trusted local utility.
Bridge as a secure, simple gateway
Trezor Bridge plays a focused role: it makes interaction with hardware wallets seamless while preserving the security benefits of isolated private key storage. By following installation best practices, verifying updates, and maintaining physical control of your device, you get a secure and user-friendly environment for managing cryptocurrencies.
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