Why Bridge matters
Hardware wallets keep private keys offline. That’s excellent — but to use those keys for sending crypto or signing message you still need a safe, smooth way to communicate with web wallets, DEXs, or trading platforms. Trezor Bridge handles this delicate link: it establishes an encrypted, local-only channel between your Trezor device and browser-based apps while preserving the device’s strict isolation of private keys.
Trezor Bridge never transmits or stores private keys. It tunnels only well-defined requests to your device — like “show transaction” or “sign message” — and only after you confirm the action on the physical device. This two-factor confirmation (digital request + physical approval) prevents remote theft even if a computer is compromised.
Whether you’re on Windows, macOS or Linux, Bridge offers a consistent interface for web apps to interact with your Trezor. It supports major browsers and many popular wallet UIs so you can manage multiple assets without repeated setup friction.
Bridge creates a local socket on your machine — communications stay on your device and are only between your browser and your Trezor. There’s no cloud relay, so you keep privacy and reduce external attack vectors.
Key capabilities
- Device discovery: Finds connected Trezor wallets automatically and makes them available to trusted web apps.
- Encrypted channel: All messages are end-to-end encrypted between the browser extension and Bridge.
- Version-aware: Bridge negotiates protocols with both device firmware and client apps, reducing compatibility headaches.
- Low friction: Once installed, Bridge runs quietly and updates seamlessly in the background — while still requiring your approval for device actions.
Install & get started — the pleasant route
Installing Bridge is straightforward: download the installer for your OS, run it, and grant the minimal permissions it asks for. After installation, connect your Trezor via USB and open your favourite wallet interface. When a web app requests access, a clear, permissioned prompt appears — and nothing happens until you physically confirm the action on the device.
Safety practices
- Only download Bridge from official sources or verified repositories.
- Keep your firmware up to date — firmware updates include important security and compatibility improvements.
- Never share your recovery seed. Bridge does not ask for it. If any website asks for your seed, it is malicious.
- Use a dedicated machine for high-value operations if you want an extra layer of separation.
Common troubleshooting
Most connection issues are simple to fix:
- Restart Bridge and your browser if the device is not detected.
- Try a different USB cable — some cables are power-only and don’t carry data.
- Check that the browser tab has permission to access the wallet (accept the prompt when it appears).
- Temporarily disable interfering browser extensions if discovery fails.
For developers
Bridge exposes a clear API that client applications can use to request device discovery, metadata, and signing. Developers should adhere to best cryptographic practices, verify device responses, and never attempt to extract seeds or internal secrets — the whole point of Trezor and Bridge is to keep keys isolated.
FAQ
No. Bridge is a communications layer only. Private keys never leave the Trezor device.
No. Bridge is a local bridge. All traffic remains on your machine — there is no remote server that holds or relays your signing keys.
Yes — key components and client libraries follow open-source principles so the community can audit and contribute. That transparency increases safety for everyone.
Download Bridge or learn more in the documentation