Overview — What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight, local bridge application that securely exposes a communication channel between the Trezor device (USB) and web applications or desktop software. It is intentionally minimal: Trezor Bridge forwards requests to the hardware wallet, ensures the right device drivers and permissions, and helps perform firmware verification and secure signing operations without ever exposing private keys to the host environment.
Why a bridge matters for a hardware wallet
Modern browsers and desktop apps cannot directly access hardware wallets in a uniform, cross-platform way without a small local service. Trezor Bridge fills that role as a secure gateway: it manages device discovery, handles USB transport, and presents a stable API for applications to request public keys, address derivation, or signatures. By design, the Bridge never stores keys — every critical operation is confirmed on the physical Trezor device.
Core features of the secure gateway
Trezor Bridge handles USB connectivity across Windows, macOS, and Linux. It normalizes permissions and provides a simple, secure API for applications to discover and interact with your Trezor hardware wallet.
The Bridge forwards transaction data to the device which displays exact signing details to the user. The device performs cryptographic signing inside the secure element; the Bridge only transmits signed payloads to the network.
How Trezor Bridge protects private keys
Trezor Bridge does not, and cannot, access your private keys. Keys are generated and stored on the Trezor device's secure hardware and are non-exportable. The Bridge is a conduit — it moves data to and from the device but cannot read or extract secrets. Because signing happens on-device and requires user confirmation, private keys remain protected even if your computer is compromised.
Firmware verification and updates
One role of the Bridge is to assist with safe firmware updates. When updating firmware, Trezor Bridge helps download the update package (from official sources), verify checksums, and hand the verified package to the device for installation. Follow official guidance when performing firmware updates: always verify checksums and release notes from trusted channels.
Getting started — download and setup
To use Trezor Bridge, download the official Bridge installer from the Trezor website. Install the small application and keep it updated. After installation, your browser or desktop app will be able to detect the device via the Bridge. Always prefer official downloads and check published checksums where available to ensure you have a genuine Bridge installer.
Best practices when using the Bridge
- Download Trezor Bridge only from the official Trezor domain and verify checksums when possible.
- Keep your Bridge and Trezor firmware up to date to benefit from security fixes and improvements.
- Confirm all transaction details on the Trezor device screen before approving — the Bridge does not replace on-device verification.
- Use testnets and small test transactions when experimenting with integrations.
- Uninstall or disable Bridge only if you no longer use Trezor devices on that machine.
Developer & integration notes
Developers building applications with Trezor Connect or Bridge should mock the transport layer for automated tests and only validate critical signing with a physical device. Use the Bridge's APIs for discovery and transport, and ensure your application guides users to verify information on-device. For production apps, document expected user flows and error states (device disconnected, denied permission, firmware mismatch) and provide clear remediation steps.
Frequently asked questions — quick answers
1. Do I need Trezor Bridge to use my Trezor?
For many desktop and web integrations, yes — Trezor Bridge provides the USB transport layer. Some native apps or browser solutions may use alternative transports, but Bridge is the standard, cross-platform gateway for most users.
2. Does Trezor Bridge store my seed or private keys?
No. Trezor Bridge never stores seed phrases or private keys. All secrets remain on the Trezor device which performs signing internally. The Bridge only forwards messages between the app and the device.
3. How does firmware verification work with Bridge?
Trezor Bridge helps download firmware from official sources and verify checksums before handing the firmware package to the device. The device performs the actual installation; verify official release notes before updating.
4. Is Bridge safe to run on public or shared machines?
While the Bridge itself is minimal and secure by design, avoid using hardware wallets on untrusted public machines. If you must, ensure you only confirm expected transactions on-device and avoid entering sensitive information on the host.
5. What should I do if my browser can't detect the device?
Check that Trezor Bridge is installed and running, try reconnecting the USB cable, use a different port or cable, and ensure the browser has permission to interact with local transports. Refer to official troubleshooting guides if problems persist.