Overview & Key Benefits
Modern web browsers restrict direct access to low-level USB devices for safety reasons. Trezor Bridge provides a small, local bridge that exposes a controlled API to authorized local web applications or desktop clients. By bridging requests and ensuring that approving actions always require explicit physical confirmation on the Trezor device, Bridge preserves the hardware wallet's fundamental guarantees while making integration and everyday use more convenient.
Bridge runs on the user's machine and does not act as a cloud service. Communication happens locally between your browser or app and the attached Trezor device.
Every critical operation, including signing transactions or revealing sensitive data, requires an on-device confirmation. No action happens without the user's physical approval.
Bridge supports the major operating systems so that users can rely on a consistent connection flow regardless of platform.
Integrators can use a well-defined local API to find devices and send requests. Handle user denials and disconnects gracefully to provide a robust user experience.
How It Works (Plain Language)
The core idea is simple: a website or desktop app asks to perform an operation with your wallet — for example, request a public key or sign a transaction. That request goes to Bridge, which translates it into the USB-level messages the Trezor hardware understands. The device shows the details and asks you to confirm. Only after you confirm does the device perform the action and return the result. This ensures private keys remain inside the device and out of reach of the host environment.
- Web app requests device access through the local Bridge API.
- Bridge forwards the structured request to the attached Trezor device.
- The device displays the requested information and prompts for a physical confirmation.
- User confirms on-device; device signs or performs the action and Bridge relays the response back to the app.
Installation — Step-by-Step Guidance
Before installing, ensure your operating system is up-to-date and that you have a data-capable USB cable. Do not use cables that are charge-only. The instructions below are general guidance; follow platform prompts and local security dialogs when they appear.
- Run the local installer executable and allow administrative privileges when requested to install necessary components.
- After installation, restart your browser to ensure it recognizes the Bridge service.
- Plug in your device using a data cable. When the browser prompts for device access, verify the request details carefully on-screen and on your device before approving.
- Open the installer package and follow the guided steps. If macOS requests permission for the application to access USB devices or system extensions, accept those prompts if you intend to use Bridge.
- Restart the browser and connect your Trezor device. Confirm any on-screen prompts.
- Use the distribution-specific package or binary suitable for your system. Many distributions require adding udev rules so non-root users can access a connected hardware wallet; consult your platform’s device rule mechanisms.
- After installing, start the Bridge service under your user account and restart your browser.
Security Best Practices
A hardware wallet's security is layered. The device itself stores keys and requires on-device confirmation; Bridge is designed only to facilitate message passing. Nonetheless, follow these standard security practices to keep your setup hardened:
- Verify any installer integrity information (checksums or signatures) before executing.
- Use a dedicated or clean browser profile for crypto operations to reduce the risk of malicious extensions or cross-site contamination.
- Never enter your seed phrase into a browser or software. Seed phrases belong only on your device during secure setup.
- Confirm destinations and amounts on the hardware display; do not rely solely on host-screen previews.
- Keep both firmware and local software up-to-date, but only after verifying release notes and integrity.
Troubleshooting — Common Issues & Fixes
The most frequent problems involve device detection or permissions. Try the simple steps first and escalate only if needed.
- Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port; some cables are charge-only. Restart the browser and, if necessary, reboot the machine.
- Permission dialogs missing: on some systems, the OS prompts for device access. If you dismissed the prompt accidentally, re-plug the device and watch for consent dialogs.
- Conflicts with other USB tools: temporarily disable or pause USB-monitoring and filtering software during troubleshooting if you suspect interference.
- Failed signing attempts: ensure the device displays the exact details you expect and that you confirm on-device. If results look incorrect, cancel and re-evaluate.
Notes for Developers & Integrators
If you are integrating Bridge into a web or desktop client, design your flows to be resilient and transparent for users. Always show the user the exact information they will confirm on-device and handle denial, disconnect, and timeout cases gracefully.
- Use clear UX that instructs users to confirm on-device and what to expect.
- Keep integrations backward-compatible where possible; document supported firmware versions.
- Log locally for diagnostics but avoid capturing or transmitting private data. If shipping logs externally for support, instruct users how to redact sensitive information first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need Bridge to use my Trezor?
For many browser-based wallet interfaces and decentralized applications, a local Bridge is required to allow safe communication. Native desktop suites sometimes include their own connection method and may not require Bridge. Check your chosen client's documentation to confirm.
Does Bridge have access to my keys or seed?
No. Bridge never accesses private keys or seed phrases. Those remain securely stored on the Trezor hardware. Bridge only relays messages required to request operations and return results.
Can I run Bridge on a headless server?
Running Bridge in a headless or server environment is not the typical use case and is not recommended for regular users. Hardware wallets are designed to be used interactively so that the user can physically verify and confirm sensitive operations.
If you require more detailed, system-specific steps or logs for support, gather the OS version, application version, the Bridge version reported by the installer, your Trezor model and firmware and prepare a concise description of the behavior you observe.