Trezor Bridge
Understand how Trezor Bridge connects your hardware wallet to web apps securely and simply.
What is Trezor Bridge? Trezor Bridge is a small, locally installed application that creates a secure channel between your computer's browser and your Trezor hardware wallet. Unlike browser-only solutions, Bridge runs as a trusted intermediary on your machine, allowing web wallets and the official Trezor web interfaces to communicate with the device without exposing private keys to external servers or browser extensions.
Why Bridge matters. Modern browsers restrict direct hardware access for safety and cross-platform consistency. Trezor Bridge fills this gap while minimizing risk: it limits the exposure surface to the local host, restricts communication to the specific device, and ensures firmware operations and transaction signing requests are relayed intact for user verification on the physical device screen.
Security model. Bridge never learns or stores private keys or recovery seeds. Its responsibility is to route encrypted messages between the Trezor device and authorized web pages. Critical operations — like displaying transaction recipients or amounts — are verified on the hardware itself, meaning approval must occur on the device. This separation of duties keeps sensitive secrets inside the hardware at all times.
Common use cases. Users rely on Trezor Bridge to:
- Connect the Trezor to browser-based wallets and exchanges that support the official web interface.
- Perform firmware updates and device management through official channels.
- Sign transactions for sending funds, interacting with smart contracts, or authorizing token actions while keeping keys offline.
- Create and manage accounts, including exportable public data such as addresses for accounting and watch-only setups.
Installation and compatibility. Installing Trezor Bridge is a straightforward process: download the installer from the official Trezor website, run it, and open the web interface that calls the Bridge. It supports major desktop operating systems and is updated periodically to maintain compatibility with browser changes and new device capabilities. Always download Bridge only from official Trezor sources.
Best practices while using Bridge. Keep Bridge updated alongside device firmware and the official web client. Only approve transactions you initiated and verify every detail shown on the device display. Avoid using Bridge on untrusted public machines, and uninstall or disable it if you no longer need local browser integration. For advanced security, pair Bridge usage with passphrases or separate hardware devices.
Troubleshooting tips. If your browser cannot detect the Trezor, first confirm Bridge is running and the device is unlocked. Reinstall Bridge if prompts fail, and check for OS-level USB permission issues. Clear cached site permissions if a linked web app loses access. For persistent problems, consult the official Trezor support resources to avoid third‑party guidance that may risk security.
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