Trezor Bridge — the secure gateway to your hardware wallet
Trezor Bridge provides a stable, local communication channel between your Trezor hardware wallet and the applications you use — from the Trezor Suite desktop app to web-based wallets and dApps. It’s designed to be lightweight, cross-platform, and secure: Bridge never has access to your private keys — signing always happens on-device.
Local-firstBridge runs on your machine and exposes a localhost API — no external servers mediate the connection.
Cross-platformSupports Windows, macOS, and Linux with platform-specific installers and package options.
Secure-by-designBridge only forwards messages — private keys remain on the Trezor device and signing requires physical approval.
Overview — what Bridge does
Trezor Bridge acts as a translator between applications and your hardware device. Web apps and desktop Suite send JSON-RPC or similar commands to Bridge on a localhost port; Bridge communicates with the Trezor over USB, relays responses back to the app, and ensures that sensitive operations are confirmed on the device itself.
Bridge is essential because it:
- Enables web-based wallets to use hardware wallets reliably;
- Handles platform-specific USB permission quirks;
- Provides a stable API for applications to talk to devices;
- Does not read or expose private keys — signing is performed on the hardware.
Install & configure Bridge (step-by-step)
- Download from official sources: Start at trezor.io/bridge or the central Downloads page to choose your platform-specific installer.
- Verify integrity: Where checksums or signatures are provided, verify them before running the installer so you can be confident the file hasn't been tampered with.
- Install: Run the installer and follow OS prompts. Bridge runs as a background service and listens on a localhost port to accept connections from apps like Suite.
- Restart apps: Restart your browser or open Trezor Suite so the application can detect Bridge. You may need to accept permission prompts for USB access.
- Connect device: Plug in your Trezor and follow on-screen instructions. Always confirm transaction details on the device screen.
Notes: Desktop Suite includes native connectivity for some platforms, but installing Bridge ensures consistent behavior for web workflows across browsers and operating systems.
Security & best practices
Bridge is designed with minimal trust — it runs locally and only forwards messages. However, the overall security depends on your environment and behavior. Follow these best practices:
- Install only official builds: Use trezor.io/bridge or trezor.io/downloads to avoid malicious copies.
- Keep software updated: Update Bridge, Suite, and device firmware regularly. See Firmware updates and release notes.
- Localhost only: Ensure Bridge listens only on localhost and is not exposed to the broader network or through port forwarding.
- Trust app sources: Only grant connections to apps you trust. When in doubt, decline access and verify the app origin.
- Phishing vigilance: Never enter your seed or passphrase into a website. Learn more at Anti-Phishing.
Troubleshooting — common issues & fixes
- Bridge not running: Restart the Bridge service or your computer. On Windows or macOS check system services/processes.
- Browser can't connect: Restart the browser, clear cache, or try a different browser. Ensure localhost is not blocked by security policies.
- Permission prompts missing: Reconnect the device and check for OS-level USB permission dialogs. Some browsers require explicit site permissions.
- Multiple versions: Uninstall older Bridge versions and reinstall the latest from official Bridge.
- Firmware mismatch: Verify device firmware and update if needed — see Firmware.
- Still stuck: Consult Support or community resources.
Developer notes & integrations
For developers building integrations, Bridge provides a predictable local API. Keep these points in mind:
- Validate origins and prompt users for explicit confirmation for sensitive actions.
- Use official SDKs and libraries where available — browse GitHub for code and examples.
- Test across platforms and browser combinations to handle permission differences and driver behaviors.
- Consider desktop Suite native connectivity for tighter integration in desktop applications.