The secure intermediary software designed by SatoshiLabs to facilitate encrypted, real-time communication between your hardware wallet and the decentralized web.
Trezor Bridge is a crucial piece of lightweight software that functions as a cryptographic communication layer. Its primary role is to enable seamless and secure interaction between your physical Trezor hardware wallet, connected via USB, and web-based applications, such as the Trezor Suite web interface or supported third-party wallets (dApps). Without this dedicated bridge software, most web browsers are unable to securely communicate with the Trezor device directly due to inherent browser security restrictions and limitations regarding direct USB access.
The Bridge overcomes these technical barriers by running a local server on your computer. This local host operation ensures that all data exchange—specifically requests to sign transactions or authenticate—is contained locally and encrypted. When a web application needs your Trezor to perform a cryptographic function, the request is routed securely through the Bridge to the device. This ingenious design keeps all sensitive cryptographic processes contained offline within the hardware wallet itself, making the overall experience user-friendly without compromising the fundamental cold storage security Trezor provides.
For most modern users, the installation of Trezor Bridge is integrated directly into the setup process of the official Trezor Suite application. When you download and install the Trezor Suite desktop or the initial setup guides you through the process, the necessary Bridge service is automatically included and configured to run quietly in your system's background. Once installed, it requires virtually no manual user interaction; it simply detects when your Trezor device is connected.
The user workflow is straightforward: **1. Connect** your Trezor device via USB. **2. Open** a compatible web-based wallet (e.g., Trezor Suite Web). **3. Initiate** a transaction or authentication request from the browser interface. **4. Confirm** the transaction details, including the recipient address and amount, directly on your physical Trezor device screen. The Bridge acts solely as the secure pathway for the request and the signed, encrypted response. The private keys never leave the hardware device. Keeping your operating system and the Trezor Bridge software updated ensures optimal performance and security.
The Bridge ensures that highly sensitive private keys are never exposed to the internet. It only handles the transport of cryptographic commands and signed data, with the signing process always remaining isolated on the hardware device.
Like all core Trezor software, the Bridge is open-source. This transparency allows the global security community to audit the code, ensuring there are no hidden vulnerabilities or backdoors, fostering unparalleled trust and reliability.
Trezor Bridge is designed for universal accessibility, supporting major operating systems—Windows, macOS, and Linux—as well as leading web browsers, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience regardless of your chosen environment.
No, Trezor Bridge is a standalone, lightweight software application that runs silently on your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux). It is not a browser extension and therefore avoids common browser-related vulnerabilities.
The Bridge functionality is often bundled within the latest Trezor Suite installation. While older standalone versions exist, modern use typically involves the Bridge running as a necessary background service to enable web-based wallet interactions, even with the web version of Trezor Suite.
It operates on a local host port, acting as a secure, encrypted intermediary. Importantly, it only facilitates communication; all sensitive actions, such as signing transactions, still require physical confirmation directly on your Trezor device’s Trusted Display.
The Bridge is designed to work seamlessly with most modern, widely-used browsers that support the underlying connection protocols, including Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox, ensuring broad compatibility for decentralized applications (dApps).
Always download software and consult guides directly from the official Trezor channels to ensure you maintain the highest level of security.
The security provided by Trezor Bridge and the hardware wallet relies on user diligence. **Never, under any circumstances, type your Recovery Seed (the 12, 18, or 24 words) or your PIN into your computer screen, even if prompted by software.** The Bridge simply enables a secure tunnel; the final, crucial security step is always the visual verification and physical confirmation of transaction details on the Trusted Display of your Trezor device.
Be vigilant against phishing attacks. Trezor or SatoshiLabs will never ask you to verify your backup or share sensitive credentials. Treat every external request for your keys or seed as a scam. The software is designed to protect your assets, but your personal security practices are the ultimate safeguard. You alone are responsible for the protection of your digital assets.