Trezor Bridge is a lightweight communication interface that enables your web browser to interact securely with your Trezor hardware wallet. It runs as a background service on your computer, creating a secure channel between browser-based applications and your physical device.
Without Trezor Bridge, web applications cannot communicate with your hardware wallet. This software acts as a critical middleware layer, ensuring that all transactions and operations maintain the highest security standards while remaining user-friendly and accessible.
Why You Need It
Modern web browsers have strict security policies that prevent websites from directly accessing USB devices. Trezor Bridge solves this challenge by providing a secure, isolated communication layer that respects browser security while enabling essential hardware wallet functionality.
The bridge software implements multiple security measures including encrypted communication channels, device authentication, and transaction verification protocols. Every interaction between your browser and Trezor device is monitored and validated to prevent unauthorized access or malicious activity.
Installation Process
Installing Trezor Bridge is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. The software is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, with each version optimized for its respective platform.
For Windows users, download the installer and run it with administrator privileges. The installation wizard will guide you through the process, automatically configuring necessary system settings and installing required drivers. macOS users can simply download the package, mount the disk image, and drag the application to their Applications folder.
Linux installation requires slightly more technical knowledge, depending on your distribution. Debian-based systems can use the provided .deb package, while RPM-based distributions should use the .rpm installer. Manual installation instructions are available in the documentation for other Linux variants.
System Requirements
Trezor Bridge is designed to be lightweight and efficient, requiring minimal system resources. The software runs silently in the background, consuming less than 50MB of RAM and negligible CPU cycles during idle periods.
Supported operating systems include Windows 7 and newer, macOS 10.11 and newer, and most modern Linux distributions released within the past five years. A USB port is required for connecting your Trezor device, and an active internet connection is needed for initial installation and updates.
Security Architecture
Security is the cornerstone of Trezor Bridge's design philosophy. The software employs end-to-end encryption for all communications between your browser and hardware wallet, ensuring that sensitive data never travels in plaintext across any network or local channel.
Each session establishes a unique cryptographic handshake, verifying the authenticity of both the Trezor device and the requesting application. This mutual authentication prevents man-in-the-middle attacks and ensures that only legitimate applications can request operations from your hardware wallet.
The bridge software is open-source and regularly audited by security researchers worldwide. All code is publicly available on GitHub, allowing transparency and community verification of security practices. Updates are digitally signed and verified before installation to prevent tampering.
Compatibility
Trezor Bridge works seamlessly with all major web browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Brave. The software automatically detects your browser configuration and adapts its communication protocols accordingly.
All Trezor hardware wallet models are fully supported, including Trezor One, Trezor Model T, and future devices as they are released. The bridge maintains backward compatibility with legacy firmware versions while supporting the latest features and security enhancements.
Troubleshooting
Most connection issues can be resolved by ensuring Trezor Bridge is running and your device is properly connected. Check your system tray or menu bar for the Bridge icon, which indicates the service status. A green icon means everything is functioning correctly.
If your device is not detected, try using a different USB cable or port. Some USB hubs and extension cables may cause connection problems. Direct connection to your computer's USB port is always recommended for optimal reliability.
Browser extensions or security software may occasionally interfere with Bridge communication. Temporarily disabling these tools can help identify conflicts. Ensure that your firewall allows Trezor Bridge to communicate on localhost port 21325.
Updates and Maintenance
Trezor Bridge includes automatic update functionality that checks for new versions periodically. When updates are available, you'll receive a notification prompting you to install the latest version. Updates are typically small and install quickly without requiring system restart.
Regular updates ensure compatibility with new browser versions, operating system updates, and firmware releases. They also include security patches and performance improvements based on user feedback and ongoing security research.
Privacy Considerations
Trezor Bridge operates entirely locally on your computer and does not collect or transmit any personal information, transaction data, or usage statistics. The software only facilitates communication between your browser and hardware wallet without storing or logging any sensitive data.
All operations are ephemeral, meaning that once a transaction is completed, no trace remains in the Bridge software. This design ensures maximum privacy and minimizes potential attack surfaces for malicious actors.
Getting Started
Once installed, Trezor Bridge runs automatically whenever you start your computer. There is no configuration required for most users— simply connect your Trezor device when needed, and the bridge will handle all communication seamlessly.
To verify your installation is working correctly, visit wallet.trezor.io and connect your device. If the web application successfully detects your Trezor, the bridge is functioning properly. You're now ready to securely manage your cryptocurrency assets with the full power and security of your Trezor hardware wallet.