Trezor Bridge is an essential software component that enables communication between a Trezor hardware wallet and web-based or desktop applications. It acts as a secure connection layer, allowing your browser to interact with your Trezor device without exposing sensitive data. Trezor Bridge is widely used when accessing Trezor wallets through supported browsers and platforms, ensuring a smooth and safe user experience.
Trezor Bridge is a background service developed by SatoshiLabs, the creators of Trezor hardware wallets. Its main purpose is to allow supported web applications, such as Trezor Suite Web, to detect and communicate with your Trezor device. Without Trezor Bridge installed, most browsers cannot directly recognize a hardware wallet due to modern security restrictions.
Unlike browser extensions, Trezor Bridge runs silently in the background after installation. Once active, it automatically detects when a Trezor device is connected and facilitates encrypted communication between the device and the software interface.
Modern web browsers are designed to protect users by limiting direct access to USB devices. While this improves overall system security, it also means that hardware wallets require an intermediary service to function properly. Trezor Bridge fulfills this role by acting as a trusted connector.
Once installed, Trezor Bridge starts automatically when your system boots. When you connect your Trezor hardware wallet via USB, the Bridge detects the device and establishes a secure communication channel. Web applications then send requests through Trezor Bridge, which forwards them to the device for confirmation.
All sensitive actions, such as signing transactions or accessing wallet data, must still be physically confirmed on the Trezor device. This ensures that private keys never leave the hardware wallet, maintaining the highest level of security.
Trezor Bridge is compatible with major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports popular browsers that do not use native WebUSB functionality. In environments where WebUSB is supported, users may not need Trezor Bridge, but it remains a reliable option for consistent performance.
The software is lightweight, consumes minimal system resources, and is regularly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest browsers and operating system updates.
Installing Trezor Bridge is a straightforward process. Users are typically prompted to install it when accessing Trezor Suite Web or other supported platforms for the first time. The installation involves downloading the official installer and following on-screen instructions.
After installation, no additional configuration is required. Trezor Bridge runs automatically and remains active in the background, ready whenever you connect your Trezor device.
Security is a core principle behind Trezor Bridge. The software does not store private keys, recovery seeds, or sensitive wallet information. Its sole role is to relay encrypted communication between trusted applications and the hardware wallet.
While Trezor Bridge is primarily used with web-based interfaces, Trezor Suite Desktop includes built-in communication drivers. This means users of the desktop application usually do not need to install Trezor Bridge separately. However, for browser-based access, Trezor Bridge remains an important tool.
Occasionally, users may experience connection issues if Trezor Bridge is not running or conflicts with other software. Restarting the service, updating the software, or reconnecting the device often resolves these problems.
Ensuring that only one wallet interface is running at a time can also prevent communication conflicts.
Trezor Bridge plays a vital role in enabling secure and reliable communication between Trezor hardware wallets and web-based applications. By acting as a trusted intermediary, it ensures compatibility, enhances security, and provides a seamless user experience. For users who prefer accessing their wallets through a browser, Trezor Bridge remains an essential component of the Trezor ecosystem.