Trezor Bridge — Guide & Overview

Everything you need to connect your Trezor hardware wallet to web apps — install, usage, and safety tips. ✨

Overview

Trezor Bridge is a small background application that allows web-based wallet interfaces (like trezor.io/webwallet or third-party dApps) to communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet via USB. It acts as a secure local bridge between the browser and the device so you can sign transactions, export public keys, and manage accounts without exposing private keys to the web.

Installation 🛠️

Official installation is straightforward. Download the proper installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux) from the official Trezor website and follow the prompts. On Linux you might get a .deb or AppImage; on macOS a .dmg; on Windows an .msi.

Tip: Always download Bridge from the official Trezor site or verified sources to avoid malicious packages.
  1. Download the installer for your OS.
  2. Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts.
  3. Open a compatible browser and visit a Trezor web app; the browser will forward requests to Bridge.
// Example: check if Bridge is running on localhost port
curl http://127.0.0.1:21325/info || echo "Bridge not running"

Usage & UX ✨

Once installed, Bridge automatically starts in the background. When a web app wants to talk to your Trezor device the app sends a request to the Bridge API which then communicates with the USB device. Typical flows include:

  • Connect device → enter PIN → confirm on-device action.
  • Export xpubs for wallet recovery and watch-only setups.
  • Sign transactions: review outputs on the Trezor screen and confirm.

Security Best Practices 🔒

  • Never share your recovery seed. Trezor Bridge never asks for your seed — only the device will request confirmations.
  • Keep Bridge and your Trezor firmware up to date to receive security fixes.
  • Verify website domain names and use official Trezor apps when possible.

Troubleshooting 🧭

Common issues and quick fixes
Browser can't detect device
Ensure Bridge is running (check your system tray), try reconnecting the USB cable, or switch to a different USB port. Rebooting the machine sometimes helps.
Bridge installation failed
Run installer as administrator (Windows) or check permissions on macOS/Linux. For Linux check udev rules to allow USB access.
Device stuck during operation
Disconnect and reconnect, ensure firmware is not in a partial update state; if in doubt, consult official Trezor support.

Developer notes & API 💻

Trezor Bridge exposes a local API that clients can call. The recommended integration path is to use the official Trezor Connect library which handles permissions, discovery, and secure communication with the device.

// Pseudocode using Trezor Connect
TrezorConnect.init({ manifest: { email: 'dev@example.com', appUrl: 'https://app.example' } });
const account = await TrezorConnect.getPublicKey({ path: "m/44'/0'/0'" });

If building integrations, avoid reinventing transport layers — use the official SDKs and follow their manifest/branding requirements.

Alternatives & compatibility

Trezor Bridge is the recommended transport for most desktop browsers. Alternatives include native browser WebUSB support (experimental) or platform-specific tooling. Mobile integration often uses QR or companion apps instead of Bridge.

FAQ — Quick answers 📝

Q: Is Bridge safe? A: Yes, Bridge only relays requests between local web clients and your Trezor device; private keys remain on-device.

Q: Do I need Bridge for mobile? A: Not usually; mobile workflows often use native apps or QR-based signing.