Trezor Bridge is the essential communication layer that enables secure, reliable connectivity between Trezor hardware wallets and web-based applications, ensuring your cryptographic operations remain protected.
Trezor Bridge is a specialized background service that facilitates communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and web browsers. Unlike browser extensions or plugins, Bridge operates as a standalone local service that creates a secure channel for data transmission between the Trezor device and web applications like the Trezor Suite web interface and supported third-party services.
The software acts as a translation layer, converting browser-based JavaScript calls into USB/HID commands that the Trezor device can understand, and vice versa. This architecture maintains the security model where private keys never leave the hardware wallet while enabling seamless web integration.
Automatically detects Trezor devices when connected and establishes secure communication channels without requiring browser permissions or extensions.
Maintains the hardware wallet security model by ensuring private key operations occur exclusively on the Trezor device, not in the browser environment.
Uses standard web technologies and protocols to ensure compatibility across modern browsers while maintaining high security standards.
Trezor Bridge implements a sophisticated architecture that balances security, compatibility, and user experience. The system operates as a local HTTP server that communicates with both the Trezor device and web applications through standardized APIs.
Web applications send API requests to the local Bridge service via HTTP/WebSocket connections. These requests are formatted using Trezor's protocol buffers.
Bridge translates web requests into low-level USB/HID commands that the Trezor device understands, handling the complexities of device communication.
Device responses are translated back into web-friendly formats and returned to the originating application through the established communication channel.
Trezor Bridge is designed for straightforward installation across all major operating systems. The installation process varies slightly depending on your platform but follows consistent security principles.
Obtain the appropriate Bridge package from the official Trezor.io website. Always verify the authenticity of downloaded files.
Run the installer with appropriate permissions. The process typically takes less than a minute and requires minimal user intervention.
Connect your Trezor device and visit the Trezor Suite web interface to confirm Bridge is functioning correctly.
To ensure security, only download Trezor Bridge from the official Trezor website. Third-party sources may contain malicious modifications that compromise your device security.
While Trezor Bridge is designed for reliability, some common issues may occur during installation or operation. Most problems can be resolved with straightforward troubleshooting steps.
Ensure the Bridge service is running and not blocked by firewall or security software. Restarting the service often resolves detection issues.
Try different USB ports and cables. Some USB hubs and ports may not provide sufficient power or data integrity for reliable communication.
Ensure you're using a supported, updated browser. Clear browser cache and restart if Bridge was recently installed or updated.
On Linux systems, verify UDEV rules are properly configured. On macOS, check Security & Privacy settings for permissions.
Ensure only one instance of Bridge is running. Multiple instances can conflict and cause communication failures.
Configure firewall exceptions for Trezor Bridge if connections are being blocked. The service requires local network access.
For persistent issues, Bridge includes diagnostic tools and logging capabilities. Access the Bridge status page at http://127.0.0.1:21325 to view service status, connected devices, and detailed logs for troubleshooting.
Trezor Bridge is designed with security as a foundational principle, implementing multiple layers of protection to ensure the integrity of communications between hardware wallets and web applications.
Bridge operates exclusively on localhost interfaces, preventing remote access to the communication channel and eliminating network-based attack vectors.
All incoming requests are validated against strict schemas, preventing malformed or malicious payloads from reaching the Trezor device.
Communication uses Trezor's proprietary protocol with encryption and validation to ensure data integrity and confidentiality.
The Bridge security model maintains the fundamental Trezor principle: private keys never leave the hardware device. Bridge facilitates communication but cannot access sensitive cryptographic operations or key material.
Always verify the Trezor device screen when confirming transactions. Bridge facilitates communication but cannot override device security. The physical confirmation on the device screen remains the ultimate security control.
Trezor Bridge has evolved significantly since its initial release, with ongoing development focused on improving security, compatibility, and user experience.
Modern browsers with WebUSB support can communicate directly with Trezor devices, reducing dependency on Bridge for basic operations while maintaining security.
The desktop version of Trezor Suite includes built-in device communication, offering an alternative to web-based interactions for users preferring native applications.
Ongoing protocol improvements continue to enhance security, performance, and compatibility with new Trezor device features and firmware capabilities.
While web technologies continue to evolve, Trezor Bridge remains an essential component for ensuring broad compatibility and maintaining the highest security standards for web-based interactions with Trezor hardware wallets.
Disclaimer: This technical documentation provides comprehensive information about Trezor Bridge functionality and architecture. This content is created for educational and reference purposes and is not officially affiliated with SatoshiLabs, the creators of Trezor. For official software downloads, security guidelines, and support, always visit the official Trezor website at trezor.io. Cryptocurrency and hardware wallet security are rapidly evolving fields, and users should always verify information against official sources and current best practices. The technical details provided here are based on publicly available information and may change as the software evolves.