What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is the lightweight local bridge application that enables your web browser and desktop apps to securely communicate with a Trezor hardware wallet. It runs on your computer and acts as a reliable translator between USB devices and browser-based wallet interfaces, so you can manage accounts, sign transactions, and access your crypto with strong device-level security.
How it works — simple summary
- When you plug in a Trezor device, the Bridge provides a secure channel for apps to detect and talk to it.
- Browser apps (like web wallets or portfolio tools) call Bridge's local API over
http://127.0.0.1to initiate sessions. - Bridge forwards requests to the hardware wallet; the user confirms all sensitive actions on the device itself.
- Because the private keys never leave the hardware wallet, signing happens on-device and only signed transactions leave the device.
Installation & setup (quick)
- Download the official Bridge installer from the Trezor website or your vendor's download page.
- Run the installer for your operating system (Windows / macOS / Linux) and follow prompts to allow the local service.
- Plug in your Trezor hardware wallet — your browser should then detect the device when a compatible web app opens.
Security & privacy considerations
Trezor Bridge is built to prioritize security: the hardware wallet performs cryptographic signing so private keys never leave the device. Still, practice standard precautions:
- Only download Bridge from official sources.
- Keep your device firmware and Bridge installation updated.
- Confirm transaction details on the Trezor screen — never approve an unfamiliar request.
- Use strong, unique passwords for any accounts and enable two-factor authentication where available.
Desktop apps vs. Web apps
Both desktop wallet applications and modern web wallets can use Bridge to communicate with your Trezor. Desktop apps often include native libraries or bundled integrations; web apps rely on Bridge’s local HTTP API. The end-user experience is similar: connect, verify on-device, and confirm actions.