Secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and browser
Trezor Bridge is an essential software component that enables secure communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and your computer's web browser. This lightweight application runs silently in the background, creating a reliable connection that allows you to manage your cryptocurrencies safely through web interfaces like Trezor Suite :cite[1]:cite[6].
Unlike browser extensions or plugins, Trezor Bridge operates as a standalone application that works across multiple browsers including Chrome, Firefox, Brave, and Edge. It eliminates compatibility issues while maintaining the highest security standards by ensuring your private keys never leave your Trezor device :cite[1]:cite[5].
Trezor Bridge maintains the fundamental security principles of Trezor hardware wallets by ensuring that all sensitive operations, including transaction signing and private key access, occur exclusively on your Trezor device. Your keys never touch your computer or browser, protecting them from potential malware or hacking attempts :cite[1]:cite[6].
Whether you're using Windows, macOS, or Linux, Trezor Bridge provides seamless functionality across all major operating systems. The software automatically detects your device when connected via USB and establishes a secure connection without requiring complex configuration :cite[1]:cite[5].
Trezor Bridge includes a built-in update mechanism that ensures you always have the latest security enhancements and feature improvements without manual intervention. This guarantees continuous protection against emerging threats and compatibility with browser updates :cite[1].
Unlike earlier solutions that required specific browser extensions, Trezor Bridge works universally across modern browsers. This eliminates the need for multiple extensions and simplifies your security setup :cite[1]:cite[6].
Your Trezor hardware wallet is designed to keep your private keys completely offline—a security concept known as air-gapping. However, to actually manage your cryptocurrencies, you need to connect your device to web applications like Trezor Suite, decentralized exchanges, and other dApps :cite[6].
Web browsers cannot directly communicate with USB hardware wallets due to security restrictions. Trezor Bridge solves this challenge by creating a secure local channel that allows your browser to interact with your Trezor device without compromising security. Every transaction still requires physical confirmation on your Trezor device, maintaining the same level of protection while enabling convenient management of your assets :cite[6].
If you use the web version of Trezor Suite or other browser-based wallets that support Trezor, you need Trezor Bridge installed on your computer. The software facilitates the detection of your device and ensures all communication is encrypted and secure :cite[6].
If you exclusively use the desktop application version of Trezor Suite, you may not need Trezor Bridge, as desktop applications can communicate directly with your Trezor device. However, having Bridge installed provides flexibility to use web interfaces when needed :cite[6].
Installing Trezor Bridge is a straightforward process that typically takes just a few minutes:
Visit the official Trezor website and download the appropriate version of Trezor Bridge for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux) :cite[5]:cite[6].
Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions. You may need to grant permissions for the software to function properly.
After installation, connect your Trezor device via USB and visit Trezor Suite Web. The platform should automatically detect your device through Trezor Bridge :cite[6].
Once installed, Trezor Bridge runs automatically in the background whenever your computer is powered on. It requires no manual configuration or regular maintenance thanks to its automatic update functionality :cite[1].
Trezor Bridge represents a significant security improvement over the older browser extension approach. Unlike extensions, which operate within the browser environment and may be vulnerable to browser-based attacks, Trezor Bridge functions as a separate application with limited system access :cite[1]:cite[6].
This architecture significantly reduces the attack surface available to potential threats. Additionally, since Trezor Bridge is maintained directly by SatoshiLabs (the creators of Trezor), it receives regular security updates and compatibility improvements that may not be available for older extension-based solutions :cite[6].
Trezor Bridge supports all major operating systems and requires minimal system resources:
Windows 10 or newer, macOS 10.14+, or Linux (most distributions)
Chrome 60+, Firefox 55+, Edge 79+, or Brave 1.0+
At least 100MB of free disk space and an available USB port
Compatible with both Trezor Model One (firmware version 1.7.0 or higher) and Trezor Model T :cite[1]