Trezor Bridge is (or historically was) a small local application that enables secure communication between web browsers and a Trezor hardware wallet. It runs on your machine and acts as a trusted connector so browser-based applications and the Trezor device can exchange signing requests and public-key data without exposing private keys.
Modern browsers deliberately isolate web pages from direct low-level hardware access. This makes web platforms safer against malicious pages but prevents secure hardware wallets from speaking directly to browser-based wallet apps.
Trezor Bridge provides a trusted local endpoint for communication: instead of a web page trying to talk to USB hardware directly, it talks to Bridge running on the user’s computer. Bridge then communicates with the Trezor device and relays authenticated commands. This maintains security boundaries while enabling functionality.
Bridge typically runs as a local background process. Browser pages send API calls (to localhost endpoints) to the Bridge. The Bridge then forwards these requests using USB/HID/WebUSB to the physical Trezor device. The device performs sensitive operations locally (PIN, passphrase, user confirmations, signature generation); Bridge only passes encoded requests and results.
Crucially, private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Bridge cannot extract secrets — it is an RPC relay. Users must still confirm actions on the device itself, preserving the hardware-rooted security model.
Official resources for downloads and installation are kept on the Trezor site and support pages. If you prefer an integrated experience, use Trezor Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Trezor has encouraged users to adopt Trezor Suite and WebUSB-based flows where possible. The maintainers announced deprecation and removal routes for the standalone Bridge so that the ecosystem converges on fewer, better-maintained connection methods and improved user experience. See the official deprecation guide for details and uninstall instructions. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
If you still have Bridge installed, check for official guidance about removing it and moving to Trezor Suite or updated browser workflows to avoid conflicts with future releases.
Trezor Connect is the developer-focused layer that exposes safe operations (get public key, sign, verify) to third-party apps while enforcing user confirmations and device checks. It simplifies integration and reduces the need for individual apps to implement low-level device protocols. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
If problems persist, consult official guides and the support forum for known issues and platform-specific steps. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Firmware updates address security fixes and feature improvements. Always update via official channels and verify firmware authenticity before applying.
Only use official web apps or trusted third-party apps and double-check URLs before connecting. Never reveal your recovery seed: a hardware wallet’s security depends on protecting that seed offline.
These steps minimize interruptions and ensure your workflow aligns with current, supported tools.
If you manage hardware wallets for others (team or clients), schedule an update window, circulate the migration checklist, and provide hands-on help to avoid lost access or confusion.