What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is the lightweight local application that acts as a secure gateway between your browser or desktop app and your hardware wallet. Trezor Bridge runs on your computer and forwards requests from web-based wallet interfaces and desktop apps to your Trezor device. The bridge ensures that private keys never leave your device, while enabling a seamless, reliable connection for sending and receiving crypto.
Why use a bridge? Security-first design
Using a bridge like Trezor Bridge improves connectivity without compromising security. The bridge runs locally, so sensitive communication stays on your machine and under your control. Trezor Bridge never stores your seed or private keys — it only relays cryptographic commands to the hardware wallet. That makes Trezor Bridge an essential part of the secure gateway model for hardware wallet users.
Install & Setup
- Download Trezor Bridge from the official download page and choose your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Run the installer and grant the small local service permissions to open a local port.
- Open Trezor Suite or a supported web wallet; the app will detect the Bridge and prompt you to connect your device.
- Confirm device prompts on the Trezor hardware wallet to complete pairing.
Example: after install, open http://127.0.0.1:21324 to check the Bridge status locally (advanced users only).
Best Practices for Trezor Bridge
Always download Trezor Bridge from trusted sources and verify checksums when provided. Keep the bridge updated to benefit from security patches and new features. Use a modern browser and avoid installing unknown browser extensions that might attempt to intercept local connections. Treat the bridge as the secure gateway for your hardware wallet and keep your operating system and antivirus up to date.
Troubleshooting
If your Trezor device isn't detected after installing the bridge, try:
- Restarting the Bridge service or your computer.
- Using a different USB cable or USB port.
- Checking firewall rules that may block local ports.
- Reinstalling the bridge from the official download page.
Developer Integration
Developers can use Trezor Bridge as a local API to communicate with a hardware wallet for signing transactions and messages. The bridge exposes a simple RPC-style API over a local port so desktop apps or web apps (with the user’s consent) can interact with the device. For integration, follow official developer docs, respect user consent dialogs, and never ask users to reveal their recovery seed.
Privacy & Permissions
Trezor Bridge operates on your local machine and requires minimal permissions. It does not transmit your seed or keys to remote servers. Always confirm any prompts on the hardware wallet itself — the device display is the final authority for verifying addresses and transaction details. If a web page requests signing, verify the action on the device and in your app UI.
FAQ — Quick Answers
- Is Trezor Bridge safe? Yes — when downloaded from official sources. It is designed to keep cryptographic operations local.
- Does Bridge store my seed? No — Bridge only relays commands and never retains recovery seeds or private keys.
- What if I can’t connect? Check USB, restart the Bridge, and confirm firewall settings.
Summary & Next Steps
Trezor Bridge is the secure gateway that makes connecting to your hardware wallet reliable and user-friendly. For best results, always download the bridge from official pages, keep software updated, verify device prompts on the hardware wallet, and treat your recovery seed as the only true backup. The bridge provides a seamless way to interact with decentralized apps while ensuring your private keys stay on your device.