How Trezor Bridge Works
Trezor Bridge acts as a secure intermediary between your hardware wallet and the software that needs to communicate with it. When you connect a hardware wallet, Bridge authenticates the device, negotiates a session, and safely relays signing requests. This approach keeps your private keys air-gapped on the hardware device while allowing you to manage assets, sign transactions, and interact with decentralized apps.
Core Principles
Security-first design means Bridge never stores your keys, passphrases, or recovery seeds. All sensitive operations happen on the device. The communication protocol has built-in approval steps and visual confirmation prompts so you can verify exact transaction details before signing.
Why use a Bridge?
Many wallet apps and browser dapps require a local service to access connected hardware wallets. Trezor Bridge simplifies connectivity: it handles USB/transport quirks, supports multiple devices simultaneously, and ensures a consistent developer API for wallet integrators. Use a bridge to get predictable, secure crypto access across apps.
Best practices
- Always download Bridge from trusted sources or official channels.
- Verify checksums and installer signatures where available.
- Keep your hardware wallet firmware up to date and verify device screens before approving transactions.
Download & Setup
Installing the Bridge client is straightforward. Run the platform-specific installer, allow local connections when prompted, and open your wallet app. When connecting your hardware wallet you'll be asked to confirm the device on its screen. After confirmation, the wallet app can request signatures through the secure Bridge channel.
Security & Privacy Notes
Privacy and minimal attack surface design are foundational. The Bridge template only exposes necessary endpoints to local apps. It does not phone home or share usage analytics by default. For organizations, running Bridge in controlled environments and limiting app-level permissions reduces risk further.
FAQ
- Is Bridge open source?
- Many bridge implementations offer open-source clients — check the official project repository for source code and audits.
- Will Bridge work with my wallet?
- Bridge supports most wallets that implement a standard hardware wallet API. If your wallet supports hardware devices, Bridge is likely compatible.
- What if something goes wrong during signing?
- If a transaction request looks incorrect, decline on the device. Revoke app permissions and check for software updates.