Overview
Trezor Bridge serves as the secure gateway between your web browser or desktop application and your Trezor hardware wallet. When native WebUSB or WebHID access is limited, Trezor Bridge provides a local, trusted conduit to pair devices, enumerate accounts, push transaction payloads, and receive signatures — without exposing private keys. This page explains why Trezor Bridge matters, how to install it safely, integration tips, and troubleshooting guidance.
Why use Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge improves compatibility across browsers and operating systems. It ensures secure device detection, consistent APIs for developers, and a predictable installation flow for end users. Use Bridge when WebUSB/WebHID is blocked, when you need a local daemon for automated flows, or when older browser versions require a helper process.
Developer integration example
Minimal sample: open a local Bridge session and request device features in JavaScript.
// Connect to local Bridge (pseudo-code)
fetch('http://127.0.0.1:21325/api/connect', {method:'POST'})
.then(r=>r.json())
.then(device => console.log('Device', device.features))
.catch(err => console.error('Bridge error', err));
Tip: fall back to WebUSB/WebHID when available for direct browser support and disable Bridge only if users explicitly choose native access.
Security model
Trezor Bridge is intentionally local-only. It does not transmit private keys or transaction secrets to remote servers. The Bridge forwards structured JSON-RPC requests to the device and returns signed payloads only after explicit user approval on the hardware. Always verify firmware attestation and require user confirmation for sensitive operations.
Troubleshooting & tips
- Restart your browser after installing Bridge.
- Try a different USB cable/port and check OS permissions.
- Ensure Bridge is running (check system tray / background services).
- Update device firmware through official channels if prompts appear.
- Run Bridge diagnostics (logs) to capture errors for support.