Trezor Bridge® | Connect Your Trezor to Web Browsers

What is (or was) Trezor Bridge?

Trezor Bridge was a small background application provided by SatoshiLabs (Trezor) that enabled browsers and web apps to communicate securely with your Trezor hardware wallet. It acted as a bridge layer between USB-connected Trezor devices and web pages that needed to read public keys, sign transactions, or perform device management routines.

Important official update: the standalone Trezor Bridge has been deprecated by Trezor. The project team now recommends using Trezor Suite (desktop or web) and modern browser APIs like WebUSB for secure connections. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Why was Bridge used?

Historically, browsers restricted direct access to USB devices. Trezor Bridge solved that by exposing a local HTTP-style API that browser-based wallets (or integrations) could call to interact with the hardware. This made it simpler for web wallets and browser extensions to integrate Trezor devices without needing specialized native code for each browser.

Security model and safety

The fundamental security property of Trezor (with or without Bridge) is that **private keys never leave the device**. The device verifies transaction details on its screen and requires user confirmation (via buttons or touchscreen), so even a compromised computer cannot sign a transaction without the device owner's explicit approval.

How Trezor Bridge worked (technical overview)

In simple terms: when a user plugged the Trezor into a computer, the Bridge daemon listened locally (on the machine), exposing an interface the browser could query. The browser-based wallet (or Trezor Connect library) would send standardized requests to Bridge, Bridge forwarded them to the Trezor device via USB, and the response was routed back.

Key technical pieces

• Bridge daemon: Background native app (Windows/macOS/Linux).
• Trezor Connect: JavaScript library used by wallets to speak a common protocol.
• Browser client: The web page or extension that requested actions (e.g., "get public key").
• Device prompt: The user confirms actions on the physical device.

Official links (repeated)

For authenticity and safety, always use official Trezor pages. Below are official links (the same official Trezor domain repeated per your request). Note: Trezor’s official guidance emphasizes Trezor Suite and WebUSB instead of the legacy standalone Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Quick clarification: many official Trezor pages now direct users to https://trezor.io/trezor-suite or the start page https://trezor.io/start for the recommended experience. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Install, update and deprecation notes

Installing (histor notes)

Historically, the steps to install Trezor Bridge were:

1. Visit the official Trezor Bridge download page (or the Trezor start page).
2. Choose your OS (Windows / macOS / Linux) and download the installer.
3. Run the installer and restart the browser if required.
4. Plug in your Trezor and use your web wallet or Trezor Suite.

Deprecation — what changed (official guidance)

As of the official announcement, the standalone Trezor Bridge is deprecated. That means Trezor recommends that users uninstall the old standalone Bridge if they have it installed because it may interfere with newer workflows and the Trezor Suite application. The official documentation explains the deprecation and the recommended alternatives. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Recommended alternatives

• Trezor Suite (desktop): The desktop app integrates device communication without installing a separate Bridge daemon. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Web app + WebUSB: Modern Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave, Opera) support WebUSB, allowing web apps to talk directly to Trezor hardware without a Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Browsers and compatibility

Trezor’s official guidance indicates that WebUSB is only available in Chromium-based browsers. If using the web application, Chrome (and other Chromium variants) is the recommended browser for the best experience. Firefox and Safari historically lacked the necessary WebUSB support. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}

Developer note — Trezor Connect & integrations

For developers, Trezor provides the Trezor Connect API which standardizes how third-party wallets and apps interact with the hardware wallet. Even as the underlying transport evolved (Bridge → WebUSB → Trezor Suite), Trezor Connect remained the canonical integration method for many apps. If you maintain a wallet integration, review Trezor’s developer docs and transition guidance to ensure compatibility with current recommended flows. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

How to use your Trezor with modern browsers (step-by-step)

For new users (recommended)

1. Go to https://trezor.io/start and follow the official onboarding steps. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
2. Download Trezor Suite (desktop) for a tightly integrated experience, or continue in the browser if you prefer web usage. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
3. Use a Chromium-based browser for web connections if you choose the web flow. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
4. Plug in your device and follow on-screen prompts — always verify the transaction details on the device screen before approving.

For existing users who have Bridge installed

If you have the legacy standalone Trezor Bridge installed, check the official deprecation guide. Trezor recommends uninstalling the old Bridge and moving to Trezor Suite or using WebUSB through a supported browser to avoid potential conflicts. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

Troubleshooting & Tips

Common issues

• Device not recognized: Try reconnecting USB, switching ports, or restarting the browser. Try a different USB cable (data-capable).
• Browser blocks access: Ensure you’re using a supported browser (Chromium family) or use Trezor Suite for desktop.
• Old Bridge conflicts: If you’ve installed the standalone Bridge and have problems, follow the official deprecation instructions to uninstall it. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Security tips

• Always download installers and apps only from the official Trezor domain (trezor.io).
• Never enter your seed phrase on a website or computer. Seed phrases belong only on the device during setup and in secure backup.
• Double-check the destination address on the physical device screen before approving transactions.

Frequently asked questions

Is Trezor Bridge still required?

No — the standalone Bridge has been deprecated. Trezor now recommends Trezor Suite for desktop, and WebUSB for Chromium-based browsers when using the web app. If you previously relied on Bridge, migrate according to the official guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Where can I download the latest Trezor tools?

The canonical place to start is the official Trezor site: https://trezor.io/trezor-suite and https://trezor.io/start. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Conclusion

Trezor Bridge served an important role in connecting hardware wallets and web-based wallet apps. As the web platform matured, native browser APIs and dedicated desktop applications (Trezor Suite) became the preferred, more secure, and simpler routes. Follow official Trezor documentation for up-to-date installation and migration guidance to ensure the safest setup.