What Is Trezör® Bridge®?
Trezör Bridge is the official, trusted communication layer by SatoshiLabs that connects your Trezör hardware wallet (such as the Trezör One or Trezör Model T) securely to browsers, desktop apps, decentralized applications (dApps), and Web3‑interfaces. It acts as a silent guardian in the background — ensuring all interaction between your wallet device and external software is safe, encrypted, and verified.
Unlike browser extensions or legacy USB drivers, Bridge runs locally on your computer. It never sends your private keys or seed phrases over the internet. It only facilitates approved actions, like signing transactions, viewing balances, or updating firmware — all while preserving the fundamental security guarantees of your hardware wallet. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Why You Need Trezör Bridge
- Overcomes Browser‑USB Restrictions: Modern browsers often restrict direct USB access for security. Bridge bridges that gap via a local service so your Trezör can be recognized and used reliably. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Uniform Cross‑Platform Support: Whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux, Bridge offers compatibility so you don’t run into platform‑specific issues. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Legacy‑free and Stable: No more browser plugins or deprecated extensions. Bridge replaces older tools and avoids many pitfalls of browser‑based USB or WebUSB limitations. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Works with dApps & Exchanges: Many Web3 services and decentralized applications require hardware wallet integration. Bridge makes that possible securely. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Maintain Security Boundaries: The device handles sensitive operations like signing and displaying transaction details — Bridge only relays commands and signed responses. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Key Features
- Encrypted Local Traffic: Communication happens over a local interface (localhost), avoiding the internet for private or secret data. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Automatic Updates: Bridge maintains updated versions without heavy user intervention, so you benefit from the latest security patches. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Lightweight & Background Operation: Once installed, it runs quietly in the background as a service or daemon — you don’t need to interact with it often. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Browser & App Compatibility: Bridge supports major browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge and more) as well as Web3‑enabled apps. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Device Independence: Works with multiple Trezör device models; signing and confirmations always happen physically on the hardware device. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Session & Request Validation: Prompts appear on the Trezör device so you can verify transaction details, addresses, and data before approving. No blind trust. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
How It Works
Installation & Startup
To begin, download Trezör Bridge from the official Trezör website. Choose the installer matching your operating system. During setup you may need to authorize permissions — for example USB access or allowing a background service/daemon. Once installed, Bridge starts automatically and listens on a localhost port to accept communication requests from browser‑based or desktop Web3 applications. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Message Flow
- User opens a Web3 interface (e.g. Trezör Suite Web, dApp, exchange) that supports hardware wallets.
- The app/browser tries to communicate with the hardware device, but direct USB/WebUSB may not be supported or allowed.
- The Web3 interface sends requests (e.g. “get public address”, “sign transaction”) to Bridge on localhost.
- Bridge passes the requests over USB to the Trezör device.
- On the device’s screen, you verify details: amounts, destination, method, etc.
- When you approve on the device, the device signs the request internally and returns the signed data via Bridge back to the app/browser. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Security & Best Practices
- Download Only from Official Sources: Always get Bridge installers from trezor.io or other official Trezör domains. Avoid third‑party or mirror sites that may mimic the authentic download. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Keep Firmware & Software Updated: Regular updates reduce risk from exploits. Bridge includes patches, as do your Trezör devices. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Inspect Transaction Details On‑Device: Never approve transactions without verifying information shown on the Trezör hardware itself — the device acts as the ultimate trust boundary. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Use Secure USB Cables & Ports: Prefer direct connections; avoid hubs or power‑only cables that may break data paths or introduce interference.
- Limit Exposure to Untrusted Computers: If possible, use machines you control and trust; a compromised computer can attempt to manipulate what you see in the browser, though signing still requires your hardware confirmation.
- Validate Domains & URLs: When Web3 sites prompt for connection or transaction, ensure the domain is correct and matches what you expect, to avoid phishing.
- Firewall / Localhost Access: Bridge runs on local ports — ensure your OS firewall, antivirus, or security suite allows localhost traffic for Bridge. Otherwise connection might fail.
Important: Trezör Bridge does not and never has access to your private keys or recovery seed. All signing operations happen on the hardware wallet itself. Keep your seed phrase offline, in a safe place. Compromise usually happens through human error, physical theft, or malware — not via Bridge. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
Download & Setup Guide
- Go to the official Trezör download page (e.g. trezor.io/bridge).
- Choose the installer version matching your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
- Run the installer. On macOS you may be required to give necessary permissions (Security & Privacy settings) to run the application. On Windows or Linux, you may need elevated permissions depending on system configuration. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- Once installed, ensure Bridge is running. Sometimes you’ll see status in system tray/menu bar (depending on OS).
- Connect your Trezör device via USB. Unlock with your PIN on‑device.
- Open Trezör Suite (desktop) or browser‑based Web3 interface and verify that the device is detected. If prompted, grant the application access to use Bridge.
- Test by viewing your public addresses or sending a small transaction. Always confirm details on device screen.
- Enable auto‑update features if available, and monitor for security notifications from Trezör.