Trézor Bridge® — Secure Hardware Wallet Bridge®

Trézor Bridge® provides a secure, local connection between Trézor hardware wallets and desktop web applications. It enables safe account discovery, transaction signing, and dApp interactions while ensuring private keys remain on your hardware device. This guide explains downloads, installation, usage scenarios, security best practices, developer information, and troubleshooting.

Download Trézor Bridge®

Introduction

Trézor Bridge acts as middleware on your computer to bridge communications between web pages (or browser extensions) and your Trézor device. It supports common browser APIs and protocols used by wallets and dApps to request addresses, sign transactions, and interact with blockchain services. The core principle is simple: the host computer may send requests, but the user must confirm all sensitive operations physically on the Trézor device.

Security highlight: Private keys never leave the Trézor device. Bridge only forwards requests and responses between the browser and the device.

Download & Supported Platforms

Trézor Bridge is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Always obtain installers from the official Trézor domain or verified package repositories. Look for HTTPS and official signatures when available.

Windows (64‑bit): EXE or MSI installer for Windows 10 and later.
macOS: Universal builds for Intel and Apple Silicon (.dmg or .pkg).
Linux: AppImage, .deb and .rpm packages for major distributions.

Verification: Use provided checksums or signatures to validate the installer integrity where available.

Installation & First Run

  1. Download the correct installer for your OS from the official Trézor site.
  2. Run the installer and follow on‑screen instructions. Administrator privileges may be required.
  3. Launch Trézor Bridge; it typically runs in the background and places an icon in the system tray/menu bar.
  4. Connect your Trézor device via USB. When a web wallet or dApp requests access, Bridge will mediate the request and your Trézor device will ask you to confirm the action.
If the installer is blocked, check your OS security settings (e.g., macOS Gatekeeper or Windows SmartScreen) and ensure you downloaded from the official domain.

How Trézor Bridge Works

Bridge exposes a local API that websites or extensions can call. The typical flow is:

  1. A wallet or dApp requests account discovery or transaction signing.
  2. Trézor Bridge passes the request to the connected device.
  3. The Trézor device displays transaction details and awaits user confirmation.
  4. Upon user approval, the device signs the request and the signed payload is returned to the dApp via Bridge.

This model prevents unsigned or malicious transactions from being approved without your explicit on‑device confirmation.

Using Trézor Bridge with Wallets & dApps

Bridge is compatible with many browser wallets and web interfaces that support hardware wallet integration. Typical steps to connect:

  1. Install and run Trézor Bridge on your machine.
  2. Open the wallet or dApp in a supported browser (Chrome, Edge, Brave recommended).
  3. Click Connect Device or Connect Trézor and follow the prompts. Authorize the connection when Bridge asks.
  4. Confirm account selection and transaction signing on the Trézor device's screen.
Always verify addresses and transaction details on the Trézor device itself — do not rely solely on the website's display.

Security Best Practices

  • Official sources: Download Bridge and firmware updates only from official Trézor domains or verified repositories.
  • Checksum verification: When checksums or signatures are provided, verify them to ensure file integrity.
  • Keep software updated: Regularly update Trézor Bridge, your browser, and the Trézor firmware for security and compatibility fixes.
  • Confirm on-device: Review and confirm transaction details on the Trézor screen before approving.
  • Seed security: Store your recovery seed offline and never enter it on a computer or website.
  • Limit browser exposure: Use a dedicated browser profile for Web3 and disable unnecessary extensions to reduce attack surface.

Developer Integration & Notes

Developers can integrate Trézor support using the official SDKs and APIs. Respect user consent and avoid attempts to sign transactions without a clear, user‑initiated action. Key points:

  • Use established libraries (e.g., Trezor Connect) for robust compatibility and security.
  • Always present clear UI flows that require explicit user confirmation on the device.
  • Test on multiple browsers; some APIs (WebUSB/WebHID) behave differently across platforms.
  • When interacting with smart contracts, provide clear human‑readable descriptions of contract calls where possible and rely on on‑device verification of raw data.

Advanced Features & Use Cases

Multisig & Enterprise

Trézor devices can be used as signers in multisignature setups and enterprise-grade custody solutions. Bridge facilitates integration with multisig wallet interfaces that coordinate signing among multiple devices.

Custom Networks & Smart Contracts

Bridge supports signing for many blockchains. When using custom RPCs or interacting with complex contracts, carefully review the raw transaction and contract parameters displayed on the device.

Automation & CLI

Advanced users may use command‑line tools or automation scripts for batch operations. Be cautious — automated signing workflows increase exposure if misconfigured.

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Bridge not running or not detected

  1. Ensure Trézor Bridge is running (check system tray/menu bar).
  2. Restart Bridge and your browser.
  3. Try a different USB cable/port and avoid USB hubs.
  4. On macOS, check Security & Privacy settings for blocked components; on Windows, check driver installation.

Browser compatibility

Chromium-based browsers (Chrome, Edge, Brave) provide the most reliable support. If a browser blocks WebUSB/WebHID features, try enabling experimental flags or use a different browser.

Device locked or incorrect app

Unlock your Trézor and open the correct cryptocurrency app on the device before attempting to interact. Some chains require a specific on‑device app to be open for signing.

Privacy Considerations

Trézor Bridge runs locally and does not transmit your private keys off‑device. However, be mindful that:

  • Websites and dApps receive public addresses and may observe on‑chain activity associated with them.
  • Third‑party wallets might collect usage metadata — review their privacy policies before connecting.

FAQ

Q: Do I need Bridge to use my Trézor?
A: Bridge is recommended for many browser-based wallet integrations. Some wallets or extensions may offer alternatives, but Bridge simplifies and secures desktop interactions.

Q: Is Trézor Bridge open source?
A: Elements of the Trézor software stack are open source. Check the official Trézor GitHub repositories for source code and licensing details.

Q: Can Bridge sign transactions without me seeing them?
A: No. The Trézor device always shows transaction details and requires explicit physical user confirmation before signing.