Overview
Trezor Bridge is the dedicated host-side component that mediates communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and desktop or browser-based applications. Running locally, it handles device enumeration, permissioned message passing, and transport-level edge cases (USB/HID quirks, driver differences) so that user-facing applications can focus on UX and transaction assembly while cryptographic secrets remain isolated on the device.
How it works
At a high level, Bridge exposes a controlled API on the host machine. Applications open a session, request device state or signing, and the Trezor device presents a clear, human-readable confirmation screen. The Bridge forwards serialized requests and responses but never has access to private keys or unrevealed seed material.
Key capabilities
- Consistent device detection and session handling across Windows, macOS and Linux.
- Transport abstraction for USB/HID so apps don't need specialized drivers.
- Permissioned messaging with explicit user confirmation on the hardware screen.
- Support for firmware update orchestration and device metadata queries.
Security model
The security model centers on isolation and least privilege. Bridge performs only the minimal operations required to route messages and manage sessions. All signing and private key derivation occur exclusively on the Trezor device. The host can never issue a raw cryptographic command that results in secret exfiltration; instead, the device signs only after the user verifies transaction details on-screen.
Operational best practices
- Always install Bridge or clients from official distribution channels.
- Keep Bridge and firmware up to date to receive security fixes.
- Use official clients (Trezor Suite) for routine management—reserve low-level tooling for development or automation with strict auditing.
- For enterprise provisioning, prefer air-gapped seed generation and hardware-backed key ceremonies.
Installation & compatibility
Bridge is distributed as a lightweight native helper for major desktop platforms. For most users, the recommended path is to install the official Trezor Suite. Developers and integrators may use Bridge-like helpers for automation or testing, but ensure any third-party tooling is vetted and run under strict access controls.
Supported platforms
- Windows 10 and newer
- macOS (modern releases)
- Linux distributions (deb/rpm/xz packages for mainstream suites)
Enterprise adoption considerations
When deploying hardware wallet integrations at scale, teams should consider the entire lifecycle: secure provisioning, firmware governance, client distribution, and incident response. Centralized inventory of devices and their firmware versions, controlled update windows, and tamper-evident storage all reduce organizational risk.
FAQ
Does Bridge have access to my seed?
No. Private keys and seed material remain on the hardware device and are never exposed to the host, network, or any local helper process.
Should I run Bridge or Trezor Suite?
For everyday use, Trezor Suite is the recommended experience. Bridge or low-level helpers are intended for developers or specific integrations where a local, minimal API is required.
How do I verify updates?
Verify software downloads using official checksums/signatures and apply firmware updates only from the device manufacturer’s official channels. Maintain an update policy for both host clients and device firmware.
Get started
Ready to connect? Download the official client for your platform and follow the guided onboarding steps. For developers, consult the published API docs and example integrations to get started quickly while keeping security front and center.