Trezor Bridge is a connectivity layer that enables seamless communication between Trezor hardware wallets and supported web applications. It plays a crucial role in ensuring that modern browsers can interact with hardware devices securely and consistently across different operating systems.
Rather than exposing private keys or sensitive data, Bridge focuses on safe message passing. Requests initiated by web interfaces are forwarded to the hardware wallet, where all cryptographic operations are performed in a protected environment.
Modern browsers limit direct hardware access for security reasons. Trezor Bridge acts as a trusted local service that translates browser requests into device commands, enabling reliable interaction without compromising safety.
This approach ensures compatibility with multiple browsers while maintaining strict boundaries between software environments and cryptographic operations.
The primary purpose of Trezor Bridge is to provide a stable communication channel between Trezor hardware wallets and browser-based interfaces. As web standards and browser security policies evolve, a dedicated connectivity solution helps maintain compatibility without forcing users to rely on outdated technologies.
Bridge runs locally on the user’s system and listens for authorized requests. When a supported web application initiates an action, Bridge validates the request and forwards it to the connected hardware wallet. The device then prompts the user for confirmation before completing any sensitive operation.
Trezor Bridge operates as a background service. Once installed, it automatically detects connected hardware wallets and exposes a local interface that browsers can communicate with. This design avoids direct USB access from the browser, reducing the attack surface.
Web applications send standardized requests to Bridge, which verifies their structure and origin before forwarding them to the device.
All critical actions require physical confirmation on the hardware wallet, ensuring that user intent is always verified.
Bridge ensures consistent behavior across different browsers and operating systems without relying on experimental APIs.
By abstracting device communication into a dedicated service, Trezor Bridge improves reliability and user experience. Installation is straightforward, and once running, the service operates quietly in the background.
Users benefit from reduced setup complexity, fewer browser compatibility issues, and a consistent interaction model regardless of platform. This allows web interfaces to focus on usability while Bridge handles connectivity.
Security is central to the design of Trezor Bridge. The service does not store private keys, recovery information, or sensitive user data. Its sole function is to relay messages between trusted components.