Trezor® Bridge: Manage and Secure

Official guide to installing, managing, and using Trezor Bridge safely — maintain control of your keys while connecting to desktop apps and Web3 services.

Trezor Bridge is the secure, local service that enables communication between your Trezor hardware wallet and the desktop or browser applications you rely on. It is intentionally lightweight and designed to preserve the core security guarantees of your hardware device: private keys never leave the Trezor, and every sensitive operation requires on-device confirmation. This guide explains what the Bridge does, how to install and manage it safely, and the practical steps to keep your crypto interactions smooth and auditable.

What the Bridge Does

At a high level, the Bridge acts as a translator and gatekeeper. Browser extensions and desktop applications route requests — such as signing a transaction or fetching public addresses — through the Bridge. The Bridge forwards them to the device over a secure channel. The Trezor displays the precise details on its screen; you confirm or decline. The Bridge never holds, copies, or ships private keys. It simply proxies authenticated messages between trusted software and certified hardware.

Key Features

1
Local-only operation

Runs as a background service on your computer and does not transmit keys or private data to remote servers.

2
On-device confirmations

All signing actions require physical approval on the hardware screen, preventing silent remote transactions.

3
Compatibility

Supported across major desktop platforms and integrates with official companion apps and many Web3 tools.

4
Transparent & auditable

Open-source components allow independent review and reproducible builds to verify integrity.

Installing & Managing the Bridge

1
Download — Acquire the installer from the official site. Prefer HTTPS links from the project domain; verify checksums or signatures when available.
2
Install — Run the installer for your OS. The Bridge registers as a local service and typically starts automatically.
3
Connect — Plug in or pair your Trezor device. The desktop apps will detect it through the Bridge.
4
Monitor — Use the Bridge dashboard to review active sessions, revoke access, and inspect recent events. Keep an eye on updates and apply them promptly.

Practical Security Recommendations

To maximize protection when using the Bridge, follow layered practices: keep the Bridge and device firmware updated; run the Bridge only on trusted machines; verify installers and signatures; confirm every address and value on the device screen before approving; limit long-lived dApp sessions, and periodically revoke permissions you no longer need. Consider using separate accounts for high-risk interactions to compartmentalize exposure.

Operational Tips for Power Users

Advanced users may benefit from auditing local logs, exporting session metadata for offline review, and using isolated operating environments (e.g., a dedicated wallet machine or VM) for significant transfers. Use hardware passphrases judiciously when you require hidden or deniable wallets, but understand that passphrases are another secret to back up securely. Test recovery workflows periodically — restoring a wallet from seed on a fresh device verifies your backup strategy.

FAQ

Q: Does the Bridge ever see my private keys?
A: No. Private keys remain inside the Trezor device. The Bridge only relays commands and signed responses.

Q: Is the Bridge required for mobile?
A: Mobile platforms often use direct integrations or native apps; the Bridge is primarily a desktop integration layer.

Q: How do I know a Bridge installer is authentic?
A: Verify download URLs, checksums, and digital signatures from the official project channels before installation.