Overview
Trezor Bridge was built to be the secure communication layer that connects a user’s Trezor hardware wallet to desktop apps and browsers. It acted as a small, local service that handled USB/host communication and ensured that sensitive signing operations remain confined to the device. Over time the Trezor ecosystem has evolved toward integrating transport functionality directly into Trezor Suite and modern node bridges, improving user experience and security.
Why a bridge matters
Hardware wallets intentionally keep private keys offline. The bridge performs only the safe job of transporting messages (APDUs) between the wallet and software — not storing secrets. This separation lets applications manage user accounts, transaction preparation, and network querying while the Trezor signs transactions inside its protected environment.
How it worked (technical snapshot)
At a high level: the host app makes a request → Bridge translates to the device transport (USB/HID) → device processes and requests user confirmation → Bridge relays the response back. This pattern reduces browser compatibility issues and simplified development for third-party wallets that integrate Trezor support.
Security and trust
Bridge itself is a constrained, non-privileged piece of software. The real trust anchor is the Trezor device firmware and the signing keys used to verify official releases. Users are encouraged to download software only from official Trezor channels and verify signatures if needed — a best practice for secure key custody.
Deprecation & migration
As Trezor Suite and NodeBridge matured, the standalone Bridge program was deprecated in favor of built-in transport layers and Suite-managed installations. If you still have a standalone Bridge installed, official guidance recommends migrating to the Trezor Suite workflow to avoid compatibility problems with future updates.
Best practices for users
- Always download Trezor Suite or Bridge from official Trezor pages.
- Verify installers with the official signing key when possible.
- Keep firmware and desktop apps up to date; check official product updates.
- When troubleshooting, follow official support guides and avoid third-party binaries from unknown sources.
Troubleshooting tips
If Trezor Suite doesn't detect your device: check USB cables/ports, try a different machine, ensure your OS has the necessary permissions or udev rules (Linux), and remove old standalone Bridge installs if advised. The official support pages provide step-by-step troubleshooting tailored to each OS and known edge cases.
Developer notes (short)
Developers building integration should prefer the officially supported transports, consult Trezor Suite and GitHub resources, and watch for updates to nodeBridge and Suite APIs that supersede the older Bridge.
Final word
Trezor Bridge played an important role in the hardware-wallet era where browsers and desktop apps needed a reliable transport layer. Today, migrating to Trezor Suite and the latest transport implementations offers a smoother and more future-proof experience without sacrificing the security model that keeps private keys safe on the device.
Get Trezor Suite (official)