Overview
What is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is/was a small background application that allowed Trezor hardware wallets to communicate reliably with web browsers and the Trezor Suite desktop/web apps. It acted as a local secure gateway between a USB or HID device and browser-based apps, simplifying communication where native browser APIs were insufficient or inconsistent. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Why a communication layer matters
Hardware wallets keep private keys offline; the Bridge (or the equivalent communication layer) ensures those keys are never exposed to the browser. Instead, signed transactions and requests are relayed through a small, trusted local service that speaks the device's protocol without exposing secrets to the web. This model reduces attack surface while enabling a smooth UX for sending/receiving coins and interacting with dApps.
Current status & compatibility
Deprecation and migration
Trezor has moved toward integrating communication functionality directly into Trezor Suite and increasingly relies on modern browser APIs (like WebUSB) for direct connections. As a result, the standalone Bridge has been deprecated and users are recommended to use Trezor Suite or browser-native connection pathways when available. If you still have a standalone Bridge installed, follow Trezor's removal/uninstall instructions to migrate safely. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Browser and OS notes
Historically, Bridge offered the broadest compatibility across browsers (Chrome, Firefox and other Chromium derivatives) and operating systems. Modern Chromium browsers increasingly support WebUSB, which reduces the need for Bridge in many setups — but Bridge remains relevant in environments where WebUSB is blocked or not supported. Always check the official OS and browser requirements when troubleshooting connectivity. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Security model and best practices
Security basics
The security of any hardware-wallet setup depends on: 1) a genuine device (manufacturing chain and tamper protections), 2) verified firmware, 3) secure PIN/ passphrase usage, and 4) careful handling of connection software like Bridge or Suite. Trezor documents the security design and recommends participation in bug bounty and responsible disclosure programs to maintain robustness. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Practical checklist
- Download Trezor Suite from the official site (avoid third-party redistributions). :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Verify device firmware and the app’s signature where provided.
- Uninstall deprecated Bridge versions when told to by official guidance and upgrade to the Suite. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Use a secure OS and avoid unknown browser extensions when transacting.
- Keep your recovery seed offline and never enter it on a connected computer or website.
How the connection flow looks (technical)
Simple sequence
1) The browser or Suite requests a session. 2) Bridge/trezord runs locally and negotiates with the Trezor device (USB/HID). 3) The user confirms the action on the device display. 4) The signed response is relayed back to the app. The user's private key material never leaves the hardware device. For developers, the trezord-go repository and bridge clients provide implementation examples. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Developer notes
Developers who build integrations should prefer official libraries and follow the spec for session handling and user confirmation flows. Avoid reinventing the transport; rely on official, audited components where possible. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Recommended workflows today
For end users
Use the official Trezor Suite for day-to-day sending, receiving, and portfolio checks. If using the web app, prefer direct WebUSB in supported browsers; use Bridge only if explicitly recommended for your OS/browser combo. Keep Suite and firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
For advanced users
Power users who rely on custom tooling or old environments can run trezord/Bridge locally but should follow the deprecation guide, prioritize up-to-date forks, and sandbox the environment. Always verify binaries from official sources and prefer open-source implementations with active maintenance. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}