Trezor Bridge: Secure Connection for Your Hardware Wallet

Presentation • Overview • Best practices

This short presentation explains what Trezor Bridge is, why it matters, how it works, and practical tips to keep your hardware wallet connection secure.

What is Trezor Bridge?

Local connector software

Trezor Bridge is a small application that runs on your computer and provides a secure communication channel between the Trezor hardware wallet and web interfaces such as Trezor Suite or compatible web wallets. It replaces direct USB browser access with an intermediary service, improving compatibility and security.

Why Trezor Bridge exists

Browser limitations & security

How it works

Local HTTP / WebSocket API

When installed, Bridge opens a local endpoint (only accessible from your machine) and translates browser requests into the protocol the Trezor device understands. The wallet UI communicates with Bridge via secure, local messages; Bridge relays commands to the Trezor device and returns signed responses.

Security model

Design principles

Bridge does not hold or transmit private keys. All critical operations remain on the hardware device. Bridge only forwards commands, and user confirmation on the device is required for sensitive actions such as signing transactions or exporting public keys.

Installation & updates

Recommended steps

Always download Bridge from the official source to avoid tampered installers. Keep Bridge up to date to receive security fixes and maintain compatibility with the latest browsers and OS updates.

Best practices for secure use

Device hygiene

  • Verify firmware and device label before use.
  • Never enter seed words into a connected PC.

Software hygiene

  • Install Bridge only from official pages.
  • Apply updates promptly; remove unused versions.

Troubleshooting common issues

Connection problems

If the device is not detected: check USB cables/ports, restart Bridge, allow permissions if prompted, or reinstall Bridge. If browser warnings appear, ensure Bridge is running and the browser is allowed to reach the local Bridge endpoint.

When Bridge isn’t enough

For advanced threat models — for example, a compromised host system — Bridge alone cannot protect you. In such cases, use an isolated, trusted machine for signing, or air-gapped workflows where the host has no network connection.

Summary & Resources

Trezor Bridge provides a secure, local, and user-friendly way to connect your hardware wallet to web interfaces while keeping private keys safe on the device. Use official downloads, keep software updated, and follow device and software hygiene to minimize risks.

Prepared for quick presentation — copy slides into PowerPoint or present from the browser. Colors and font sizes are tuned for screen display at ~10pt base size.