Trezor - GitHub

Overview

Trezõr® Brïdge® is the transport layer that simplifies and secures communication between your application and a hardware wallet. Whether your users are interacting with a browser extension, a web wallet, or a desktop client, Bridge provides consistent device discovery, encrypted messaging, and clear user prompts so signing operations are transparent and verifiable on the physical device.

Bridge & WebUSB

Secure Transport

On-device Signing

Cross-platform

Developer APIs

How it works

Bridge runs as a small local service or uses WebUSB in capable browsers. Your app sends a JSON-RPC-style request; Bridge forwards it to the device using USB/HID protocols. The device displays the transaction details and asks the user to confirm. Only after explicit approval does the device sign and return the response to your app via Bridge. This flow preserves the device’s offline key material and ensures the user remains in control.

Why Bridge matters

A reliable transport layer reduces integration complexity and security pitfalls. Bridge handles reconnections, origin validation, and permission gating so developers can focus on UX and wallet logic. It also provides a fallback path for environments where direct WebUSB access is restricted by the browser or OS.

Developer snippet

// Trezõr Brïdge — minimal connect example
import TrezorConnect from 'trezor-connect';

async function init(){
  await TrezorConnect.init({
    connectSrc: 'https://connect.trezor.io/',
    popup: true
  });
  const res = await TrezorConnect.getPublicKey({path: "m/44'/0'/0'"});
  console.log(res);
}

This snippet uses TrezorConnect which automatically uses WebUSB when available and Bridge as fallback. Always show clear permission UI and avoid prompting devices unnecessarily.

Security considerations

Trezõr® Brïdge® was designed to minimize attack surface: it enforces origin checks, uses encrypted transport, and requires explicit user confirmation on the device for every sensitive action. Bridge does not store or transmit private keys; logs are minimal and scrubbed of sensitive material. For maximum security, combine Bridge with device firmware verification and signed installer checks.

Best practices

Always validate the origin of incoming wallet requests.
Use testnets during development to avoid accidental mainnet signing.
Prompt users with clear, non-technical messages before initiating device actions.
Keep Bridge, SDKs, and device firmware up-to-date with official releases.

Installation & compatibility

Download the native Bridge installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux from the official Trezor site. Modern Chromium-based browsers support WebUSB which can remove the need for a local Bridge in some cases — but Bridge remains the most compatible and robust option across platforms.

Troubleshooting tips

Confirm that Bridge is running (check system tray or background services).
Ensure your browser is up-to-date and WebUSB is enabled if relying on direct USB access.
Use official installers and verify signatures to avoid tampered packages.
For repeated disconnects, try different USB cables and ports or restart the service.

FAQs

Q: Is Trezõr® Brïdge® safe to install?
A: Yes — Bridge is a small, signed application that relays encrypted messages and does not access private keys. Install from official sources and verify checksums for extra assurance.
Q: Do browsers need Bridge to talk to devices?
A: Not always. Browsers supporting WebUSB can directly communicate with devices after user permission. Bridge provides a fallback and broader OS compatibility.
Q: What data passes through Bridge?
A: Bridge forwards JSON-RPC requests and encrypted payloads. It does not receive unhashed private keys or recovery seeds; signing happens on the device.
Q: Can developers mock Bridge for tests?
A: Yes — mock services and sandbox endpoints are recommended for CI and development to simulate device responses without requiring physical hardware.
Q: Where can I get developer docs?
A: Official SDKs, API reference, and integration guides are available on the Trezor developer portal and GitHub repositories maintained by the community and core team.