Understanding Trezor Bridge Permissions
When using a Trezor hardware wallet, security is always the top priority. Trezor Bridge plays a key role in allowing your device to communicate with your browser and desktop environment. But if you’re like many users, you might wonder: What permissions does Trezor Bridge need — and why?
In this article, we’ll break down how Trezor Bridge works, what kinds of permissions it requires, and why these permissions are both safe and necessary.
What Is Trezor Bridge?
Trezor Bridge is a lightweight software application that runs in the background on your computer. Its job is simple but critical: it allows browser-based tools like Trezor Suite or MetaMask to securely connect and communicate with your Trezor hardware wallet.
Because browsers cannot directly interact with USB devices, Trezor Bridge acts as the secure link between your physical device and the web-based interface.
Why Does Trezor Bridge Need Permissions?
To perform its function, Trezor Bridge requires certain system-level permissions. These permissions are not related to your private keys or sensitive data — those never leave your Trezor. Instead, the permissions enable the Bridge to:
- Detect your connected Trezor device
- Communicate between your browser and the wallet hardware
- Facilitate operations like signing transactions or viewing public keys
These are local permissions, limited to your computer. The Bridge does not access the internet to fetch data or control your device remotely.
Types of Permissions Used by Trezor Bridge
Here are the primary permissions or capabilities required by Trezor Bridge, depending on your operating system:
1. USB Access
Trezor Bridge needs permission to access your computer’s USB interface. This allows it to detect when your Trezor device is plugged in and exchange data between the hardware and software.
This permission does not give access to your files, operating system, or other USB devices.
2. Local Network or Port Listening
Bridge sets up a local server (usually on localhost) to enable communication between the browser and the device. This allows applications like Trezor Suite (in browser mode) or MetaMask to send secure commands to the wallet.
It uses local ports only and does not expose any services externally.
3. Autostart on Boot (Optional)
On some systems, you may see a request to allow Bridge to start automatically when the computer boots. This is optional and simply ensures your device is always ready for connection when needed.
You can disable this behavior manually if desired.
Are These Permissions Safe?
Yes — Trezor Bridge is designed with user security in mind. Here’s why it’s safe to allow these permissions:
- No private key access: Bridge cannot access or control your private keys. Those are stored exclusively on your Trezor hardware and never leave the device.
- Open-source transparency: The code for Trezor Bridge is publicly available. This means anyone can inspect how it works and confirm it doesn’t perform unauthorized actions.
- Runs locally: Bridge operates strictly on your device. It doesn’t send or receive data from outside servers, reducing the risk of remote attacks.
- Permission-limited: It requests only the minimum necessary permissions for hardware communication and does not access personal files, apps, or cloud services.
What You Won’t See
Trezor Bridge does not:
- Access your personal data
- Log your activities or browsing history
- Install browser extensions or change browser settings
- Ask for internet permissions beyond localhost
- Interact with other hardware or software unless related to Trezor
Managing Trezor Bridge Permissions
If you’re concerned about security, here are a few things you can do:
- Only install Trezor Bridge from official sources
- Keep the software and firmware up to date
- Regularly check what’s running on your system
- Use a firewall or system monitor to confirm local-only operation
- Disconnect your Trezor device when not in use
Final Thoughts
Trezor Bridge may run quietly in the background, but it plays an essential role in connecting your Trezor hardware wallet to browser-based tools. The permissions it uses are carefully limited, local, and focused only on enabling secure communication.