How Trezor.io/Start Works with Bridge

Trezor.io/Start is the official setup page for Trezor hardware wallets, guiding users through installing software, updating firmware, and securing their devices. A key part of this process—especially when using a web browser—is Trezor Bridge.

Trezor Bridge acts as a secure communication layer between your Trezor device and your computer’s browser. Without it, your browser wouldn't be able to interact directly with your hardware wallet. Here's how they work together:

1. Starting at Trezor.io/Start

When you visit Trezor.io/Start, it detects whether you're using a supported browser and checks if your computer can connect to the Trezor device. If not, it prompts you to install necessary components, including Trezor Bridge.

2. Bridge Enables Secure Communication

Once installed, Trezor Bridge runs in the background on your computer. It does not have a visible interface. Instead, it listens for commands from your browser and relays them to your Trezor device via USB.

For example, if you visit Trezor.io/Start and begin setup, the website can’t directly communicate with your hardware wallet. The browser instead sends instructions to Bridge, which then securely passes them to the device.

3. Detecting and Verifying the Device

With Bridge active, the site (Trezor.io/Start or Trezor Wallet interface) can:

• Detect when a Trezor is plugged in
• Verify the device’s authenticity
• Check if firmware is up to date
• Initiate wallet creation or recovery
• Transmit secure requests (like PIN or passphrase prompts)

4. Operating Across Browsers

Trezor Bridge is essential when using browsers that don’t support WebUSB, such as Firefox. In these cases, Bridge ensures secure communication that would otherwise be impossible through the browser alone.

With Google Chrome or Chromium-based browsers, WebUSB may allow direct connection without Bridge, but Trezor Bridge remains the preferred method for stability and compatibility across all systems.

5. Keeping It Secure

Trezor Bridge ensures no private data ever reaches your browser. Sensitive operations—like generating a recovery seed or signing a transaction—happen on the device itself, while Bridge merely facilitates the command flow. This separation is what keeps your crypto secure, even if you're using a public-facing browser.

Summary

• Trezor.io/Start begins the setup and checks your system
• Trezor Bridge enables the browser to talk to your hardware wallet
• It handles secure data transfers between your browser and the Trezor device
• It's especially crucial for browsers that don’t support WebUSB
• All sensitive tasks are executed on the device, not through the browser or Bridge

Together, Trezor.io/Start and Trezor Bridge ensure you can easily and securely configure your wallet from any supported computer.