A practical, device-agnostic guide explaining what a hardware wallet bridge is, how to install and update it, common troubleshooting steps, and essential security practices. This document is generic and intended for educational or authorized documentation use.
What is a hardware wallet bridge?
A hardware wallet bridge (or companion bridge) is a small desktop utility that allows a hardware wallet to communicate securely with web wallets and desktop applications. The bridge acts as a local communication layer — translating USB or WebUSB exchanges into a form the browser or application can safely use — while keeping private keys offline on the device.
Note: Always download the bridge software from the wallet manufacturer’s official website or a verified package repository. Do not install from untrusted mirrors.
Download and installation (step-by-step)
Choose the right package: Select the installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, Linux). For Linux choose the distribution-specific package or the AppImage if available.
Verify signatures: Where provided, verify the installer’s digital signature or checksum (SHA256) to ensure the file hasn’t been tampered with.
Run the installer: On Windows, run the .exe/.msi with administrator privileges when prompted. On macOS, open the .dmg and drag the app to Applications. On Linux, follow the distro instructions or mark the AppImage executable and run it.
Grant USB access: The bridge requires permission to access USB devices; follow OS prompts to allow access. On Linux you may need udev rules or to add a user to a specific group.
Start the bridge: After installation, start the bridge — it may run in the background and provide a system tray/menu-bar icon. A local web endpoint (e.g., http://127.0.0.1:xxxx) is typically used by browser extensions or web apps to communicate.
Keeping the bridge up to date
Bridge updates can include security fixes and support for new device firmware. Configure automatic updates where available or check regularly for releases. Before upgrading device firmware, ensure the bridge is on a compatible version and follow manufacturer guidance.
If an update requires elevated permissions or an unexpected restart, verify the release notes and checksum before applying.
Common troubleshooting steps
Device not detected: Try a different USB cable and a different USB port. Avoid USB hubs — connect directly to a computer port.
Browser can’t connect: Ensure the bridge is running and not blocked by firewall settings. Restart the browser and the bridge. For WebUSB flows, confirm the browser supports WebUSB and that browser permissions are granted.
Permission errors (Linux): Add or refresh udev rules and ensure your user has the necessary group membership. A system reboot can apply changes.
Stuck transactions or frozen UI: Restart the bridge and the wallet application. If the device shows unusual prompts, do not enter your recovery seed; disconnect and verify software sources.
Failed firmware verification: Do not proceed with firmware installation. Verify the firmware file’s signature and contact official support channels for guidance.
Security best practices
The bridge is a local utility in the trusted computing base — protect it accordingly:
Download installers only from official URLs and verify signatures or checksums.
Keep both the bridge and wallet firmware updated to the latest secure versions.
Use a dedicated, well-maintained system for high-value transactions when possible.
Do not enter seed phrases into any bridge or host application — seed entry should only happen on the hardware device during initial setup or on-device restore.
Monitor network/firewall logs and only allow local loopback connections (avoid exposing bridge endpoints over the network).
Warning: Never install bridge software from an unsolicited link or third-party file sharing. If you suspect tampering, stop and verify using checksums and official support.
Developer & integration notes
If you are integrating a bridge with a web wallet or desktop application:
Use secure, local endpoints and strict same-origin policies. Prefer connecting via https or secure local channels.
Implement robust error handling for device disconnects, permission denials, and timeouts.
Follow platform guidelines for WebUSB/WebHID/WebAuthn usage and fallback flows for unsupported browsers.
Avoid exposing long-lived or network-accessible endpoints — the bridge should default to localhost-only communication.
Uninstalling the bridge
To remove the bridge, quit the application and use your OS’s uninstall/remove utilities. On Windows, use Apps & Features; on macOS, remove the application from /Applications and any supporting files in ~/Library. On Linux, remove packages using your package manager or delete the AppImage.
After uninstall, confirm no bridge processes remain running and that local endpoints are closed.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bridge required for all hardware wallets?
Not always. Some wallets and browsers support native USB APIs or WebHID; a bridge is commonly used to enable broad browser compatibility and legacy support.
Can the bridge access my private keys?
No — a properly designed bridge never shares private keys. The device signs transactions on-device and only returns signed transactions or public-facing data.
What should I do if the bridge asks for a seed?
Never enter a recovery seed into bridge software or any host application. Seeds must only be entered on the hardware device itself during initialization or a verified restore.
Final recommendations
A bridge provides crucial compatibility between hardware wallets and host software, but it also becomes part of your security chain. Use official downloads, verify releases, update regularly, and keep the bridge running only on trusted systems. When in doubt, consult the hardware device’s official documentation or verified support channels before performing firmware updates or sharing sensitive information.