WebUSB API

Overview

WebUSB allows web applications to communicate directly with USB devices from Chrome – bridging the gap between web-based experiences and traditional hardware.

It's ideal for devices such as printers, scanners, and payment terminals, delivering secure, cross-platform connectivity without OS-specific drivers.

How It Works

The WebUSB API provides a permission-based bridge between Chrome and your hardware. Users approve access before the browser can communicate with the device.

Key Features

check_small Direct access to USB devices from Chrome

check_small No native driver installation required

check_small Works cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS)

check_small Permission-based access for secure communication

check_small Integrates with JavaScript driver logic in your web app

Testing & Development

You can test WebUSB connections directly from Chrome DevTools or using browser-based sample apps. For most USB devices, no additional drivers are needed on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, or Android.

Use Cases

Retail & POS

Enable secure, browser-based communication with barcode scanners, receipt printers, and card readers—no native drivers needed.

Manufacturing & Testing

Monitor and control USB-connected devices directly from Chrome dashboards or QA tools.

Healthcare & Lab Devices

Streamline access to diagnostic or measurement tools using permission-based WebUSB connections.

Education & Makers

Let students, hobbyists, and developers interact with hardware instantly from the browser.

External Resources

Developer Docs

WebUSB API Reference arrow_forward

Samples

Developer Docs

WebUSB Sample on GitHub arrow_forward

Issue Tracker

Developer Docs

Report or Track Issues arrow_forward

Compatibility Information

Works On

Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS

requires

WinUSB on Windows

Not Supported

iOS

settings Windows-only Requirement (Revised Note)

On Windows, WebUSB devices must use the WinUSB driver so Chrome can communicate directly. No additional drivers are needed on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, or Android.

settings Windows-only Setup Note

Use the Zadig tool on Windows to load the WinUSB driver during development. For production, devices can declare OS descriptors so Chrome auto-loads the correct driver.

When to Use WebUSB

Use WebSerial when your device

Use WebUSB when your device communicates over structured USB protocols.

Requires exchanging descriptors or control commands.

Needs secure, permission-based access through Chrome.

Must run consistently on Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Android.