JavaScript Driver Hub

For Developers

Cross-Platform WebUSB JavaScript

WebUSB API

Enable your hardware to communicate directly with Chrome using standard USB interfaces no native drivers or installs required.

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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

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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

Samples

Github Samples

WebUSB Sample on GitHub

Compatibility Information

Works On:

Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS

requires:

WinUSB on Windows

Not Supported:

iOS

Key Technical Notes

On Windows, WebUSB devices must use the WinUSB driver for Chrome to communicate directly.

Use the Zadig tool to apply the WinUSB binding during development.

For production, devices can declare OS descriptors so Chrome loads the correct driver automatically.

No additional drivers are needed on macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, or Android.

Tip

Remember to request user permission before Chrome can access your USB device.

Platform Notes

On Windows, WebUSB devices require the WinUSB driver for Chrome to communicate directly.

Use the Zadig tool during development to bind the device to WinUSB.

On macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, and Android, no additional drivers are required.

When to Use WebUSB

Use WebUSB 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.