Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets and a platform that enables rich integrations: from native device apps that manage tokens to web3 Live Apps surfaced inside Ledger Live's Discover area, and to fiat on/off ramps (buy/sell/exchange). This post walks you through the integration paths, developer tooling, security considerations, the submission workflow, and practical tips to ship an excellent Ledger Live integration.
Ledger Live integrations usually take one of three forms — each with its own contract, security profile and user flow:
Device Apps are the native applications that run on Ledger devices (Nano family, Stax, Flex) and implement the cryptographic logic to sign transactions for a chain. They are the first step to enabling support for a coin or token across Ledger's ecosystem and are typically written using Ledger's Device App Kit and SDKs (C, Rust) designed for device constraints and safety. A device app is what allows a Ledger device to understand your chain's transaction format and sign it securely on-device.
Live Apps are web-based or embedded apps surfaced in Ledger Live's Discover section. They allow dApps (wallets, marketplaces, DeFi tools) to present an integrated experience to Ledger Live users while interacting with the user's Ledger device for signing actions. Live Apps are often built using the Ledger Services Kit / Wallet API and must follow UX and security constraints so signing flows are clear and auditable by users.
Ledger Live integrates with third-party providers to enable buy/sell and swap flows directly inside the app. These integrations require backend endpoints and conformance with Ledger's Exchange Services Kit. Providers implement defined APIs so Ledger Live can offer quotes, KYC-aware buy/sell flows, and the post-trade lifecycle. These typically involve a provider ID and secure backend-to-backend communications as part of onboarding.
Ledger offers multiple kits and SDKs to ease development and guarantee security:
The Device App Kit provides boilerplates, signing helpers and toolchains to build apps for Ledger devices (C or Rust). It includes transaction parsers, UX templates and test harnesses adapted to device memory constraints.
The Wallet API and Services Kit are the recommended client libraries to build Live Apps that communicate with Ledger Live. They offer React hooks, messaging plumbing, and a clear manifest format so your Live App can discover devices, prompt for signatures and render secure signing UIs inside Ledger Live.
Ledger Live includes a Developer Mode (toggleable in Settings) and documentation for running Ledger Live from source, which helps you test Live Apps and local device interactions without release cycles.
Exchange and Buy/Sell integrations use a defined architecture and flow, where providers support endpoints for quotes, order creation, and status callbacks. Ledger provides architecture documentation and integration checklists for providers joining the exchange network.
// Example: Exchange SDK init (JS)
import { ExchangeSDK } from '@ledger/exchange-sdk';
const providerId = "yourProviderId"; // issued by Ledger during onboarding
const exchange = new ExchangeSDK(providerId);
// get a quote
const quote = await exchange.getQuote({ pair: "ETH/USD", amount: "0.5" });
console.log(quote);
Security is non-negotiable when integrating with Ledger. Device apps must keep private keys isolated on-device; Live Apps must never request user secrets and all signature prompts presented by Ledger Live should be precise, minimal, and human-readable. Follow Ledger's manifest and transaction description guidelines to ensure users can understand signature requests before they sign.
For Live Apps and device apps, avoid vague signing messages. Present clear amounts, recipient addresses and nonces where applicable. If a flow requires multiple signature confirmations, explain why to the user before prompting the device.
Buy/Sell integrations may require providers to perform KYC and adhere to regional regulations. Ledger's Exchange architecture documentation outlines expected provider workflows, callbacks and data handling expectations.
When submitting a Device App or Live App to Ledger, provide clear documentation: installation steps, supported assets, how to connect to Ledger devices, and a threat model. Ledger's submission process typically requires test vectors and an explanation of what your app does.
Ledger runs a review and QA stage for every integration. Expect security reviews and potential requests for additional test cases or UX tweaks to improve clarity during signing. Once approved, integrations are surfaced to users via Ledger Live's discoverability features or the My Ledger section for device apps.
Maintain backward compatibility, update manifests when adding new features, and keep an eye on deprecations in Ledger's SDKs. Provide support channels and clear upgrade instructions for users who must update device firmware or app versions.
Use the Ledger-provided dev tools and local Ledger Live builds for rapid iteration. Use test networks (testnets) and provide mock data when testing critical flows.
Provide clear error messages that distinguish device connectivity errors, signature rejections, and network issues. Avoid swallowing errors — surface well-scoped guidance that helps users (e.g., “Check your Ledger device is unlocked and the right app is open”).
A Live App typically includes a manifest describing permissions and endpoints. The snippet below is a simplified example:
{
"name": "My DeFi Dashboard",
"version": "1.0.0",
"description": "A Live App for staking and swaps.",
"start_url": "/index.html",
"permissions": ["device", "accounts"],
"icons": [{ "src": "/icon.png", "sizes": "192x192", "type": "image/png" }]
}
Note: Consult Ledger's manifest schema in the official docs for full required fields and validation.
Building for Ledger Live gives your product a huge security advantage and exposure to users who prioritize safety. Choose the right integration path (device app, Live App, or provider integration), follow Ledger's SDKs and docs, prioritize transaction clarity, and prepare comprehensive deliverables for the review process. With the right approach, your integration will deliver a seamless and trustworthy experience for Ledger users.
Ready to get started? The Resources below point to the official Ledger docs and guides you’ll need.
Ten official Ledger links to official docs and pages (useful for development, testing, and onboarding):
Tip: Bookmark the dev portal and the Live App tutorial — you’ll use them constantly while building and debugging.