Overview
Ledger® Live is a secure, user-focused wallet application that allows users to manage crypto assets with the added security of a hardware device. The Ledger Developer Portal provides documentation, SDKs, and tools that help developers integrate Ledger security into web and mobile dApps. This guide assumes you are comfortable with basic web development and familiar with public/private key concepts.
Why Ledger Live + Developer Portal?
The combination of a well-designed user app (Ledger Live) and a robust developer portal unlocks a few critical benefits:
- Hardware-backed private keys: Keys never leave the device; transactions are signed on-device.
- User trust & UX: Ledger Live provides a polished interface for users, while your app can connect to it for signing flows.
- Standard SDKs & docs: The Developer Portal includes tools, examples, and best practices to accelerate secure integrations.
Quick Start — Install & Connect
Step 1 — Get Ledger Live
Download Ledger Live on desktop or mobile, install, and update to the latest version. During initial setup, the user will create or restore a recovery phrase and firmware-protect the hardware device.
Step 2 — Create / Restore Device
Follow the on-device walkthrough to either create a new wallet (generate new seed) or restore from an existing 24-word recovery phrase. Emphasize never to enter that phrase on a computer or online form.
Step 3 — Connect Your dApp
Many apps integrate with Ledger Live by leveraging standardized transport layers (WebHID, U2F, USB) and high-level SDKs. For web apps, libraries usually detect Ledger devices and present a connect button — clicking it triggers the browser/hardware negotiation. For mobile, deep links or Ledger Live’s mobile companion flows are available.
Ledger Developer Portal — What’s Inside
The Developer Portal typically contains:
- SDKs for JavaScript/TypeScript, Python, and mobile platforms.
- API references for APDU commands and transport layers.
- Sample projects and reference implementations.
- Security guidelines, onboarding flows, and support resources.
Top resources you’ll use
- Getting started guides — quick integration steps.
- Transport APIs — WebHID, WebUSB, U2F specifics.
- App catalog & manifest — registering and testing apps.
Technical architecture
High-level flow
Typical transaction flow with Ledger looks like this:
- User connects hardware device to Ledger Live (or the web dApp via Ledger Live bridge).
- App constructs a transaction and requests a signature.
- Ledger device receives the transaction, displays human-readable details, and prompts the user to confirm.
- On confirmation, the device signs the transaction and returns the signature to the app which then broadcasts it to the network.
APDU & Transport
At the lowest level, Ledger communicates using APDU commands over a transport (USB, WebHID, Bluetooth for some models). Most developer work happens at a higher abstraction (SDKs) — you rarely need to craft APDUs unless building a new Ledger app.
Integration patterns
1. Ledger Live as primary UX
Ideal when you want users to manage accounts within Ledger Live and your service to interact via approved flows. The user confirms sensitive operations on the device and in Ledger Live’s UI.
2. Direct device integration
For power-user dApps that want direct hardware access; this uses transports directly. Make sure to follow the Developer Portal’s guidance for transport permissions and browser prompts.
3. Hybrid flows
Use on-device confirmations for signing, but orchestrate onboarding and account linking inside your application. Hybrid offers the best UX while keeping keys safe.
Code examples (JS/TS)
The snippets below are simplified to demonstrate intent. Always consult the official SDK docs for production-ready code.
Detect & connect (pseudo-code)
// Using a Ledger transport library
import TransportWebHID from "@ledgerhq/hw-transport-webhid";
import AppEth from "@ledgerhq/hw-app-eth";
async function connectLedger(){
const transport = await TransportWebHID.create();
const eth = new AppEth(transport);
const address = await eth.getAddress("44'/60'/0'/0/0");
console.log(address);
}
connectLedger();
Requesting a signature
// construct transaction offline, request sign from the device
const txHex = "...serialized-transaction-hex...";
const signature = await eth.signTransaction("44'/60'/0'/0/0", txHex);
// combine signature and broadcast
Note: Replace derivation paths and serialization with the format required by the blockchain you target. Ledger’s SDKs include helper utilities for common chains.
Security best practices
Never handle recovery phrases
Under no circumstance should your app request or handle a user’s 24-word recovery phrase. If you see such requests, flag it as phishing.
Validate on-device prompts
Always display a summary of transaction details in your UI before requesting a signature. Encourage users to visually verify amounts and addresses on their Ledger device screen.
Use recommended transports and SDKs
Use official Ledger SDKs and transport libraries. These libraries are maintained and updated for security fixes and UX improvements.
Testing & debugging
Testnets & simulators
Use blockchain testnets for end-to-end testing and device simulators when applicable. Ledger provides tooling and documentation to help with emulator-based testing for some projects.
Logs & user support
Keep logs limited to non-sensitive telemetry. When assisting users, never ask for their seed phrase — instead, use reproducible device logs and reference IDs the Ledger support team requests.
App publication & manifest
If you build a Ledger app (installed on the device itself) or an integration listed in the Ledger App Catalog, follow the Developer Portal instructions for manifest files, signing, and review. This safeguards users and helps your integration reach a broader audience.
Approval checklist
- Security review passed
- Clear UX and confirmation steps
- Compatibility with device firmware
- Accurate manifest and metadata
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not found
Check cable/firmware, confirm browser permissions (for WebHID/WebUSB), and ensure only one application attempts to connect to the device at a time.
Signature errors
Ensure transaction serialization matches chain rules, derivation paths are correct, and firmware is up to date.
Best practices — Quick checklist
- Use official SDKs and transports.
- Never collect recovery phrases.
- Encourage on-device confirmation for every sensitive operation.
- Use testnets and emulators while developing.
- Keep users informed with clear, readable transaction summaries.
Resources & links
Official resources to save/bookmark (10 curated links):
Conclusion
Ledger® Live + the Ledger Developer Portal create powerful primitives for integrating hardware-backed security into modern applications. Whether you’re building a simple wallet connector or a full Ledger app, follow the portal’s guidelines, emphasize on-device confirmation, and never handle recovery phrases. With proper design and testing, you can offer users an experience that is both secure and delightful.