Why integrate with Ledger Live?
Ledger Live integrations let applications leverage hardware-backed key security while delivering a modern UX. Integrating with Ledger Live (or building against Ledger SDKs) enables developers to request on-device confirmations, obtain signed payloads without ever accessing private keys, and combine robust custody guarantees with familiar application flows. Keywords: Ledger Live Integrations, Ledger Developer Portal, Ledger Live SDK.
Core integration patterns
There are three common integration patterns: (1) Native app integrations using Ledger SDKs to talk to the device; (2) Browser-based integrations that use connector services to communicate with hardware; and (3) Ledger Live plugin-style integrations where apps interact with Ledger Live APIs or recommended IPC surfaces. Each pattern preserves the device-first security model: the host builds transactions, the device displays details, and the user approves on-device.
1. SDK-based native integration
Use official Ledger libraries to enumerate devices, build APDU payloads, and request signatures. Native integrations are ideal for desktop wallets or exchange backends that need tight control over transports and local signing flows. Always follow library guidance, avoid logging sensitive payloads, and run hardware-in-the-loop tests.
2. Browser & connector flows
For web apps use secure connector bridges or WebHID/WebUSB patterns recommended by the Ledger Developer Portal. Connector services should be confirmed by the user and referenced by origin to avoid silent access. Design UX that instructs users to verify addresses and amounts on-device — never rely on host UI alone.
Security best practices for Ledger Live Integrations
Security is the top priority when building Ledger Live integrations. Follow these practical rules:
- Never request or transmit recovery seeds; keep seed material exclusively on the device.
- Always display and require on-device verification of critical fields (addresses, amounts, contract data).
- Limit logging: do not log full unsigned transactions, private data, or user secrets.
- Validate origin, enforce strict CORS, and pin any connector endpoints where possible.
- Use official SDKs and keep dependencies up to date to benefit from security fixes.
Developer tools & SDKs
The Ledger Developer Portal typically exposes SDKs for JavaScript, Rust, and mobile ecosystems. Use high-level SDKs for routine tasks (address derivation, transaction assembly) and low-level APDU interfaces for edge cases or new chain integrations. Provide clear docs, example repos, and integration tests so partners can verify flows quickly.
Request unsigned transactions -> device displays -> user approves -> app receives signature.
WebHID / WebUSB / native USB / Bluetooth depending on platform and device support.
Hardware-in-the-loop unit tests and CI runners that use emulator devices.
Explicit flows and on-device prompts to reduce user error and phishing risk.
Typical code snippet (JS style)
// Pseudocode: request a signature from a connected Ledger device
const transport = await LedgerTransport.create();
const app = new LedgerApp(transport);
const unsignedTx = buildUnsignedTx(payload);
const toSign = serializeForSigning(unsignedTx);
const signature = await app.signTransaction(derivationPath, toSign);
// verify signature server-side and broadcast
Verification & publishing guidance
When you publish an integration or a Ledger Live plugin, provide clear verification instructions, checksums, and reproducible build steps. Encourage integrators to verify binary signatures and to use official release channels. For web integrations, publish a manifest and use strict Content-Security-Policy headers and verified connector endpoints.
Monitoring & incident readiness
Plan for monitoring of integration endpoints and rapid incident response: maintain revocation paths for compromised keys (if applicable), publish contact channels, and keep rollback procedures clear. Provide users with recovery guidance (seed restoration) and avoid automated recovery assistance that asks for seeds online.
Indexing & SEO tips for developer pages
To help this developer content index well in Microsoft Bing: serve the page over HTTPS, include JSON-LD (present at top), use descriptive H1/H2 headings, publish an XML sitemap and submit it via Bing Webmaster Tools, and provide clear code samples and authoritative inbound links from trusted developer resources. Remember: do not claim official affiliation unless authorized — include a visible disclaimer when content is a third-party guide.