Overview
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official companion application for managing hardware wallets and providing an embedded ecosystem for dApps and services. Integrations into Ledger Live unlock discovery, secure account management, buy/sell/exchange flows, and embedded Live Apps for millions of users.
Three integration buckets
- Accounts / Blockchain support — add native account support so users can manage balances and transactions inside Ledger Live.
- Discover / Live Apps — embed dApps (Live Apps) so users can interact with services inside Ledger Live’s secure environment.
- Service integrations — integrate buy/sell/exchange/earn providers to power commerce flows inside Ledger Live.
Getting started (developer path)
Start at the Ledger Developer Portal: choose whether you’re building a device app (C/Rust), adding blockchain support (coin module), or building a Live App for discover. Ledger provides tutorials and SDKs (Ledger Services Kit Client, Wallet API, etc.) that streamline building and testing your integration locally and in staging.
Enable Developer Mode
For testing and loading Live Apps locally you’ll use Ledger Live’s Developer Mode (exposed in Settings → About). This reveals developer tools such as "Load Platform Manifest" and local dev workflows.
Quick checklist
- Read the Ledger Live integration docs and choose the correct path (Accounts vs Discover vs Services).
- Install the Ledger Services Kit Client when building Live Apps.
- Prepare documentation and deliverables if submitting to Ledger’s app/catalog review.
Live Apps (Discover) — build UX inside Ledger Live
A Live App is a web dApp that runs within Ledger Live’s embedded browser and communicates with the device via Wallet APIs / Services Kit. Live Apps let you offer DeFi flows, staking, exchanges or dApp experiences with the added trust of Ledger’s secure environment.
Why choose a Live App?
- Seamless user experience — users keep Ledger Live as the single entry for hardware-protected interactions.
- Device integration — the Live App can request device operations in a standardized, secure way.
- Discoverability — appearing in Ledger Live’s Discover section gives direct exposure to a large, security-conscious user base.
Building a Live App — high level
- Read the “Building a Live App” tutorial and the Ledger Services Kit docs.
- Create a platform manifest and test locally using Developer Mode.
- Implement wallet-api hooks and follow Ledger’s UX/security guidelines.
- Submit your Live App for review and listing in Discover (if you want global exposure).
Developer tip
Use the Ledger Services Kit Client (React hooks + utilities) for predictable communication patterns and faster iteration when you target Ledger Live.
Accounts / Blockchain support
Integrating a blockchain (coin support) into Ledger Live gives users the ability to create and view on-device accounts, send/receive, stake and view tx history — directly in Ledger Live.
Typical flow
You’ll implement or adapt a coin module and provide API endpoints (or libs) that Ledger Live consumes. Ledger also requires documentation and an agreement for production integrations.
What you’ll need
- Technical spec for the chain: derivation paths, address format, transaction construction.
- Testing harness and device app (C/Rust) where applicable.
- Submission documentation for Ledger review (installation, setup, support links).
Service Integrations (Buy / Sell / Exchange / Earn)
Providers (exchanges, custodians, fiat partners) can integrate through defined endpoints so Ledger Live can display available offers, flow users to purchase crypto, or power in-app staking/earn experiences.
Architectural notes
Integrations usually require capability endpoints (e.g., /capabilities, /crypto-currencies) and careful handling of supported asset lists, regional availability, and UX redirection rules.
Security & compliance
Ensure your endpoints and flows meet Ledger’s expectations for data integrity and regional compliance. Keep user trust by clearly documenting terms, fees and supported regions.
Developer workflow & testing
Ledger Live supports local builds and running the app from source so teams can test integrations across desktop & mobile. Use the monorepos and local linking patterns to iterate without repeatedly publishing packages.
Build from source
If you must debug integration behavior or test new Wallet-API features, building Ledger Live from source and running it locally is the most robust option.
Useful dev commands
pnpm install
pnpm dev
cd apps/ledger-live-desktop
pnpm install
pnpm startSubmission & go-to-market
When you're ready to ship, follow Ledger’s submission process for apps and services. This includes deliverables like installation instructions, setup guides, and support links. Ledger’s review may require an agreement for production integrations.
Checklist before submission
- Complete technical docs and installation instructions.
- Confirm device compatibility (Nano S+, Nano X, Stax, Flex where applicable).
- Prepare user support and privacy/legal info for Ledger’s review team.
Fast resources & official links
Below are key official pages you’ll want bookmarked while you build:
Final thoughts
Integrating with Ledger Live gives you access to a security-first, widely-trusted user base. Choose the right path (Accounts, Discover, Services), follow Ledger’s developer docs, test locally in Developer Mode, and prepare complete submission materials for smoother review.
If you're building a Live App, start small: prototype flows with the Ledger Services Kit, validate device interactions, then scale to production. The developer portal links above are the single source of truth for API details and submission requirements.