Overview — What this guide covers
This document helps developers and curious users get started with Ledger Wallet™ (the app formerly called Ledger Live™) and the Ledger Developer Portal. It focuses on three things: secure setup, developer integration paths, and practical examples showing how to integrate with Ledger signers and the Wallet API. The tone emphasises trust, safety, and developer ergonomics so you can build with confidence.
Why trust matters (short)
Trust is the foundation for any wallet or hardware signer. Ledger devices protect private keys using a secure element and firm cryptographic controls. As a developer or integrator you must not ask users for seed phrases, must verify downloads, and should rely on the official APIs and documentation listed above. Follow the principle: keep private keys secret and operations auditable.
Who this is for
Developers building dApps or wallet integrations; product managers adding Ledger support; security engineers verifying integration models; and educators creating onboarding materials. The guide balances high-level explanations and pragmatic code snippets.
Getting started (h1) — user & device setup
Step 1: Install Ledger Wallet app (h4)
Download Ledger Wallet only from the official site or the official stores (links above). Verify checksums if available and confirm the domain is ledger.com. Never ask for or enter your recovery phrase into any app or web page — Ledger staff will never request it.
Step 2: Initialize device and record recovery (h4)
Set a secure PIN on your device and write down the recovery phrase on the recovery sheet you receive. Store the sheet offline and in a secure location. For developer test flows, use testnets and small amounts — never expose large funds when testing new code paths.
Developer Portal essentials (h2)
The Ledger Developer Portal contains SDKs, API references, submission rules for device apps, and example repositories. Devs typically interact with these components:
Device apps and toolchains (h3)
Ledger supports C and Rust for device app development. Follow the portal's 'Getting started' pages to install the toolchain, cross-compile, and run simulators or physical device tests. Use Ledger’s CI workflows for reproducible builds.
Wallet API and Live Apps (h3)
Wallet API (sometimes referenced as the Wallet API or Live App APIs) enables web and mobile apps to request signing from Ledger signers and to read public account information. Integration patterns often use an authenticated backend, a Wallet API client, and ephemeral sessions to preserve user privacy.
Integration patterns and examples (h2)
Browser integration (h4)
Common pattern: your web app detects Ledger Wallet and requests a connection; user confirms on device; app obtains public keys and signs transactions when requested. Always request the minimal scope and request explicit user confirmation for signing.
Server-assisted flows (h4)
For currency exchanges, swaps, or custodial setups, servers can coordinate transaction building while the Ledger signer performs only signing. Keep private keys and recovery phrases out of any server — sign only on the device or signer layer.
Code sample — connecting to Wallet API (h3)
<!-- Minimal illustrative snippet (pseudo) -->
import { WalletClient } from 'ledger-wallet-api-client'
async function connectLedger() {
const client = new WalletClient({ baseUrl: 'https://wallet-api.example' })
const session = await client.requestSession({ appName: 'My dApp' })
// session contains a short-lived token and device handshake
const accounts = await client.getAccounts(session.token)
console.log('Accounts', accounts)
}
Security best practices (h2)
Never ask for seed phrases (h4)
Repeat: never, under any circumstance. Attackers often create fake apps or phishing sites to trick users into revealing seeds. Validate downloads, check official links, and educate users to treat their recovery phrase as the single point-of-failure secret.
Use testnets and small funds for development (h4)
When developing or testing new signing flows, use test networks and small amounts. That keeps risk low while you iterate on UX and edge cases.
App submission and review (h3)
If you plan to publish a device app or Live App, the Developer Portal documents the submission process, required metadata, and mandatory CI checks. Ensure your repository runs the required GitHub Actions and that documentation explains install, setup and permissions clearly.
Practical checklist (h2)
Pre-launch (h5)
- Download and verify Ledger Wallet from an official link.
- Test on a physical device — simulators are useful but different in some behaviors.
- Run Ledger’s CI and static analysis on your device app repo.
- Prepare user-facing documentation: installation, recovery, support contact.
Post-launch (h5)
- Monitor telemetry and errors (privacy-preserving only).
- Patch quickly for UX or security issues; communicate via official channels.
- Keep your docs and dependency versions up to date.
Troubleshooting & support
If you encounter problems, consult the official support portal, the Developer Discord or GitHub repositories. Common problems include driver/firmware mismatches, USB permission issues, and outdated app versions. Reinstall Ledger Wallet from the official download page and check release notes when unexpected behavior appears.
Quick fixes
- Confirm the Ledger device firmware is up to date.
- Restart Ledger Wallet and your browser; retry connection steps.
- Try a different USB cable or port (power/data) and confirm no other apps block the device.
- Check the Developer Portal for API changes or breaking notes.