Introduction

Ledger Wallet (previously known as Ledger Live) powers millions of users to manage crypto securely. This guide helps developers quickly understand the architecture, the key integration paths (Live Apps, Wallet API, dAppBrowser), how to enable Developer Mode, and where to test and submit your app to Ledger’s ecosystem.

Why integrate with Ledger Wallet?

Integrating with Ledger Wallet gives your dApp or service secure, on-device signing and access to users’ accounts while benefiting from Ledger’s distribution, discoverability, and security model. Whether you build a Live App or use the Wallet API for deeper integrations, Ledger offers documentation, SDKs, and a submission process to get listed. (See official docs and API references in the sidebar links.)

Integration paths — quick overview

  • Live Apps: Embedded web apps that run inside Ledger Wallet’s Discover section. Great for UX-controlled, curated experiences.
  • Wallet API: Programmatic access for signing, account listing, and transaction building — used by Live Apps and other integrations.
  • dAppBrowser: In-app browser for EVM dApps offering direct UX for Web3 interactions (EVM-specific path).
  • Native Extensions / Desktop: For deeply integrated tooling or companion apps using Ledger’s SDKs and libraries (desktop & mobile).

Prerequisites

Before you begin: a Ledger signer (hardware device), the Ledger Wallet desktop or mobile app installed, and a dev environment that can serve HTTPS pages for Live Apps. You’ll also want to register an account on the Ledger Developer Portal to submit apps. For downloads and official verification, always use the Ledger website or developer portal. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Enable Developer Mode

Developer Mode unlocks features for testing Live Apps and advanced integrations. In Ledger Wallet → Settings you will find a Developer toggle that exposes a Developer section with debugging tools and local app loading. Follow the portal’s step-by-step guide to enable it safely on your test device. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

Building a Live App

Live Apps are web apps packaged with a small manifest describing required permissions, supported chains, icons, and a main entry URL. They run inside Ledger Wallet’s Discover area and communicate with the Wallet API client provided by Ledger.

Manifest essentials (example)

Tips for manifests

  • Keep permissions minimal — ask only what you need.
  • Use HTTPS and valid certificates; Ledger Wallet enforces secure loading.
  • Supply fallback icons and localized descriptions to improve discoverability.

Using the Wallet API Client

Ledger supplies a Wallet API client library to standardize communication between your Live App and the Ledger signer. Use the client to request account lists, prepare transactions, and prompt on-device signatures. Follow the Wallet API docs and recommended flows to ensure your app handles user rejection, timeouts, and device transport fallbacks gracefully. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Example: connect & list accounts (pseudocode)

Handle errors, disconnected devices, and user cancellations in your UI flows.

Testing & Local Development

For rapid iteration use the Developer Mode's local app loader to point Ledger Wallet at your local HTTPS server. Pair a test Ledger signer and test networks where possible. Unit test transaction building logic and end-to-end sign flows in sandbox environments before submission.

Security best practices for developers

  • Never ask users for seed phrases — Ledger will never request them via the app or support channels.
  • Use on-device signing; keep private keys isolated in the hardware secure element.
  • Sign only the transaction hashes required; display clear human-readable intent for users.
  • Validate manifests and keep permissions narrow and explicit.

Submission & Distribution

When your Live App is ready, submit it to Ledger for review through the Developer Portal. The submission process usually requires documentation, installation instructions, a manifest, and proof of testing on supported signers. Ledger’s submission guidelines and review checklist are available on the portal. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

Publishing checklist (quick)

  1. Manifest complete and signed.
  2. HTTPS hosting with valid certificates (HSTS recommended).
  3. Documentation, installation & support links.
  4. Security & privacy policy.
  5. Test report and device compatibility matrix.

Helpful resources & examples

Ledger maintains GitHub repositories and example projects for Ledger Live, Wallet API clients, and desktop/mobile monorepos. Review sample Live Apps to accelerate your build. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

Troubleshooting common issues

Device not detected

Check USB/transport permissions, ensure Ledger Wallet is up-to-date, and that Developer Mode is enabled. For driver issues on desktop consult the official troubleshooting articles.

Signature rejected

Confirm the transaction payload matches the information displayed on the device. Encourage users to review the transaction details before accepting.

Conclusion — ship with confidence

Building for Ledger Wallet connects your project to a large base of security-conscious users. Focus on minimal, transparent permissions, great UX for signing flows, and rigorous testing. Use the Developer Portal, Wallet API docs, and official examples to guide integration, then submit via Ledger’s review flow to appear in Discover.

Pro tip: keep an eye on release notes (Ledger Live / Wallet) and developer announcements — APIs and SDKs evolve; maintaining compatibility is important for user trust.