Concise technical brief covering architecture, security model, developer integration points, and operational guidance for Ledger Live (client) and Ledger hardware integrations.
Ledger Live is the official client used to interact with Ledger hardware wallets and to manage supported crypto assets. This document summarizes core technical properties, security guarantees, update/operational considerations, and integration points for developers and auditors.
Desktop and mobile application that acts as the user interface, providing account management, buy/sell/swap integrations, staking, NFT management, and Discover (third-party dApp) listing capabilities.
Secure Element-based devices (Nano, etc.) holding private keys and performing signing operations. Devices communicate with the host over USB/Bluetooth using a strict APDU-based protocol and require user confirmation for critical operations.
Optional Ledger services and third-party providers (price feeds, swap and on-ramp providers, staking nodes). Ledger Live aggregates these services but keeps private keys off-line on the device.
The hardware device's secure element acts as a physically separated root of trust: private keys never leave the device. All firmware updates and app updates are cryptographically signed and verified by Ledger Live before applying to the device.
Users set up a recovery phrase (12/24 words). Advanced users may use a passphrase (extra word) to create additional hidden accounts. Ledger's recommended practice: never enter recovery phrases into software and always verify firmware authenticity via the genuine check in Ledger Live.
Primary threats: social engineering (phishing), fake apps/distributions, supply chain compromise, and host malware. Mitigations: download Ledger Live only from official sources, verify device integrity, enable OS-level protections, and educate end-users to never share seed phrases.
Ledger provides a developer portal and APIs to integrate dApps into Ledger Live's Discover section, and a Wallet-API reference for local development. Enabling developer mode in Ledger Live exposes debug and integration controls for testing.
Third-party apps submitted to Ledger's Discover must include documentation, security claims, installation instructions, and follow Ledger's review and signing process. Maintain a changelog and release notes to facilitate audits.
Both Ledger Live and device firmware are actively maintained. Updates are distributed signed and clients verify signatures prior to installation. For enterprises, maintain a documented update policy and test updates on staging devices before wide rollout.
Keep clear changelogs for both Ledger Live and device firmware to simplify security reviews and compliance audits. Track versions and ensure rollback strategies are defined in case of critical issues.
Connectivity problems (USB/Bluetooth), outdated firmware, or using an unofficial Ledger Live binary are the most common causes for failures. For suspected compromise, follow Ledger's guidance: do not enter recovery phrases; contact official support.
Document device serials, software versions, and logs; isolate affected systems; and follow coordinated disclosure for security vulnerabilities. Maintain communication channels with Ledger support and developer relations when appropriate.
Below are official Ledger links (downloads, docs, support) for quick access and verification.