1. Overview
Purpose
Ledger Live is a self-custodial application that manages hardware wallets (Ledger devices) and local crypto accounts. It provides transaction creation, portfolio visibility, staking, app management on the device, and secure firmware updates.
Core components
- UI (Electron for desktop / native for mobile) — presentation layer.
- Bridge / native HID layer — secure transport to Ledger devices.
- Background services — account syncing, push notifications, and periodic remote metadata fetch.
- Local store — encrypted account state & cache on the user device.
- Remote APIs — curated metadata, rate quotes, and third-party integrations.
2. Architecture & Dataflow
High-level flow
Account data is derived deterministically from device keys. Ledger Live queries blockchain explorers (or indexer services) for balances and transactions, aggregates the data, and stores a locally encrypted cache. Transaction signing is always performed on the Ledger hardware device; only unsigned payloads leave the host.
Sequence (simplified)
- Ledger Live builds an unsigned transaction payload.
- Payload sent over USB/BLE to Ledger device (APDU transport).
- User verifies details on the device screen and approves.
- Device returns a signature. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed tx to the network.
3. Security Model
Threat boundaries
Critical keys never leave the hardware secure element. Ledger Live acts as an untrusted host where UX and metadata are displayed but the device enforces authenticity checks and user confirmations.
Best practices
- Keep firmware & Ledger Live updated — firmware updates patch SE and app vulnerabilities.
- Verify transaction details on the device screen every time.
- Use passphrase/25th word with caution — it's a strong optional secret that creates a hidden account.
4. Installation & Update Strategy
Distribution channels
Official installers: desktop (macOS, Windows, Linux) and mobile via app stores. Auto-update mechanisms differ per platform: Electron auto-updater on desktop; app store releases on mobile.
Secure updates
// pseudo-check
verifySignature(updatePackage, ledgerPublicKey) -> boolean
if (!verify) rejectUpdate()
else applyUpdate()5. APIs, Integrations & Developer Notes
Integration points
- Ledger Live backend provides metadata & rate services (read-only).
- Third-party providers for coin-specific explorers or indexing.
- WebHID / WebBluetooth for in-browser interactions when applicable.
Developer cautions
Do not rely solely on host-side metadata for critical UX — design flows so the device-enforced user confirmation is the source of truth for transaction acceptance.
6. Troubleshooting & Observability
Common failure modes
- Device not detected: check USB drivers / Bridge / cable; try different port.
- Signing errors: ensure correct app is open on device, firmware matches app version.
- Sync errors: remote indexer outage or rate limiting — fallback to alternative explorer endpoints.
Logs & diagnostics
Ledger Live exposes logs (user-visible diagnostic export). Useful fields: device connection state, APDU traces (redacted), last sync token, and remote API statuses.
7. Operational Checklist
- Monitor remote API latency and error rates.
- Track firmware and app compatibility matrix before shipping client updates.
- Run end-to-end tests with hardware-in-the-loop for signing flows.