Accessibility Features in [Ledger Live Desktop] You Should Know

Overview

Ledger Live Desktop is a desktop application used to manage hardware wallets and crypto assets. Accessibility here means making the app usable for people with visual, motor, cognitive, and hearing differences. This page summarizes common accessibility features you should look for, how to enable or test them, and best practices for both end users and developers.

Keyboard Navigation & Shortcuts

Every interactive element should be reachable and operable via keyboard. Ledger Live Desktop typically supports:

• Tab / Shift+Tab traversal through interactive controls (links, buttons, inputs).
• Enter / Space to activate buttons and toggle controls.
• Meaningful, discoverable keyboard shortcuts for frequent actions (send, receive, portfolio view).

Tip: If you rely on keyboard navigation, check the app's Help or Settings for a list of shortcuts and a way to customize them.

Screen Reader Support and Semantic Markup

Screen readers (NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver) depend on well-structured UI and ARIA semantics. Key aspects include:

• Properly labeled controls: aria-label or visible <label> text for form fields.
• Landmarks and headings: <header>, <main>, and heading hierarchy so users can skim content quickly.
• Announcements for dynamic content: use role="status" or aria-live regions for balance updates or transaction confirmations.

Developers: Example status region for announcing a completed transfer:

Visual Accessibility — Contrast, Scalable Fonts, High-Contrast Mode

Visual accessibility features improve readability for low-vision users:

• Contrast: Ensure text and UI elements meet WCAG contrast ratios (4.5:1 for normal text).
• Resizable fonts: Allow the app to respect system font-size settings or provide an in-app text-size control.
• High-contrast themes: Offer a high-contrast color scheme (dark-on-light or light-on-dark) to help users with low vision.

If Ledger Live Desktop does not expose a theme control, use your OS high-contrast settings—many Electron-based apps respect those preferences.

Visible Focus Indicators & Pointer Targets

People navigating via keyboard or assistive tech need a clear visible focus state and sufficiently large targets:

• Always provide a visible outline on focus (not hidden behind custom styles).
• Design controls with adequate size and spacing to accommodate users with motor impairments.

Captions, Alerts & Audio Cues

Hearing-impaired users benefit from visual alternatives to audio alerts:

• Any sound notification should have a visible caption or toast alternative.
• Provide settings to mute audio cues and instead show visual banners or notifications.

Accessible Forms & Transaction Workflows

Transaction forms should be simple, provide real-time validation, and explain errors in plain language:

• Associate input fields with labels and helper text.
• Use inline error messages announced by screen readers (aria-describedby).
• Group complex flows into smaller steps and show progress indicators.

Localization & Readability

Accessible apps consider language and reading-level:

• Provide translations and ensure accessibility features work across locales.
• Use plain-language explanations for security concepts (seed phrase, confirmations).

Platform-Specific Accessibility Settings

Ledger Live Desktop runs on Windows, macOS and Linux. Each OS includes assistive features—ensure the app respects these preferences:

• Windows: Narrator, High Contrast themes, Magnifier.
• macOS: VoiceOver, Zoom, Increase Contrast settings.
• Linux: Orca screen reader and desktop-specific accessibility tools.

Testing, Feedback & Reporting Accessibility Issues

Regular testing and user feedback drive improvements:

• Automated testing with tools (axe, Lighthouse) plus manual testing with screen readers and keyboard-only navigation.
• Include an easy way for users to report accessibility bugs (email, GitHub issue, in-app feedback).
• Engage users with disabilities in beta testing to validate real-world usability.

Practical Tips for Users

• Enable your OS accessibility settings (high contrast, larger fonts, screen reader) before using the app.
• Use hardware signing (Ledger device) — signing flows are often simpler and less error-prone for assistive workflows.
• Keep Ledger Live and your OS up to date—accessibility fixes are frequently included in updates.
• Reach out to Ledger support or community channels if you hit accessibility barriers; many teams prioritize fixes based on user reports.

Developer & Integration Considerations

If you build integrations or plugins that interact with Ledger Live Desktop, follow these practices:

• Expose semantic HTML/ARIA in any web UIs used within the app.
• Respect user preferences for reduced motion and high-contrast themes.
• Document accessibility behavior for APIs and UI components so integrators don't break assistive flows.

Conclusion

Accessibility is essential for ensuring everyone can securely manage crypto assets via Ledger Live Desktop. By focusing on keyboard access, screen reader compatibility, high-contrast visuals, clear labels, and user testing, both Ledger and third-party integrators can make the app more inclusive. If you rely on assistive tech, test the app with your tools and file feedback—your input helps prioritize real improvements.