Ledger Live® | Manage Your Crypto™

What is Ledger Live®?

Ledger Live® is the official application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets (such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). Its core purpose is to provide a secure, user-friendly interface for managing multiple cryptocurrencies while ensuring that private keys remain on the hardware device at all times. Ledger Live constructs transaction data, but transaction signing happens only on the Ledger device — a deliberate separation that protects your keys from online threats.

Ledger Live is available on desktop and mobile, and it connects with carefully vetted partner services for buying, swapping, and staking. Use Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps on your device, add accounts, and monitor your portfolio across multiple blockchains in a single, consolidated view.

Download Ledger Live

Always obtain Ledger Live directly from the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the correct installer for your platform — Windows, macOS, Linux — or install the mobile app from official app stores. Verifying the download source and checksums (when provided) helps reduce the risk of counterfeit installers.

Desktop

Desktop Ledger Live provides the most complete feature set for account management, app installation, and advanced operations. It also offers a stable environment for firmware updates and device management.

Mobile

Ledger Live mobile is optimized for on-the-go use, portfolio monitoring, simple sends & receives, and Bluetooth pairing with Ledger Nano X. For complex tasks, the desktop app is recommended.

Set up Ledger Live with your Ledger device

Setting up Ledger Live is a guided process. Whether you are initializing a brand-new device or restoring from an existing recovery phrase, Ledger Live walks you through each step safely.

Install Ledger Live — run the official installer or mobile app.
Choose "Get started" and pick whether you're initializing a new device or restoring.
Follow on-device prompts — create a PIN on the Ledger device and record the recovery phrase offline.
Add accounts — in Ledger Live choose Accounts → Add account → select the cryptocurrency and follow the prompts to synchronize balances.
Install apps — use the Manager inside Ledger Live to install blockchain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device.

After setup, test with a small transaction to confirm end-to-end flow and that you understand device confirmations. Always verify addresses and amounts on the device screen before approving.

Core features of Ledger Live®

Portfolio overview

A single dashboard aggregates balances across supported cryptocurrencies, showing historical performance, allocation, and market value — helpful for quick portfolio checks and long-term tracking.

Send & receive

Create transactions within Ledger Live. When you initiate a send, Ledger Live prepares the transaction details and your Ledger device displays and signs the transaction after your explicit confirmation.

App Manager

Install or remove blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device using the Manager. Devices have limited app storage, so manage installed apps depending on what chains you use.

Buy & swap (partners)

Ledger Live integrates partner services to allow fiat-to-crypto purchases and in-app swaps. Partners may require KYC and charge fees; Ledger provides the interface but partner terms apply.

Staking & earn

Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live while keeping custody of your keys. Ledger Live displays estimated rewards, lock-up periods, and step-by-step staking flows for supported blockchains.

Security & device management

Ledger Live manages firmware updates, device settings, and recovery workflows with clear prompts and checks to ensure device integrity and authenticity.

Security principles & best practices

Ledger Live relies on the Ledger hardware device to keep private keys isolated. The software's role is to provide a safe interface; however, safe operation depends on following best practices:

Private keys stay on-device

Signatures are produced by the device. Ledger Live never exports private keys — this reduces the attack surface and prevents remote compromise of keys even if your computer is infected.

Protect your recovery phrase

Write down the recovery phrase on the supplied card or a secure metal backup. Never photograph, email, or store the seed digitally. The recovery phrase is the ultimate backup — treat it accordingly.

Use a strong PIN & optional passphrase

Set a unique PIN on the device. Advanced users can enable an additional passphrase (a "25th word") to create hidden wallets — powerful but increases recovery complexity.

Verify on-device

Always verify receiving addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device display before approving. Do not approve transactions based solely on the host display.

Beware of phishing

Download Ledger Live and firmware only from ledger.com. Do not divulge your recovery phrase to anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it. Use bookmarks to reach official pages, and be cautious about unsolicited communications.

Practical asset management workflows

Ledger Live supports everyday tasks and advanced workflows. Below are concise instructions and tips for common actions:

Receiving funds

In Ledger Live select Receive → choose the account → click "Show address" and verify the address on your device. Only use an address after confirming it on-device.

Sending funds

Prepare a transaction in Ledger Live, confirm amount & fee, then verify full details on the Ledger device before approving. Transactions are irreversible once broadcast.

Swaps & partner services

When using buy/swap partners, confirm partner terms and fees. Understand KYC requirements and the custody model used by each partner before proceeding.

Staking

Follow the Ledger Live staking flow for supported assets. Check lock-up periods, unstaking windows, and reward rates. Keep records for tax reporting and accounting.

Frequently asked questions

❓ Can Ledger Live access my private keys?

No. Private keys are generated and stored on the Ledger device; Ledger Live never has access to them and cannot sign transactions without the physical device and your approval.

❓ What if I lose my Ledger device?

If your device is lost or stolen, obtain a new Ledger device and restore your wallets using your recovery phrase. Never enter the recovery phrase into a website or untrusted device.

❓ How often should I update Ledger Live?

Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date to receive security fixes and feature updates. Install updates only from the official Ledger site and verify prompts on the device screen when performing firmware updates.

❓ Can I use Ledger Live with decentralized apps (dApps)?

Yes — Ledger Live and Ledger devices integrate with certain Web3 providers and dApps. When using dApps, always verify transaction and contract data on-device before approving signatures.