Overview

Ledger Live is the all-in-one desktop and mobile application designed to work hand-in-hand with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a polished user interface for portfolio tracking, sending and receiving assets, managing multiple accounts, staking, and integrating with select decentralized applications (dApps). Ledger Live focuses on keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device while presenting a safe, user-friendly environment for interacting with your crypto holdings.

Trusted by millions of crypto holders globally, Ledger Live emphasizes security without sacrificing usability. Whether you're a first-time buyer, an active trader, or a long-term HODLer, Ledger Live scales with your needs.

Key features

Secure account management

Connect your Ledger hardware device to Ledger Live and manage multiple accounts across supported blockchains. Private keys never leave your device — transactions are signed on-device and confirmed by you.

Portfolio dashboard

View your entire crypto portfolio in one place, with real-time (or near-real-time) valuations, historical charts, and allocation breakdowns. Track performance across days, weeks, months, or years.

Send & receive crypto

Intuitive flows for sending and receiving assets with QR code support on mobile, address verification, and transaction preview before signing on your Ledger device.

Buy, sell & swap

Access integrated partners to buy crypto with fiat, swap between supported tokens, or bridge assets across networks without exposing your private keys.

Staking & rewards

Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards. The app guides you through validator selection and helps you manage staking positions securely.

dApp integrations

Connect third-party decentralized applications while keeping keys on-device. Ledger Live acts as a secure gateway for Web3 interactions with many popular dApps.

Security model

Security is the foundation of Ledger Live. The application is purpose-built to ensure sensitive operations — notably private key storage and transaction signing — happen exclusively on Ledger hardware devices. Ledger Live complements this with features and design choices that reduce user risk:

  • Hardware-backed keys: Private keys are created and stored in a secure element (SE) on Ledger devices. They never leave the device in plain text.
  • Transaction confirmation: Transactions initiated in Ledger Live must be manually confirmed on the Ledger device; this mitigates remote tampering risks.
  • Address verification: Ledger Live and Ledger devices present destination addresses for verification on-device so you can ensure funds go to the intended recipient.
  • Firmware & app isolation: Ledger devices use a secure OS and isolated apps per blockchain, reducing cross-chain attack surfaces.
  • Open communication & transparency: Ledger publishes security advisories and updates; Ledger Live receives regular updates to address vulnerabilities and improve safety.

Beyond technology, Ledger Live educates users through in-app guidance, warnings for suspicious activity, and help articles to avoid social engineering traps like phishing. Remember: the strongest protection still depends on a user's vigilance — never share your recovery phrase and always verify URLs and device prompts.

Getting started

Setting up Ledger Live is a straightforward process designed for clarity and safety. Below are the high-level steps:

  1. Download Ledger Live: Get the official app for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install Ledger Live on iOS/Android from the official app store.
  2. Initialize Ledger device: Follow the device setup instructions to create a new wallet or restore from an existing recovery phrase. Choose a safe PIN and write down your recovery phrase on the provided card; keep it offline and secure.
  3. Connect device to Ledger Live: Add accounts for supported blockchains by opening the corresponding apps on your Ledger device and following the prompts in Ledger Live.
  4. Manage your portfolio: Use the dashboard to view balances, send and receive assets, stake, or explore integrated services.

Important: Always verify you downloaded Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or app stores. Avoid downloading software via unknown links or third-party mirrors.

Best practices for using Ledger Live

  • Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Keep it written on paper or a metal backup in a secure location.
  • Keep firmware updated: Regularly update your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live to receive the latest security patches and improvements.
  • Use a dedicated device: If possible, use your Ledger device only for keys and signing — avoid using it on unknown or compromised machines.
  • Verify addresses on-device: Always confirm the destination address shown on your Ledger device screen before approving a transaction.
  • Be cautious of phishing: Double-check websites, links, and wallet connectors; use bookmarks for important sites and never enter your seed phrase into a web form.

Advanced use-cases

Ledger Live supports advanced users and institutional workflows. Below are several ways power users can configure and extend their setup:

  • Multiple device management: Use several Ledger devices for different asset classes or as cold backup devices to distribute risk.
  • Hidden/Passphrase accounts: Utilize BIP39 passphrases (also known as 25th word) to create hidden accounts for enhanced privacy or separation of funds.
  • Third-party integrations: Connect Ledger Live with approved dApps or external services for DeFi participation, OTC services, and more — always verify the integration is trusted.
  • Multi-account organization: Create separate accounts for taxes, savings, trading, or corporate accounting to simplify bookkeeping.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. You may encounter fees associated with network transactions, third-party buy/sell providers, or staking, which vary by asset and provider.
Do I need a Ledger hardware device to use Ledger Live?
While Ledger Live can be installed and explored without a device, managing on-chain assets requires connection to a Ledger hardware wallet for secure key storage and signing.
Can I restore my Wallet on another Ledger device?
Yes. If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on another Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports your seed format. Keep recovery phrases private and secure.
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
Your funds are not stored in the device itself but are on the blockchain and accessible with your recovery phrase. Use your recovery phrase to restore access on a new compatible device.
Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
Ledger Live supports many NFT standards and provides viewing and management capabilities for supported networks. Support may vary by network and token standard.

Troubleshooting & support

If you run into issues, try these steps first:

  • Confirm your Ledger device has the latest firmware installed.
  • Make sure Ledger Live is up to date (app updates include compatibility and stability fixes).
  • Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device using an official cable or the device’s USB connection.
  • Check network fees and transaction statuses on the blockchain explorer for the relevant asset.

If problems persist, consult Ledger’s official support portal for guided articles, troubleshooting steps, and contact options.

Conclusion

Ledger Live bridges the gap between strong hardware-backed security and a smooth user experience. By keeping private keys isolated on Ledger devices and offering an intuitive management interface, Ledger Live helps users of all skill levels take control of their crypto assets securely. Whether you’re tracking a growing portfolio, staking rewards, or exploring decentralized finance, Ledger Live provides a robust, evolving platform focused on safety and long-term ownership.