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Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Wallet App™

Manage your Ledger hardware wallet, monitor your portfolio, send and receive crypto, and connect to DeFi and NFTs — all while keeping your private keys offline.

Overview

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets such as the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. Designed to keep private keys isolated on a secure element inside your device, Ledger Live provides a user-friendly interface to manage accounts across dozens of blockchains, view real-time portfolio balances, perform swaps and staking operations, install and manage apps on your Ledger device, and securely connect to popular decentralized applications (dApps).

Key features

  • Secure transaction signing: All transaction approvals happen on your Ledger device — Ledger Live only creates the transaction and sends it to the device for cryptographic signing.
  • Multi-asset support: Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum, and hundreds of other coins and tokens in one place.
  • Portfolio tracking: Real-time balances and historical performance charts.
  • App Manager: Install or uninstall blockchain apps on your Ledger device from the Manager tab.
  • Swap & Buy: Integrated swap providers let you exchange tokens directly in the app (fees may apply).
  • Staking & Earning: Stake supported assets to earn rewards through trusted providers.
  • dApp integrations: Connect to Web3 apps like MetaMask or use direct dApp connectors while keeping private keys on the Ledger device.

Download & installation

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your device’s official app store. Beware of phishing websites and unofficial mirrors — only trust ledger.com and the verified mobile store listings.

  1. Visit ledger.com/ledger-live and choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
  2. Download the installer and verify the file if you use offline checksum verification tools.
  3. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.

First-time setup

On first launch, Ledger Live will ask whether you're setting up a new Ledger device or restoring an existing one. If you're setting up a new device, follow both Ledger Live and the device prompts to choose a PIN and safely record your 24-word recovery phrase. If restoring, choose "Restore device" and enter your recovery phrase directly on the Ledger device — never type the recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website.

Adding accounts

Once the Ledger device is initialized and connected, install the apps for the blockchains you want to use (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum) via Manager. Then in Ledger Live use Accounts → Add account to scan and add blockchain accounts. Ledger Live will sync the account balance and transaction history from the blockchain explorer it connects to.

Sending & receiving

To receive funds, choose an account and click Receive. Always verify the receiving address on your Ledger device screen — never trust only the address shown on the computer. For sending, fill in the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live and approve the transaction on the device. The device displays the exact transaction details and destination address for manual confirmation before signing.

Security best-practices

Ledger's security model builds around the hardware wallet and the recovery phrase. Follow these essential practices to maintain security:

  • Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger or any legitimate service will never ask for these 24 words.
  • Keep your recovery offline: Write it on the supplied recovery sheet or use a metal backup for fire and water resistance.
  • Verify firmware and apps: Only update firmware from Ledger Live and confirm prompts on the device.
  • Use a strong PIN and optional passphrase: A passphrase adds another layer but increases the risk of permanent loss if forgotten.
  • Beware phishing: Bookmark ledger.com and navigate directly. Do not click suspicious links in emails or messages.

Advanced features

Passphrase-protected hidden wallets

Ledger supports an optional passphrase added to your recovery words to create hidden wallets. Each passphrase creates a different wallet derived from the same 24-word seed. This is powerful for privacy and deniability, but losing the passphrase means you will not be able to recover the funds — so handle with extreme care.

Custom networks & token management

For advanced users, Ledger Live supports adding custom tokens (for EVM chains) and connecting to custom RPC endpoints via integrations. Use these features only when you understand the technical implications and trust the network's sources.

Connecting to dApps

Ledger Live facilitates secure connections to decentralized apps. Commonly this involves using MetaMask or WalletConnect where the Ledger remains the signing authority. When authorizing dApp transactions, always confirm the full details on your device screen before signing — the hardware wallet ensures the data shown on-device matches what the app requests.

Troubleshooting

Device not recognized

  • Try a different cable or USB port.
  • Make sure the device is unlocked and on the home screen before connecting.
  • Grant permission for USB access if prompted by the OS.

Ledger Live crashes or fails to update

Reinstall Ledger Live from the official site, check OS permissions, and temporarily disable antivirus software if it’s blocking the application. Keep your system up-to-date.

Forgotten PIN

Entering the wrong PIN multiple times will trigger a device reset. Restore from your 24-word recovery phrase on the same or a new Ledger device. This is why storing the recovery phrase securely is critical.

Privacy

Ledger Live requests minimal personal information. Blockchain interactions broadcast public addresses to the network, so privacy on-chain depends on how you use wallets and services. Use separate accounts for different use cases and consider tools like coinjoins or privacy-centric chains where appropriate.

Compliance & fees

Ledger Live’s core app is free, but third-party services (on-ramp/off-ramp providers, exchange aggregators, swap services) inside the app may charge fees. Fees and KYC requirements for fiat on/off ramps depend on the chosen provider and your local jurisdiction. Always review the provider’s terms before using them.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger Live open-source?

Ledger publishes many components and libraries as open-source, but some desktop components and integrations may be under specific licenses. Check Ledger’s official repositories for details.

Can Ledger Live be used offline?

Ledger Live requires internet access to fetch balances and broadcast transactions. However, the private keys remain offline on the device; you can prepare unsigned transactions offline and sign them on the device if using advanced setups.

Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?

Yes — install Ledger Live on as many computers or phones as you need, but you must connect your Ledger hardware to each one to sign transactions.

Best practices checklist

  • Buy devices from authorized sellers or ledger.com
  • Record the recovery phrase on a physical medium, not a photo
  • Keep firmware and app updates up-to-date
  • Confirm addresses and transaction details on-device each time
  • Use hardware in secure environments and avoid public Wi‑Fi when transacting

Conclusion

Ledger Live, paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, offers a robust and secure way to manage multiple cryptocurrencies while keeping your private keys safely on the device. Whether you’re a beginner managing a single account or an advanced user connecting to DeFi, the app provides essential features and integrations — provided you follow security best practices and stay vigilant against phishing and scams.