Overview
Ledger Live is Ledger’s official application for both desktop and mobile that acts as the central control center for your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a unified interface to view balances, manage multiple crypto assets, perform swaps, stake supported tokens, sign transactions via your Ledger device, and install or update firmware. The app is designed to be user-friendly for beginners while offering advanced features for power users.
Key features
- Secure device management: Pair and manage Ledger hardware devices (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and others) while keeping private keys isolated on the device.
- Multi-asset support: Track and manage hundreds of cryptocurrencies and thousands of tokens across blockchains.
- Swaps and exchanges: Built-in integrations with trusted partners to swap assets directly inside Ledger Live without exposing private keys.
- Staking: Stake supported assets (e.g., Tezos, Polkadot, Ethereum where applicable) to earn rewards while keys remain on-device.
- Portfolio and analytics: View portfolio performance, historical charts, and real-time balances in one place.
- Firmware & app management: Receive firmware updates, install coin apps, and perform device maintenance through Ledger Live.
- Buy & sell on-ramps: Fiat on-ramps and partner integrations allow buying crypto directly from the app (availability varies by region and partner).
- Security center: Alerts, best-practice reminders, and tools such as a transaction verifier to avoid phishing.
Download & install
Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website (ledger.com/start) to avoid malicious or tampered installers. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop) and iOS/Android (mobile). Installation is straightforward — follow the platform prompts and allow required permissions for USB or Bluetooth device pairing on mobile where applicable.
Setup: Pairing your device
- Open Ledger Live: Launch the app and choose "Get started".
- Select your device: Choose the Ledger model you own and follow on-screen prompts.
- Connect & verify: Connect via USB (desktop) or Bluetooth (Nano X/mobile). Confirm the device pin and follow on-device instructions. Ledger Live will never ask you for your 24-word recovery phrase — if asked elsewhere, treat it as a phishing attempt.
- Add accounts: After pairing, use the "Accounts" tab to add the specific blockchain accounts you want to manage.
Accounts & assets
Ledger Live allows you to create multiple accounts per blockchain, organize accounts into folders, and view aggregate portfolio metrics. Each account maps to addresses derived from your device’s seed; transactions are signed on-device and broadcast by Ledger Live. For tokens not natively shown, Ledger Live supports third-party services and integrations to display or manage these assets where possible.
Swaps, Buy & Sell
Ledger Live integrates with several liquidity and swap providers to offer in-app swapping. When you request a swap, Ledger Live fetches a quote from partners, you review the quote, and the transaction is signed on your Ledger device. Buying crypto with fiat is available via partner on-ramps; KYC and regional availability vary by provider.
Staking & Earning
Ledger Live enables staking for multiple proof-of-stake networks. Key points:
- Stake directly from Ledger Live while keeping private keys on the device.
- Rewards and unbonding periods differ by network — Ledger Live displays expected rewards and stake status.
- Validator selection and fees are displayed; choose validators carefully for security and performance.
Security model
Ledger’s security model separates sensitive key material (stored on the hardware device) from the user-facing software. Ledger Live is a companion app that never exposes private keys; it only sends signing requests to the device. Best security practices:
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger or Ledger Live will never ask for it.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on your device screen before approving.
- Download Ledger Live only from the official site; check checksums if provided.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date for security patches and new features.
- Enable OS-level security features (firewall, verified installers) and avoid public or untrusted machines for large transfers.
Privacy & data
Ledger Live collects minimal telemetry and respects user privacy. The app can optionally be used in offline mode for viewing local transaction history if preferred. Read Ledger’s privacy policy for the latest details about what telemetry is collected, how it’s anonymized, and how to opt-out of optional data sharing.
Third-party integrations
Ledger Live integrates with a growing ecosystem of third-party wallets, exchanges, and DeFi services. These integrations are designed so signing still happens on-device. When using third-party dApps or wallets via Ledger Live, always verify that the integration is official or recommended and inspect every signature on-device.
Advanced features
- Passphrase: Add an optional passphrase to create hidden wallets derived from your seed. Powerful for privacy but dangerous if lost — passphrases are unrecoverable by Ledger support.
- Developer tools: Ledger provides libraries and APIs for developers to integrate Ledger Live and devices into services and wallets.
- FIDO2 support: Some Ledger devices can be used as a hardware security key (FIDO2) for passwordless authentication in supported services.
Daily workflow: send, receive, and verify
Typical usage flow inside Ledger Live:
- Receive: Generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify it on-device before sharing.
- Send: Enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live, review the transaction details, and approve on your Ledger device. The signed transaction is broadcast by the app.
- Swap or stake: Use the in-app features to swap or stake — always confirm partner details and fees in the UI and on-device prompts.
Troubleshooting & common issues
- Device not detected: Check USB cable/port (use original cable). On mobile, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and pairing permissions granted. Restart Ledger Live and the device if needed.
- Missing account balances: Use the "Resync" or "Repair" options for individual accounts in Ledger Live to refresh transaction history.
- Firmware update failed: Follow on-screen recovery instructions or consult Ledger support. Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help.
- Swap errors: Swap quotes can change quickly; ensure you have sufficient funds (including network fees) and retry if a quote expires.
FAQ
- Can Ledger Live access my private keys?
- No. Private keys remain on the Ledger device. Ledger Live only requests signatures and cannot extract keys.
- What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
- If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and the recovery phrase, funds cannot be recovered.
- Is Ledger Live free?
- Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party services accessed through the app (swaps, buy/sell partners) may charge fees.
- Does Ledger Live store my seed/backups?
- No. Ledger Live never stores your recovery seed. Backups are the user’s responsibility — write your recovery phrase on the provided card and store it securely.
Resources & support
- Official download & getting started: ledger.com/start
- Support center: ledger.com/support — troubleshooting, firmware, and guides.
- Ledger Academy — deep dives on security, staking, and wallet management.
- Developer docs — integrations and API for third-party wallets.
Ledger Live is actively developed; the scope of supported assets, partners, and features expands over time. Always use official documentation and heed security best practices when managing crypto assets.