Ledger Live is the user-facing application designed to connect with Ledger hardware wallets and give you a polished, powerful way to manage assets, check balances, send and receive crypto, and interact with decentralized applications. Built with security-first design and straightforward flows, Ledger Live helps both beginners and experienced users control their private keys, monitor portfolio performance, and keep software & firmware up to date.
Why people choose Ledger Live
Your private keys never leave the Ledger device — the app simply instructs the device to sign transactions.
Supports hundreds of coins, tokens, and major EVM chains as well as Bitcoin derivatives and many popular altcoins.
Track performance, view historical valuations, and export transaction history for taxes or accounting.
Buy crypto via integrated on-ramps, stake supported tokens directly from the app, and earn rewards.
Core features (at a glance)
- Account management: Create or restore accounts for multiple blockchains using your Ledger device.
- Send & receive: Clear transaction flows with robust address verification and fee customization where supported.
- Secure updates: Firmware updates are delivered through Ledger Live with clear instructions and safety checks.
- App catalog: Install and manage blockchain apps on your Ledger hardware directly from the desktop or mobile app.
- Cross-platform: Available as desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile apps with sync options for portfolios.
Getting started — quick steps
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your device.
- Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding — either set up a new Ledger hardware device or restore using your recovery phrase.
- Install blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) onto your Ledger device via Ledger Live.
- Create accounts inside Ledger Live for the installed blockchains and wait for balances to sync.
- Practice sending/receiving with a small transaction to confirm you understand the flow and the device prompts.
Security best practices
Your security model relies on two things: the hardware device (which stores private keys) and your seed phrase (which is the ultimate backup). Keep the recovery phrase offline and never share it. Always verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen — never trust a computer-only prompt. Use official Ledger Live downloads, avoid installing suspicious third-party plugins, and never enter your recovery phrase into software.
Troubleshooting tips
If Ledger Live can’t detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, ensure your hardware firmware is up to date, and enable the correct connection mode (if applicable). For mobile connections use the official Bluetooth pairing flows and confirm device prompts. If an update fails, follow on-screen recovery steps — Ledger Live includes guided instructions.
FAQs
- Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger hardware wallet?
- Ledger Live provides some read-only features, but to sign transactions you need a Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
- Is my crypto stored in Ledger Live?
- No — Ledger Live is an interface. Your funds are always on the blockchain. Private keys live on your Ledger device.
- Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
- Yes — Ethereum and some other chains’ NFTs can be viewed and managed in Ledger Live. Metadata availability can vary by collection.
Final thoughts
Ledger Live bridges stellar security with modern usability. It reduces the friction of interacting with blockchains while preserving the hardware-backed safety model that makes cold storage reliable. Whether you’re tracking a diversified portfolio, staking tokens, or interacting with DeFi, Ledger Live aims to keep those workflows safe, clear, and accessible.