Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Wallet Management App
Official app to install and manage your Ledger hardware wallet. Download for desktop or mobile, secure your keys, buy/sell crypto, stake, and track your portfolio.
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). It provides a single, trusted interface to manage your crypto assets while keeping private keys on the Ledger device itself. Ledger Live supports account management for dozens of blockchains, integrated buy/sell services, staking, and secure firmware updates — all built around a hardware-backed security model.
Why choose Ledger Live?
Hardware-backed security
Multi-chain support
Built-in services
Portfolio & analytics
Download & Install
Grab Ledger Live from the official source at ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) or mobile (iOS/Android) version.
- Download the installer from the official Ledger site — never from third-party mirrors.
- Verify the installer checksum on desktop if possible to ensure file integrity.
- Install and launch Ledger Live, then connect your Ledger device via USB or Bluetooth (Nano X).
- Follow on-screen prompts to set up a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Setup tip
When setting up a new Ledger, write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the official recovery sheet and keep it offline. Ledger will never ask you to enter the recovery phrase into Ledger Live.
First-Time Setup Walkthrough
- Create or restore: Choose to set up a new Ledger or restore an existing wallet using your 24-word seed.
- Install apps: Ledger Live installs small blockchain apps onto the device (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app) which enable supported cryptocurrency operations.
- Add accounts: Add coin-specific accounts in Ledger Live to display balances and manage transactions.
Sending, Receiving & Swapping
Sending funds requires creating a transaction in Ledger Live and approving it on your physical device. Ledger Live also integrates swap providers and buy partners so you can exchange assets directly in-app.
- Select the account, click Send, and enter the recipient address and amount.
- Ledger Live builds the transaction; confirm details on the device screen.
- After approval, Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction to the network.
Pro tip: Always confirm the full recipient address on the device display before approving.
Staking & Earning
Ledger Live supports staking for several proof-of-stake networks. By staking directly through Ledger Live, you keep custody of your keys while delegating or staking to validators via trusted partners. Rewards are viewable in your account dashboard.
Portfolio Management & Reporting
Ledger Live provides portfolio summaries, per-asset breakdowns, and transaction export options (CSV) for tax reporting. Connect third-party tax tools if you want automated reporting, but verify which services you authorize.
Security Features & Best Practices
- Keep Ledger Live updated — updates include security fixes and new features.
- Confirm every transaction on the device — do not approve from the computer alone.
- Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device; the device will wipe after multiple incorrect PIN attempts.
- Store recovery phrase offline and consider using a metal backup solution for long-term protection.
- Beware of phishing — always type the official Ledger URL and never enter your recovery phrase into any website or app.
Troubleshooting
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable/port or enable Bluetooth (Nano X) and ensure Ledger Live has permission to access the device on your OS.
- App installation errors: Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install or uninstall blockchain apps; restart both the app and device if needed.
- Missing balance: Resync account or ensure you added the correct account type (legacy vs. segwit for Bitcoin).
- Firmware update failed: Retry with stable connection; contact Ledger support if the device becomes unresponsive.
Privacy Considerations
Ledger Live connects to public blockchains, so addresses and transactions are public. Use multiple accounts or privacy-focused blockchains if you need to separate activities. Ledger Live respects privacy and gives you local labels and settings to manage visibility.
Conclusion
Ledger Live pairs with Ledger hardware wallets to deliver a secure, feature-rich environment for managing cryptocurrencies. By combining hardware-backed signing, integrated services, and a polished interface, Ledger Live makes it practical to secure, grow, and manage your crypto holdings. Always follow security best practices, keep your recovery phrase offline, and verify actions on your device — doing so preserves the core security benefits that Ledger provides.