Ledger Live (recently renamed Ledger Wallet™ app) is the official all-in-one software interface that pairs with your Ledger hardware wallet (signer) to securely manage your entire crypto portfolio. It transforms the highly secure, offline nature of your Ledger device into a comprehensive and user-friendly digital command center for all your digital assets.
Ledger Live is not a wallet itself, but rather the interface that reads your public balances on the blockchain and allows you to prepare transactions, which are then signed and approved only by your private keys held securely inside your offline Ledger device.
The fundamental principle of Ledger Live is to provide full-featured financial management while ensuring your Secret Recovery Phrase and private keys remain offline within the Ledger hardware device.
Offline Security (The Signer): When you interact with Ledger Live (e.g., to send funds or swap crypto), the app prepares the unsigned transaction data. This data is sent to your physical Ledger device via a secured connection (USB or Bluetooth).
Clear Signing: Your Ledger device’s trusted screen displays the full, unalterable details of the transaction (recipient address, amount, fees). You physically verify these details and confirm the transaction by pressing a button or tapping the screen.
Encrypted Return: Only the cryptographically signed transaction is sent back to Ledger Live, which then broadcasts it to the blockchain. Your private keys never touch the Ledger Live app or your internet-connected computer/phone.
Non-Custodial: Ledger Live does not require a traditional login (email/password), as it does not store your funds or keys. Your security relies entirely on your Ledger device and your Secret Recovery Phrase.
Ledger Live is designed to be a one-stop-shop for securing, managing, and growing your digital assets, supporting over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens.
Feature CategoryDescriptionHow It WorksManage & ViewPortfolio tracking, transaction history, and account management.View your real-time total portfolio balance and asset allocation in fiat currency, and add new crypto accounts instantly.Send & ReceiveSecurely transfer assets to and from your Ledger-secured accounts.Generate new receiving addresses and approve all outgoing transactions by physically verifying details on your Ledger device.Buy & SellPurchase or liquidate crypto assets directly within the app.Integrates with trusted third-party service providers (like Coinify, MoonPay) to buy crypto using a credit card or bank transfer, securing the process with your Ledger device.SwapExchange one crypto asset for another instantly (e.g., BTC for ETH).Uses third-party swap providers (like Changelly, Paraswap) within the Ledger Live environment, securing the final exchange with your hardware wallet.Earn (Staking)Put your crypto to work to earn rewards directly from your wallet.Delegate supported Proof-of-Stake (PoS) assets (like ETH, SOL, ATOM) to a validator through the "Earn" section while maintaining full control over your private keys.DiscoverA secure gateway to Web3 applications and services (dApps).Browse approved dApps (like DeFi protocols, NFT marketplaces) directly from Ledger Live, ensuring you are not accessing phishing sites.My LedgerManage the Ledger hardware device itself.Install, update, and uninstall blockchain applications on your Ledger device, and ensure your device's firmware is always up to date.
The Ledger Live app is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android).
Download Ledger Live: Only download the application from the official Ledger website. Do not use links from third-party sites or search results without verifying the official URL.
Install and Launch: Run the installer and open the application on your computer or phone.
Initial Setup: Select "Set up a new device" or "Connect your device" if you have already set up your Ledger device.
Connect Device: Plug in your Ledger device via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X/Stax mobile).
Security Checklist: Ledger Live will walk you through essential steps, including:
Verifying the device's authenticity.
Ensuring your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase is safely written down and stored offline.
Creating or entering your PIN code on the device.
Install Apps and Add Accounts: Use the My Ledger section to install the blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) needed for the crypto you wish to manage. Then, use the Accounts section to add accounts for those assets.
The hardware wallet (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.) is the physical device that stores your private keys offline. Ledger Live is the software interface that lets you view your portfolio and initiate transactions using those private keys, without ever exposing them to the internet.
Yes. The Ledger Live application is free to download and use. However, some services integrated within the app, such as buying, selling, or swapping crypto (provided by third-party partners), will involve transaction fees or network costs.
Yes. For many assets, you can connect your Ledger device to popular compatible third-party software wallets (like MetaMask, Electrum, or Phantom) to manage your funds. However, Ledger Live is the recommended, secure, all-in-one ecosystem and is necessary for firmware updates and the My Ledger functions.
Always use these official resources for downloads and support to avoid phishing sites.
ResourceDescriptionOfficial LinkLedger Start PageThe official starting point for new Ledger users.https://www.ledger.com/startDownload Ledger LiveDirect page to download the Ledger Live desktop or mobile app.https://www.ledger.com/ledger-liveLedger Support CenterOfficial guides, help articles, and technical support.https://support.ledger.com
Would you like me to find the system requirements for installing Ledger Live on a specific operating system (e.g., Windows, macOS, or iOS)?