What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a secure, user-friendly interface to monitor your portfolio, send and receive crypto, stake assets, manage NFTs, and interact with decentralized applications — all while keeping your private keys isolated inside your Ledger device. The app is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android, and supports multi-device syncing for convenient management.
Why use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live pairs the strong security properties of a hardware wallet with a polished software interface. Your private keys are generated and stored in the secure element of the Ledger device and never leave it. Ledger Live helps you compose transactions but requires on-device confirmation before any signature is released, protecting you from remote theft and many common attack vectors.
Before you start
Prepare the following items before downloading and installing Ledger Live:
- A Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
- A computer or mobile device with an internet connection.
- A USB cable (or Bluetooth for supported devices) to connect your Ledger device.
- Backup materials for your 24‑word recovery phrase — store it offline and securely.
Security reminder: Ledger will never ask for your 24‑word recovery phrase. Never type it into a website, app, or share it with anyone.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live
Visit Ledger’s official website and navigate to the Ledger Live download section. Choose the appropriate installer for your operating system or download the mobile app from the App Store / Google Play (publisher: Ledger SAS). Verifying the download checksum or digital signature (when provided by Ledger) is a good practice to ensure the installer hasn’t been tampered with.
Step 2 — Install and open the app
Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to install Ledger Live. On first launch you’ll accept terms and configure basic preferences. For mobile, install and open the Ledger Live app and follow the initial prompts. The app will guide you through connecting your Ledger device and choosing whether to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
Step 3 — Initialize or restore your Ledger device
If your device is new, follow the on-device onboarding to set a PIN and generate a 24‑word recovery phrase. Write the recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet or a metal backup solution and store it offline. If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the restore option and enter your 24‑word phrase on the device to recover your accounts.
Step 4 — Add accounts
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts > Add account, select the blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) and follow the prompts. Ledger Live retrieves public addresses linked to your device and displays them in the app. For some networks you’ll need to install the network’s app on your Ledger device via the Manager section.
Step 5 — Receive and verify addresses
To receive crypto, choose an account and click "Receive." Ledger Live will show the receiving address and prompt you to confirm it on your Ledger device. Always verify the address on your device screen matches the one in Ledger Live before copying or sharing it; this prevents attacks that manipulate clipboard contents or on-screen values.
Step 6 — Send crypto securely
To send funds, click "Send", enter the recipient address and amount, and review fee options. Ledger Live will show an unsigned transaction summary; you must then confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device. The device will display the recipient address, amount, and network fee — only approve the transaction if these match what you intend to send.
Staking, NFTs and dApps
Ledger Live supports staking for selected cryptocurrencies, allowing you to delegate or stake directly from the app and track rewards. For NFTs, supported collections can be displayed and transferred using Ledger Live. To use dApps, connect via WalletConnect or another supported standard and sign transactions securely on your device.
Buy, sell & swap
Ledger Live surfaces partner options to buy or swap cryptocurrencies directly in the app. These are third-party services that may require identity verification (KYC) and charge additional fees. Ledger presents fees and partner information before you proceed.
Security best practices
- Keep your 24‑word recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure physical locations.
- Always confirm transaction information on the device screen before approving.
- Only download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official domain and official app stores.
- Enable OS-level protections: strong passwords, updated OS, and avoid public Wi‑Fi for high-value operations.
- Use metal backups to protect your recovery phrase against fire and water damage.
Troubleshooting & support
If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device, try a different USB cable or port and ensure the device is unlocked. For Bluetooth issues, confirm device pairing is allowed and that Bluetooth is enabled on your phone. If accounts are missing, reinstall the relevant blockchain app on the device and re-add accounts. For persistent problems, consult Ledger’s official support center and knowledge base.
Privacy & telemetry
Ledger Live sends minimal telemetry by default. Review privacy settings in the app to manage data sharing preferences. Account public addresses are necessary to fetch balances, but private keys never leave the device.
Advanced tips for power users
- Use custom derivation paths and advanced account settings if you have special requirements.
- Export transaction histories for tax reporting and record keeping.
- Consider segregating holdings across multiple devices to minimize risk.
- For very large holdings, consider a multi-signature setup using compatible tools and co-signers.
When to contact support
Contact Ledger’s official support for device malfunctions, firmware issues, or if you suspect your device or recovery phrase is compromised. Beware of phishing attempts and never provide your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to be support.