Overview
Ledger Live is the official management application for Ledger hardware devices (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X and others). It provides a secure interface to add accounts, view portfolio balances, send and receive crypto, install blockchain apps on your device, stake supported assets, and connect to partner services — all while keeping your private keys isolated on the hardware wallet.
Ledger Live is designed so that sensitive operations — specifically signing transactions — happen on the Ledger device itself, never on your computer or phone. This separation dramatically reduces attack surface and gives you a trustworthy way to control digital assets.
Quick facts
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
- Works with: Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and supported models.
- Core: Private keys never leave your device — transactions are signed on-device.
Download Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the correct installer for your operating system or install the mobile app from official app stores. Verify downloads and avoid third-party mirrors to reduce the risk of counterfeit installers.
Desktop installation
- Visit Ledger's official Ledger Live page and download the desktop installer for Windows, macOS or Linux.
- Run the installer and follow the instructions. Ledger Live will guide you to connect your Ledger device and initialize or restore accounts.
- When available, verify the app's signature or checksum to ensure authenticity.
Mobile
Install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Use Bluetooth to pair with Ledger Nano X or connect via USB for compatible devices. Mobile is ideal for on-the-go portfolio monitoring and simple operations; desktop offers the most comprehensive feature set.
Set up Ledger Live with your device
Setting up Ledger Live is straightforward — below are the recommended steps to connect a new Ledger device or add accounts if you already have a device and recovery phrase.
1. Initialize your Ledger device
If you have a brand-new Ledger device, power it up and follow the on-device prompts to set a PIN and generate a recovery phrase. Record the recovery phrase on the provided card or a secure metal backup — never store it digitally.
2. Install Ledger Live
Open Ledger Live, choose "Get started", and follow the guided flow to register a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase. The app will prompt you to install coin applications to manage specific blockchains on your device.
3. Add accounts
In Ledger Live, go to Accounts → Add account → pick the cryptocurrency. Ledger Live will scan the network and retrieve balances for derived addresses associated with your device's public keys.
4. Test with a small transfer
Before moving significant funds, receive a small amount to the new account and practice sending a small transaction. Confirm all details on the device screen when approving a transaction.
Core features of Ledger Live
Ledger Live offers a rich set of tools that make managing crypto accessible while focusing on safety and privacy. Below are its primary capabilities and what makes them useful:
Portfolio & balances
See a consolidated view of your holdings across supported cryptocurrencies. Ledger Live aggregates on-chain balances and provides a simple charted overview of portfolio performance over time.
Send & receive
Create transactions inside Ledger Live and sign them on your Ledger device. Always verify recipient addresses and amounts on the device's screen before approving. Ledger displays full transaction details on-device to prevent host tampering.
Buy & swap (partners)
Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners to buy crypto with fiat and swap between assets in-app. These partner services may require additional KYC and have separate fees — Ledger provides an interface but the execution and custody of temporary funds are handled by partners.
Staking & earn
Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while maintaining custody of your keys on-device. Ledger Live shows estimated rewards, lockup durations, and step-by-step staking flows where available.
App management
Install or uninstall blockchain-specific apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device via Ledger Live's Manager. Devices have limited app storage so manage installed apps as needed.
Connect to dApps & integrations
Ledger Live can connect with Web3 dApps through approved connectors or via Ledger Live's built-in app integrations. When connecting to a dApp, transactions must be confirmed on your device, preserving on-device key security.
Security principles & best practices
Ledger Live works in tandem with your Ledger hardware device to create a secure environment. However, security is a shared responsibility. Follow these recommendations to keep funds safe:
Private keys on-device
Ledger devices store private keys in a secure element; Ledger Live never has access to these keys. All signatures occur physically on the device after you verify transaction details.
Protect your recovery phrase
Write your recovery phrase on the physical card or metal backup provided. Store copies in secure, separate locations. Never photograph, screenshot or type your seed into a computer or phone.
Use strong PINs & passphrases
Set a unique PIN on your Ledger device. Advanced users can enable an optional passphrase (a 25th word) to create hidden wallets — powerful but increases recovery complexity.
Verify everything on-device
When signing, always read and approve addresses, amounts, and contract details on the device's screen. The device is the only trustworthy source of transaction content.
Update firmware & app
Keep Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Updates often include security patches and compatibility improvements. Always update via official Ledger Live channels.
Beware of phishing
Only download Ledger Live and firmware from Ledger's official site. Don’t trust unsolicited emails or messages asking for seed words, and do not enter your recovery phrase anywhere online.
Managing assets in Ledger Live
Ledger Live is a practical tool for routine asset management: sending payments, receiving deposits, swapping assets, and participating in staking or DeFi via integrations. Here are concrete workflows and tips.
Receiving crypto
In Ledger Live, choose Receive → select the account → click "Show address" and verify the address shown on your Ledger device's screen. Share only the verified address with the sender.
Sending crypto
Prepare the transaction in Ledger Live, enter the destination, amount, and fee. Ledger Live will display a preview; your device will then show the exact transaction details to confirm. Approve only after verifying.
Swapping and buying
Use Ledger Live's integrated partners to swap assets or buy crypto with fiat. Partner services handle execution; Ledger Live provides UI integration. Review partner terms and fees before proceeding.
Staking
Ledger Live supports staking for several assets. The app shows expected rewards, periods, and steps. Staking often involves lockups and unstaking waits — understand the economics before staking large amounts.
Troubleshooting & support
If you encounter issues with Ledger Live or your device, follow these safe troubleshooting steps and use official support channels when necessary.
Device not detected
Try a different USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live, and ensure your device is unlocked. For Bluetooth pairing with Ledger Nano X, check device Bluetooth settings and app permissions on mobile.
App installation errors
If Manager cannot install an app, check available device storage, close other apps, and try again. Reboot the device and repeat. If problems persist, consult Ledger's official help center.
Transaction failures
Ensure network fees are appropriate for current congestion. For tokens and contract interactions, confirm you're on the correct network and that the contract is verified. Use the device to validate transaction data.
Lost device
If your device is lost or damaged, acquire a new Ledger device and restore from your recovery phrase. Do not enter seed words into any online form or share them — only use the recovery process on a trusted device.
Frequently asked questions
No. Private keys are stored securely on the Ledger device. Ledger Live facilitates account management and transaction construction, but signing happens on-device.
Ledger maintains open-source components and publishes documentation for many of its tools. Review Ledger's developer resources for specific repo links and audit information.
If you lose your recovery phrase and lose access to your device, funds cannot be recovered. The recovery phrase is the only reliable backup. Store it securely and consider multiple offline copies.
Yes — Ledger Live supports connections to certain dApps and Web3 providers through integrations. When interacting with dApps, always verify transaction details on the device before approving.
Partner services have their own compliance, fees, and policies. Ledger acts as an integrator; check partner terms, KYC requirements, and jurisdictional availability before using buy/swap features.
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Updates include security patches and functional improvements. Review release notes before major updates and ensure you're downloading from the official Ledger site.
Ready to manage your crypto securely?
Download Ledger Live, pair your Ledger device, and follow best practices to keep your assets safe. Ledger Live offers a balance of usability and hardware security for everyday crypto management.
Download Ledger Live