Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application that acts as the control center for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a polished, easy-to-understand interface for adding accounts, sending and receiving crypto, staking supported tokens, installing blockchain-specific apps on your device, and applying firmware updates — all while your private keys remain safely isolated on the Ledger device.
Ledger Live blends convenience with rigorous security. The application handles network interactions and portfolio display, but critical cryptographic operations (like signing transactions) are performed on your Ledger hardware wallet. This reduces your exposure to malware and phishing while preserving a smooth user experience.
View balances, recent activity and performance for all accounts in one dashboard.
Transactions require on-device approval; private keys never leave the device.
Stake supported assets directly inside Ledger Live to earn rewards.
Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Verify checksums if provided for maximum assurance.
After installing Ledger Live, connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the original USB cable or Bluetooth (Nano X):
Ledger Live organizes assets into accounts by blockchain. To add an account:
Accounts are flexible — add multiple accounts per blockchain and label them for clarity. Ledger Live supports ERC‑20 tokens, NFTs (via integrations), numerous altcoins, and features like token swaps through trusted third-party services.
To receive: Click Receive, choose the account, and confirm the receiving address displayed on your Ledger device. This verification prevents address-replacement attacks.
To send: Enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live. Carefully check fee estimates, then confirm the transaction details on the Ledger device's screen before approving. Your Ledger device will sign the transaction locally and Ledger Live will broadcast it to the network.
Always verify the final address and amount on the hardware device itself. Software can be manipulated by malware.
When you initialize a Ledger device it will present a recovery phrase (a list of 24 words). This phrase is the only backup of your private keys. Treat it with the same care as cash or physical valuables:
Ledger Live retrieves balance and transaction information by querying nodes and services. If privacy is critical to you, consider connecting to your own node where supported or using privacy-enhancing tools. While Ledger Live itself does not expose private keys, the services it contacts may learn which addresses you monitor.
Ledger provides APIs, SDKs, and documentation for developers who want to offer Ledger compatibility. Integrations must rely on user-visible prompts and on-device confirmations to maintain the security model. Enterprises can combine Ledger devices with multisig solutions, hardware security modules, or custody services for higher assurance.
Ledger Live provides a practical, secure interface to manage a diverse set of crypto assets. By keeping private keys on a hardware device and requiring explicit on-device confirmations, it minimizes the typical risks associated with software wallets while offering modern conveniences like staking and third-party integrations. Follow best practices, verify everything on-device, and maintain secure backups to enjoy long-term, secure crypto management.