What is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is the official application from Ledger that connects to Ledger hardware wallets to provide a secure, user-friendly interface for managing cryptocurrencies and digital assets. It acts as the bridge between your offline private keys and the blockchain world — enabling you to send, receive, buy, sell, swap, stake, and track assets with hardware-backed security.
Who is it for?
Ledger® Live is built for both newcomers and experienced crypto holders who care deeply about security. Whether you hold a single token or a diversified portfolio including NFTs, DeFi positions, and staking allocations, Ledger Live centralizes control and visibility while keeping your private keys isolated in a secure hardware device.
Core Features & Capabilities
Ledger® Live combines hardware-level security with an intuitive app experience. Below are the key features that make it a comprehensive gateway to the crypto ecosystem.
Hardware-Backed Security
Your private keys remain on your Ledger device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax). Ledger Live signs transactions only after you confirm them on the device, preventing remote compromise.
Multi-Asset Support
Manage thousands of coins and tokens across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many EVM and non-EVM networks — all in one interface.
Portfolio Management
Track portfolio value, historical performance, and real-time price changes. Portfolio analytics help you understand allocation, performance, and exposure.
Buy, Sell & Swap
Access regulated and trusted partners directly inside the app to buy or sell crypto with fiat, or swap between tokens quickly.
Staking & Rewards
Earn yield by staking supported assets. Ledger Live connects to vetted validators, and your keys stay offline while rewards accrue.
NFT & Collectible Support
View and manage NFTs from supported networks. Ledger Live enables secure custody and transfer of digital collectibles without exposing keys.
Transaction Security
Every outgoing operation must be validated on your Ledger device. This prevents phishing, malware, or remote hacks from initiating unauthorized transfers.
Cross-Platform
Available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Sync accounts between devices and manage on the go with Bluetooth-enabled Ledger hardware.
How to Get Started — Step by Step
Setting up Ledger® Live and securing your crypto is straightforward. Below is a concise onboarding walkthrough.
- Buy an official Ledger device. Purchase from Ledger's official store or an authorized reseller to avoid tampered devices.
- Install Ledger® Live. Download the app from the official Ledger website and install it on your desktop or mobile device.
- Create or restore a wallet. Initialize your Ledger device to generate a secure seed phrase, or restore an existing wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Add accounts. Add supported crypto accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) in Ledger Live — each account will be linked to your device.
- Verify & transact. Use your Ledger device to verify addresses and sign transactions. View portfolio metrics and configure staking or NFT management as desired.
Important: Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup to your private keys. Never share it. Keep it offline and secure.
Security Principles & Best Practices
Ledger's security model centers on isolating private keys in a secure element and requiring physical confirmation for all sensitive operations. Here are best practices to maximize protection:
- Always buy hardware devices from official channels. Avoid second-hand or unauthorized marketplaces.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Support staff will never ask for it.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Updates include security improvements and new asset support.
- Use a PIN and enable passphrase protection for additional account-level security.
- Verify addresses on the device screen before approving transactions to avoid man-in-the-middle attacks.
Ledger Ecosystem & Integrations
Ledger® Live is at the center of a growing ecosystem. It integrates with wallets, DeFi platforms, partners for fiat on-ramps, and third-party apps while preserving the security boundary of your hardware device.
Third-Party Apps & DeFi
Connect to selected dApps through Ledger Live or use your Ledger with browser wallets and integrations that support hardware signing. When interacting with DeFi, always confirm transactions directly on your device.
Buy & Sell Partners
Ledger partners with regulated services to provide in-app fiat purchases and liquidity. These partners undergo compliance and security reviews to offer a safer on-ramp/off-ramp experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ledger Live a wallet?
Ledger Live is the management app that interfaces with Ledger hardware wallets. The actual private keys are stored on the Ledger device — not in the app.
Can I access my crypto if I lose my Ledger device?
Yes — with your 24-word recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet that supports the same recovery standard.
Does Ledger Live support NFTs?
Ledger Live supports viewing and managing NFTs on supported networks. Full marketplace interactions may require connecting to compatible dApps while signing with your Ledger device.
Are my funds safe if Ledger is hacked?
Ledger Live is an app and does not hold your keys. Even if a centralized service is compromised, your funds remain secure as long as your private keys (seed phrase) remain secret and your device is uncompromised.
Conclusion — Why Choose Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live combines hardware-grade protection with a modern, accessible user experience. It enables users to interact with DeFi, stake assets, manage NFTs, and maintain full control of their private keys — all from one secure interface. For anyone serious about securing digital assets while enjoying flexible management tools, Ledger Live is a dependable gateway to the blockchain.