What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single interface to securely manage your cryptocurrency portfolio while ensuring that your private keys never leave your hardware device. Whether you want to send or receive crypto, swap tokens, stake, or interact with Web3, Ledger Live helps you do it all with high security and user‑friendly functionality.
Available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android), Ledger Live supports over **5,500** coins and tokens, including major ones like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Cardano, and many ERC‑20 tokens. The app integrates with trusted third‑party providers for features like buying crypto, swapping, and staking, while always maintaining the hardware‑wallet security model. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Download Ledger Live
Key Features
Portfolio Tracking & Multi‑Asset Support
- See all your crypto holdings in one dashboard, with live updates for balances and valuation. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Manage a wide range of assets — from major coins like BTC and ETH to lesser-known tokens and altcoins. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- NFT viewing for compatible blockchains: view metadata, images, history. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Buy, Swap & Sell
- Integrated partners (such as MoonPay, Transak etc.) let you buy crypto with fiat directly in the app. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Swap between supported coins and tokens within the app securely. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Sell crypto via supported services. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Staking & Earn Rewards
- Stake supported cryptocurrencies (e.g. ETH, SOL, ATOM, XTZ) directly via the Ledger Live interface. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Monitor rewards and staking status transparently. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
Web3 / dApps & Discover Section
- Access decentralized applications securely: Ledger Live integrates with Web3 services via partners, enabling swaps, DeFi, lending, or other use‑cases. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- “Discover” section in Ledger Live helps you find vetted apps and new features or integrations. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
Security & Best Practices
Ledger Live is built around the principle of **secure self‑custody**. The following security features and best practices help ensure your crypto remains safe from threats:
Private Key Safety & Offline Signing
- Your private keys are generated and stored only in the Ledger hardware device; they never leave it. All sensitive operations (signing transactions, confirming addresses) happen on‑device. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Verification on the physical device screen ensures that even if your computer is compromised, you see correct transaction details before confirming. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
Passphrase & Hidden Wallets
For extra security, Ledger Live supports optional passphrases (sometimes called “hidden wallets”). This helps to create an additional layer of protection — even decoy wallets — so you have more control. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
Firmware Updates & Device Authenticity
- Firmware for Ledger devices is regularly updated for security patches, bug fixes, and new feature support. Using Ledger Live, you can manage updates safely. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Ledger Live includes authenticity checks to make sure your device is genuine before use. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
Privacy & Phishing Protection
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (ledger.com) to avoid malicious or counterfeit versions. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Never enter your recovery phrase (24 words) into any software or website. It is only to be used on‑device in recovery situations. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Check transaction details carefully on device screen (amounts, address etc.), especially when interacting with third‑party dApps or swaps. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
How It Works: Setup & Day‑to‑Day Use
Initial Setup
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Install on your desktop or mobile device. :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
- Connect your hardware wallet and follow prompts to initialize with a PIN and generate the recovery phrase. Securely write down your recovery phrase offline. :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}
- Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to use via Ledger Live’s Manager. :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}
Sending & Receiving Funds
- To receive crypto: choose the appropriate account in Ledger Live, generate the receiving address, verify it on device, then share. :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}
- To send: build transaction in Ledger Live (choose coin/token, amount, fee), then confirm everything on the hardware device. Only then will transaction be signed. :contentReference[oaicite:23]{index=23}
Using Other Features (Swap, Stake, Web3)
- Use the built‑in swap feature to convert between supported assets. Ledger Live shows quotes from partner services. :contentReference[oaicite:24]{index=24}
- Stake supported coins to earn rewards; the app will guide you through selecting validators where needed. :contentReference[oaicite:25]{index=25}
- For Web3/dApp integrations: use trusted dApps or connectors; Ledger Live may provide “Discover” section for trusted third‑party integrations. Always verify what you are signing on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:26]{index=26}
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a hardware device to use Ledger Live?
Yes. For sending, staking, swapping and signing any transactions, you need a Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger Live without the hardware device is mostly for viewing balances. :contentReference[oaicite:27]{index=27}
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If you have stored your 24‑word recovery phrase safely, you can restore the wallet (and all assets) on a new Ledger device. If you lose both device & recovery phrase, access to funds is lost. :contentReference[oaicite:28]{index=28}
Is Ledger Live safe from malware or hacks?
Ledger Live is designed so that critical actions occur on the hardware device, which is isolated and protected. However, it’s still important to download software only from official sources, verify addresses on screen, and keep firmware up to date. :contentReference[oaicite:29]{index=29}
Can I use Ledger Live on my phone?
Yes. Mobile versions are available for iOS and Android. Some features, like Bluetooth with supported devices (e.g. Nano X), make on‑the‑go usage possible. Note: always ensure your phone is secure. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}
Does Ledger Live collect my private keys or seed phrase?
No. Your private keys and recovery phrase stay on your hardware wallet. Ledger Live does not have access to them. Always keep seed phrase offline. :contentReference[oaicite:31]{index=31}
Manage Crypto with Confidence
Ledger Live combines high security, rich features, and user‑friendly design so you can manage your digital assets safely. With private‑key protection, offline signing, and trusted third‑party integrations, you stay in control of your crypto journey.
Get Started with Ledger Live