What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, unified interface to manage crypto accounts, check portfolio balances, receive and send assets, install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device, and interact with value-added services such as swaps, buys, and staking providers.

Important: Ledger Live acts as a management and display layer. Your private keys remain securely stored inside the Ledger hardware device (the secure element) and signatures require physical confirmation on the device itself.

Platforms and installation

Ledger Live runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux (desktop) and on iOS and Android (mobile). To install:

1. Download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site or the appropriate app store.
2. Install and launch the app, then follow onboarding instructions.
3. Connect your Ledger device by USB (or Bluetooth for supported models) and follow the guided setup.

Only use official downloads. Avoid links from emails, social media, or untrusted pages to reduce phishing risk.

Core features

• Portfolio view: Aggregate balances with fiat valuations and asset breakdowns.
• Account management: Add multiple accounts per supported coin and view transaction history.
• Send & receive: Build transactions in the app and confirm all details on your Ledger device before signing.
• App Manager: Install blockchain-specific apps on the device to enable coin support and manage device storage.
• Firmware management: Receive and apply signed firmware updates via Ledger Live.
• Buy & Swap integrations: Access third-party providers to buy crypto or swap assets directly from the app.
• Staking & earn: Stake supported assets through integrated partners while keeping keys offline.
• Third-party connections: Connect Ledger to compatible wallets and dapps to expand functionality (e.g., MetaMask, Electrum).

How Ledger Live works with the hardware

Ledger Live constructs transactions and prepares messages that require signing. When a signature is needed, the prepared payload is sent to the connected Ledger device. The device independently displays the key transaction details (amount, recipient address, fees) and awaits your physical confirmation—by pressing the device buttons or tapping the touchscreen—before producing a cryptographic signature. This split model ensures that even if your computer or phone is compromised, an attacker cannot silently sign a transaction.

Always rely on the device display as the final source of truth for what you are approving.

Supported assets and integrations

Ledger Live supports a large and growing list of blockchains and tokens natively. Additional assets can be managed through third-party integrations and external wallets. Typical support includes major chains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polkadot, Cardano, Solana) and thousands of tokens via ecosystem partners. Before transferring value to a new or obscure token, verify compatibility and recommended tools.

Fees and pricing

Consider two distinct cost types:

• Device cost: The one-time purchase price of a Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, etc.).
• Transaction fees: Network fees (miners or validators) are charged by the blockchain when you send assets—Ledger Live provides fee estimation and options to prioritize speed vs. cost.
• Third-party fees: Swap, buy, and staking providers integrated into Ledger Live may charge service fees or spreads; those are charged by the provider, not by Ledger for custody.

Hardware cost is commonly viewed as an insurance expense against the risk of losing funds from compromised software wallets.

Typical workflows — quick guide

Initial setup

1. Open Ledger Live and choose Set up a new device or Restore device.
2. Follow device prompts to create a PIN and generate a recovery phrase (write it down offline).
3. Install the apps for blockchains you will use via the App Manager and add accounts in Ledger Live.

Receiving crypto

1. Select the account and click Receive.
2. Verify the receive address shown in Ledger Live matches the address on your physical Ledger device.
\
3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Sending crypto

1. Create a send transaction in Ledger Live and choose a fee level.
2. When prompted, verify amount, recipient, and fee on your device and physically confirm to sign.
3. Ledger Live broadcasts the signed transaction to the network.

Buying, swapping, and staking

Ledger Live integrates third-party providers for buying fiat-to-crypto, swapping between assets, and staking certain tokens. These integrations are convenient, but fees and terms vary by provider and region. When using them:

• Review provider fees and KYC requirements.
• Confirm requests and contract approvals on-device for swap or DeFi interactions.
• Understand staking lockups, minimums, and reward mechanics before committing funds.

Always double-check which provider you are using and verify any on-chain contract interactions via the device display when possible.

Security model and best practices

Ledger Live’s security depends on the hardware secure element and disciplined user behavior. Key practices:

• Buy devices from authorized channels and inspect packaging for tampering.
• Write the recovery phrase on paper or a metal backup and store it offline—never photograph or upload it.
• Verify transaction details on the Ledger device before approving.
• Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date using official sources.
• Use a dedicated, clean computer for large-value transactions if possible and consider multisig for enterprise or very large holdings.

Passphrases (optional) provide extra security but add operational complexity—treat them as another essential secret.

Troubleshooting common issues

Alternatives and ecosystem

Ledger Live is one option among many companion apps and workflows. Alternatives include Trezor Suite, Electrum, Sparrow Wallet, MetaMask (for Web3 interactions), and specialized tools for PSBT and multisig. Which tool to use depends on your priorities: open-source transparency, coin support, advanced workflows, or mobile convenience.