Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Wallet App

Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to make cryptocurrency management secure, simple, and flexible. Whether you’re sending a transaction, checking your portfolio, staking assets, or installing an app on your device, Ledger Live bundles the core tools most crypto users need with a strong emphasis on private key protection.

What Ledger Live does

At its core, Ledger Live connects to a Ledger hardware device (such as the Ledger Nano S or Nano X) and provides a user-friendly interface for interacting with blockchains. The app lets you create and manage multiple accounts, view real-time portfolio values, send and receive supported tokens, and access advanced features like staking, decentralized application (dApp) connections, and buy/swap services through integrated third-party providers.

Ledger Live is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android). The desktop app is commonly used for more in-depth management and for installing blockchain apps on the hardware device, while the mobile app enables on-the-go portfolio checks and transactions over Bluetooth (when supported by the device).

Security model

Security is Ledger Live’s fundamental value proposition. The app never stores private keys; private keys are generated and remain inside the hardware device’s secure chip. When you sign a transaction, the unsigned transaction data is sent to the device; the device displays the transaction details and requires a physical button press to approve. This model defends against remote attacks such as malware or keyloggers on the connected computer or phone.

Additional protections include:

PIN-protected hardware device to prevent unauthorized use if the device is lost or stolen.
Recovery phrase (24 words by default) that must be kept offline and secure; it is the ultimate backup of your keys.
Firmware signing and verified updates to reduce risk of tampered software or device compromise.

Key features

Ledger Live provides a set of features that cover most everyday needs for crypto holders:

Portfolio view: See your portfolio value across accounts and historical charts.
Send & Receive: Create transactions, verify them on-device, and broadcast them to the network.
Install blockchain apps: Add or remove support for specific chains on your device through Ledger Live.
Staking & Earning: Stake certain proof-of-stake tokens directly and earn rewards while maintaining custody of your keys.
Buy & Swap integrations: Access third-party providers to buy crypto with fiat or swap one token for another without leaving the app.
dApp & Web3 integration: Connect your Ledger to Web3-enabled websites via WalletConnect or supported browser extensions for safe on-chain interaction.

Supported coins and tokens

Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies, and the ecosystem of supported assets continues to grow. Popular assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), and many ERC-20 tokens are fully supported. For less common chains or tokens, Ledger Live often relies on community-maintained integrations or third-party interfaces that connect securely to your hardware device. Always check the latest compatibility list inside Ledger Live when adding a new asset.

Getting started

To begin you’ll need a Ledger hardware device and the Ledger Live app. The basic steps are:

Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your desktop or mobile device.
Create a new wallet with your Ledger device or restore an existing one using your recovery phrase.
Set a device PIN and write down your recovery phrase onto the provided recovery sheet — never store it digitally.
Use Ledger Live to install the blockchain apps you need on your device and add accounts to start receiving funds.

When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address on the hardware device’s screen to ensure it matches what the app shows. This step thwarts address-hijacking malware that might substitute addresses on the computer screen.

Best practices

To maximize safety and usability, follow these best practices:

Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone and never enter it into a computer or phone except when restoring to a hardware wallet you control.
Buy Ledger devices only from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers to avoid tampered units.
Keep device firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security patches and feature improvements.
Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) if you want an additional layer of protection and hidden wallets; understand the risks before enabling it.
For large holdings, consider splitting funds among multiple devices or using multisig schemes in combination with Ledger for extra protection.

Who should use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is ideal for self-custodial users who prioritize security without sacrificing convenience. It fits newcomers who want an easy-to-use interface backed by hardware security, as well as power users who need staking, portfolio tracking, and Web3 interactions. If you prefer keeping custody of your private keys and avoiding custodial exchanges for storage, Ledger Live is a strong fit.