Overview — One app, complete control
Ledger Live is designed to give you ownership and visibility of your digital assets with industry-leading security. Whether you hold Bitcoin, Ethereum, altcoins, tokens, or NFTs, Ledger Live makes it easy to view portfolio performance, send and receive assets, buy and swap currencies, and connect to decentralized applications — all while keeping your private keys offline inside a Ledger hardware device.
Why people trust Ledger Live
Trust in Ledger Live is built on three pillars: hardware-backed security, transparency, and user-friendly design. Your private keys never leave your Ledger device, the app's code is audited and maintained by a team focused on security, and the interface is crafted to make complex operations clear, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned trader.
- Private key protection: Private keys remain isolated on your Ledger hardware wallet.
- Open integrations: Ledger Live connects with reputable third-party services for swaps, purchases, and DeFi while keeping custody in your hands.
- Clear audit trail: Transactions are signed on-device and recorded in the app so you can always verify activity.
Core features
Portfolio & real-time tracking
See your full portfolio value across hundreds of supported assets, track performance over time, and get market insights without exposing your private keys.
Secure send & receive
Prepare transactions in Ledger Live and validate them on your Ledger device. The app clearly displays amounts, addresses, and fees before you sign — preventing accidental transfers and address substitution attacks.
Buy, sell & swap
Built-in partners allow fiat on-ramps and swaps directly inside Ledger Live. Choose competitive offers and complete trades with your wallet secured by your device.
NFTs & collectibles
Browse and manage supported NFTs from within the app. Ledger Live displays NFT metadata and ownership while you hold the token securely on-chain.
DeFi access
Connect Ledger Live to popular DeFi apps to stake, lend, or provide liquidity — sign authorizations on-device so your keys stay safe while interacting with smart contracts.
Security: How Ledger Live keeps your crypto safe
Security is the core of Ledger Live’s design. The app works in tandem with Ledger’s hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) to ensure that private keys are generated and stored in a secure element — a tamper-resistant chip — inside the device. Ledger Live acts as the interface: it prepares transactions, but the signing happens on the device itself.
Key security practices
- Offline key storage: Keys are never transmitted to the internet or Ledger servers.
- Transaction verification: All transaction details must be confirmed on the hardware device before signing.
- Recovery seed: Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate backup — keep it offline and never share it.
- App-level protections: Ledger Live uses secure communication channels and prompts for explicit consent for sensitive actions.
Getting started — quick steps
Setting up Ledger Live is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:
- Download Ledger Live from the official source and install it on your desktop or mobile device.
- Set up your Ledger hardware wallet: initialize the device, choose a PIN, and write down your recovery phrase.
- Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen prompts to add accounts for the assets you hold.
- Synchronize your accounts. Ledger Live will fetch balances and display your portfolio.
Pro tip: Always verify the address on your Ledger device screen when receiving funds. This ensures the receive address shown in Ledger Live has not been altered by malware.
Advanced use cases
Ledger Live is designed to scale with your needs. If you’re an advanced user, you can:
- Use multiple accounts and sub-accounts to organize holdings.
- Connect to third-party dApps while keeping custody of your keys on-device.
- Combine Ledger Live with other tooling (wallet explorers, tax software) for reporting and advanced portfolio analytics.
Supported assets & updates
Ledger Live supports hundreds of coins and tokens and regularly adds new assets and network updates. The app receives periodic updates to expand support, patch security improvements, and add quality-of-life features.
Common questions (FAQ)
Do I need a Ledger hardware wallet to use Ledger Live?
Yes — Ledger Live is designed as the companion app for Ledger hardware devices. The security model depends on the device holding your private keys.
Can I use Ledger Live on mobile and desktop?
Yes. Ledger Live is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android), allowing you to manage your portfolio from multiple devices while keeping your keys on your Ledger hardware wallet.
What happens if I lose my Ledger device?
If you lose your device, you can recover your accounts on a new Ledger device (or compatible recovery tool) using your 24-word recovery phrase. Keep that phrase secure and offline.
Is Ledger Live open source?
Ledger maintains transparency about components and regularly publishes updates and security information. Check Ledger’s official documentation for details about open-source components and audits.
Best practices for safe use
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your device’s app store.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase — Ledger will never ask for it.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to benefit from security patches and new features.
- Use a strong PIN on your Ledger device and store your recovery phrase offline in a secure place.
Who should use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live fits a wide range of users: individuals new to crypto who want a secure, guided experience; active traders who need portfolio visibility and swap options; and power users interacting with DeFi and NFTs who require hardware-backed key security.
Final thoughts
Ledger Live is more than an app — it’s the secure bridge between you and your crypto. By combining a polished user experience with the strong security of Ledger hardware devices, Ledger Live helps you keep custody of your digital wealth while giving you the tools to manage, grow, and interact with the crypto ecosystem confidently.