Everything you need to manage crypto — safely
Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano series and Stax). It surfaces portfolio tools, buy/sell, swaps, staking, dApp connectivity, device manager, and security controls — while ensuring private keys never leave your hardware device.
Key features
Real-time balances, historical performance, asset allocation and price alerts for all supported chains and tokens.
Compare third-party providers, buy crypto with fiat, and swap tokens without moving funds to centralized exchanges.
Delegate supported assets directly from the app while keeping keys on your Ledger device; view rewards and validator details.
Install blockchain apps, update firmware, manage multiple accounts and keep your device software current and secure.
Why Ledger Live + hardware wallets?
Ledger Live is only the interface — critical cryptographic signing always occurs on your Ledger hardware wallet (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax). Because private keys are stored inside a secure element on the device, even if your computer or phone is compromised your keys and seed remain protected. Ledger Live improves usability without weakening the security model of cold storage.
Download & setup (quick guide)
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or verified app stores. Fake apps and malicious installers are common in the crypto ecosystem; only trust Ledger’s domains and official channels.
- Download: Visit the official Ledger website and grab the Ledger Live installer for Windows, macOS, Linux, or open the App Store / Google Play for mobile.
- Install & launch: Open the app and choose Get Started.
- Choose device: Select your Ledger hardware model and follow on-device instructions to set up or restore a wallet.
- Install apps: Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install chain-specific apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
- Add accounts: Add accounts for each blockchain to begin tracking balances and making transactions.
- Confirm on device: Always confirm outgoing transactions and important actions physically on your Ledger hardware.
Security best practices
- Buy Ledger devices only from the official Ledger store or authorized resellers.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it inside the app.
- Validate downloads and verify checksums/signatures if Ledger publishes them.
- Use a strong, up-to-date OS and avoid suspicious browser extensions that can initiate phishing attempts.
- Consider using an optional passphrase (a.k.a. 25th word) for extra protection — but back it up securely and understand recovery implications.
Newer & advanced capabilities
Recent iterations of Ledger Live include expanded Web3 connectors, improved dApp flows that make on-device approvals clearer, and better service comparison tools so users can choose competitive swap or buy providers. Ledger also continues to refine how transaction details are displayed on-device — the clearer the on-device information, the easier it is to detect malicious or malformed requests.
Tip: When interacting with DeFi or NFTs, always preview the request on your hardware device and check contract addresses and fees before approving.
Troubleshooting: common issues
If Ledger Live cannot detect your device: ensure the device is unlocked and on the home screen, try a different USB cable or port (or Bluetooth pairing for Nano X), update Ledger Live, and verify device firmware. If you encounter prompts asking for your recovery phrase, disconnect immediately — that is a phishing attack.
Integrations & developer-friendly options
Ledger provides developer libraries and documentation for integrating Ledger device support into wallets and services. Ledger Live exposes connection points for third-party partners to surface buy/swap providers and staking services. Enterprises and developers can build custom flows while preserving the on-device signing security model.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
- Most interactive features (sending, signing) require a Ledger hardware wallet. Read-only portfolio views may be available but are limited.
- Is Ledger Live free?
- Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party buy/swap providers may charge fees and rates vary by provider.
- How often should I update?
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated to receive security patches and new asset support. Check official release notes before major firmware upgrades.
- Where to download?
- Only from the official Ledger website or verified App Store / Google Play listings.