What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile application developed to work alongside Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a polished interface to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, send and receive tokens, install and update apps on your Ledger device, and monitor portfolio value in one single place. Because the private keys never leave the hardware device, Ledger Live lets you interact with your crypto securely while still keeping the convenience of modern software wallets.
Core features
Create and organize accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of other tokens; view balances and transaction history.
All signing is done on the Ledger device — Ledger Live sends unsigned transactions to the device for confirmation.
Track portfolio value, performance over time, and see currency breakdowns with built-in charts and metrics.
Install, remove, and update blockchain apps on your device safely from Ledger Live.
Security model — why it’s safer
Ledger Live’s security strength comes from the hardware wallet. The device stores private keys in a certified secure element. Transactions are created in the app but only signed inside the hardware device after you physically confirm them. This separation prevents remote attackers or malware on your computer from extracting keys or signing transactions without your approval.
How to get started (quick setup)
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
- Open the app and follow the on-screen prompts to either set up a new Ledger device or restore an existing one with your recovery phrase.
- Install the apps for the blockchains you plan to use (for example, Bitcoin or Ethereum) using the Manager in Ledger Live.
- Add accounts in Ledger Live — each account corresponds to an address you can receive funds with.
- To send funds, prepare the transaction in Ledger Live and confirm the details on your Ledger device physically.
Best practices
- Never share your recovery phrase: Ledger, support staff, or any legit service will never ask for it.
- Keep firmware updated: Firmware updates patch vulnerabilities and are applied via Ledger Live.
- Verify addresses on device: Always check the recipient address directly on the device screen before confirming a transaction.
- Use a separate machine for high-value operations: Consider using a trustworthy environment if you handle large sums.
Advanced tools
Ledger Live also supports integrations and advanced features: staking (delegating tokens to earn yield), connecting to decentralized applications through WalletConnect, and exporting account data for tax reporting. Power users can enable developer options or use the command-line tools for automated workflows.
Common questions
Q: Is Ledger Live a custodian?
A: No. Ledger provides the hardware and software. You control the private keys — Ledger cannot move your assets.
Q: Can I access Ledger Live from mobile and desktop?
A: Yes. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, and syncs portfolio data securely between devices.
Sample embedded snippet
Below is a tiny example HTML snippet you could use to link to official Ledger Live downloads from your site (make sure to link to the official Ledger domains):
<!-- Link to Ledger Live --> <a href="https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live/download" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Download Ledger Live</a>