What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single interface to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, check balances, send and receive assets, and install apps on Ledger devices. It pairs with Ledger hardware (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) to keep private keys offline while letting you interact with the crypto ecosystem.
Core Features
- Account management: Add and organize wallets for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other coins and tokens.
- Secure transactions: Transactions are reviewed and signed on your hardware device, keeping private keys offline.
- Portfolio overview: See current balances, changes over time, and total portfolio value at a glance.
- App manager: Install or remove coin-specific apps on your Ledger device from within Ledger Live.
- Staking & services: Delegate or stake supported assets and access integrated third-party services with security prompts on-device.
Quick Getting Started
1. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. 2. Initialize your Ledger hardware device and write down the recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. 3. Install Ledger Live and follow the on-screen pairing steps. 4. Add accounts for the coins you want to manage.
Use Settings → Experimental only if you understand the risks; ordinary users do not need it.
Practical Security Tips
Security is the primary reason to use a hardware wallet. Keep these simple rules:
- Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website.
- Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger domain and verify file checksums if available.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security fixes.
- Store your recovery phrase somewhere physically secure and offline; consider a steel backup for extra durability.
- Confirm addresses on your Ledger device screen before approving transactions; do not trust clipboard values.
Supported Assets & Compatibility
Ledger Live supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies directly and thousands via third-party integrations. Popular chains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many EVM-based tokens are supported. For less common tokens, Ledger Live often links to trusted external wallets or dApps that can be used safely with your Ledger device.
Troubleshooting — Fast Fixes
- Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port, and ensure the device is unlocked.
- Missing account balance: make sure the correct app for the coin is installed on the device and the account is added in Ledger Live.
- Unexpected update prompts: verify update notifications in Ledger Live and follow official on-screen instructions when updating firmware.
FAQs
Q: Can Ledger Live hold my private keys?
A: No — private keys remain on your hardware device and never leave it.
Q: Is Ledger Live free?
A: Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Network fees still apply when sending transactions.
Closing Thoughts
Ledger Live pairs a polished, minimal desktop and mobile interface with hardware-level security. It suits both beginners who want a safe place to hold assets and advanced users who need precise control. Focus on secure setup and safe backups — the rest is straightforward and user-friendly.
Download Ledger Live