Overview
Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). It provides a single, secure interface to manage multiple accounts and assets, perform swaps, stake supported tokens, install firmware and apps on your device, and monitor your portfolio. Ledger Live acts as a user-facing control surface while cryptographic signing and private key storage remain on the hardware device.
Download & install
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (ledger.com/start). Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux (desktop) and iOS/Android (mobile). Choose the appropriate build, verify the domain, and follow the installer prompts. On mobile, Ledger Live uses Bluetooth pairing for Nano X; on desktop, connect via USB.
Setup & device pairing
- Open Ledger Live and select "Get started".
- Choose your device and follow the on-screen instructions to connect and authorize the device.
- Unlock with PIN on the hardware device; PIN entry always happens on-device and never within Ledger Live.
- Add accounts for the blockchains you want to manage; Ledger Live uses the device to derive addresses securely.
Accounts & asset management
Ledger Live supports many major blockchains and thousands of tokens. Add multiple accounts per blockchain to separate funds or manage multiple wallets. Each account shows balance, transaction history, and token details. For assets not natively displayed, Ledger Live may integrate third-party services to fetch token metadata or use third-party wallets for advanced token types.
Send & receive securely
To receive funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify it on your device before sharing. When sending, enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live; the transaction is prepared by the app and presented for approval on your hardware device. Always verify the address and amount on the device screen — this is the single source of truth that prevents host-level tampering.
Swaps, Buy & Sell
Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners for swapping assets in-app and for fiat on/off-ramps. When requesting a swap, Ledger Live fetches quotes from partner providers; you review the quote and sign the transaction on-device. Buying or selling crypto via partners may require KYC and is subject to regional availability and fees.
Staking & earning
Ledger Live supports staking for a range of proof-of-stake networks. Stake directly from the app while keeping keys on the device. Ledger Live displays expected rewards, validator information, and unstaking periods. Different networks have different rules — review network specifics and validator reputations before delegating funds.
Firmware & app management
Firmware updates and coin app installations are handled through Ledger Live’s Manager. Firmware patches are critical for security and compatibility; when an update is available, follow the guided update flow and confirm each step on the device. If an update fails or the device becomes unresponsive, follow Ledger Live’s recovery instructions and consult official support—never share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help.
Security model & best practices
The Ledger security model separates keys (stored in the secure element of your device) from the user interface (Ledger Live). Ledger Live never has access to private keys. Follow these practical security measures:
- Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com/start and verify authenticity.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase; Ledger staff will never ask for it.
- Verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen before approving any transaction.
- Use a strong device PIN and consider an optional passphrase for added compartmentalization (advanced users only).
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware updated for security patches and improvements.
Privacy & data
Ledger Live collects minimal telemetry to improve service quality; telemetry settings can typically be adjusted. Ledger’s privacy policy documents what data is collected and how it’s used. If you prefer stricter privacy, Ledger Live can operate in configurations that limit or anonymize telemetry.
Third-party integrations & developer tools
Ledger Live works with a growing ecosystem: exchange partners for swaps, staking services, and integrations with wallets and dApps. For developers, Ledger provides libraries and APIs to implement secure signing flows. When using third-party integrations, prefer verified partners and always validate transaction details on-device.
Daily workflow & tips
- Receive: Generate and verify addresses on-device.
- Send: Prepare transaction in Ledger Live and approve on your device.
- Swap/Stake: Use in-app features to swap or stake, checking fees and validator info before committing.
- Monitor: Use portfolio views and alerts to track balances and market changes.
Troubleshooting & common issues
- Device not detected: Check cables/ports, permissions, and restart Ledger Live.
- Bluetooth pairing problems: Re-pair devices on mobile and ensure both device and phone have Bluetooth enabled.
- Missing balances: Use the "Repair" or "Resync" features for individual accounts.
- Firmware update stuck: Follow recovery instructions in Ledger Live and contact official support if necessary.
FAQ
- Can Ledger Live access my private keys?
- No — private keys never leave your Ledger device. Ledger Live only requests signatures and broadcasts signed transactions.
- What if I lose my Ledger device?
- If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your accounts on a new device. Without the phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
- Is Ledger Live free?
- Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Third-party services accessed through the app may charge fees.
Ledger Live is actively developed and new features, supported assets, and partner integrations are added over time. Always rely on official documentation at ledger.com/start for downloads, release notes, and verified support resources.