What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official application developed by Ledger SAS to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio securely. It serves as a companion to Ledger hardware wallets—such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax—by providing an intuitive interface to send, receive, buy, stake, and swap crypto assets with full control over your private keys.
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. With a simple, modern dashboard and end-to-end encryption, it provides convenience without compromising on the core principle of crypto ownership—self-custody.
Why Choose Ledger Live?
Ledger Live combines usability and strong security architecture. Every transaction you approve is signed within your Ledger hardware wallet, ensuring your private keys never leave the secure chip. Even if your computer or smartphone is compromised, your assets remain protected.
- All-in-one management: View, send, receive, buy, stake, and swap assets in a single interface.
- Secure by design: Works only with genuine Ledger hardware wallets.
- Privacy-focused: Data stored locally; Ledger cannot access your accounts.
- Multi-asset support: Manage 5,000+ coins and tokens.
- Web3 integration: Connect to DeFi, NFT, and staking platforms safely.
Getting Started with Ledger Live
Setting up Ledger Live is quick and straightforward. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned investor, you can be ready to manage your portfolio securely within minutes. Follow the steps below to begin.
- Visit Ledger.com/Start and download the latest version of Ledger Live for your operating system.
- Install and open the application.
- Select “Get Started” and follow the on-screen guide.
- Connect your Ledger device (Nano X, S Plus, or Stax) using the provided cable or Bluetooth.
- Allow Ledger Live to verify the authenticity of your device.
Creating and Managing Accounts
Accounts in Ledger Live represent the addresses and balances for each cryptocurrency you manage. They allow you to track your portfolio at a glance.
- From the Ledger Live dashboard, click “Add Account.”
- Select the cryptocurrency you wish to add.
- Connect and unlock your device.
- Open the corresponding crypto app on the device to sync the account.
Ledger Live automatically displays your portfolio distribution and recent transactions once accounts are added. You can label and organize them to fit your tracking preferences.
Sending and Receiving Crypto
Transferring crypto with Ledger Live is simple and secure. Each operation must be verified on your hardware wallet’s screen to ensure authenticity.
To receive:
- Click “Receive” in Ledger Live.
- Select the account you want to receive funds to.
- Verify the displayed address on your Ledger device.
- Share this verified address with the sender.
To send:
- Click “Send.”
- Enter the recipient’s address and amount.
- Confirm all details on your Ledger device screen before approval.
All transactions are signed within your device, keeping your private keys isolated from potential threats.
Buy, Sell, Swap, and Stake with Ledger Live
Ledger Live integrates a wide range of services that allow you to interact with the crypto ecosystem directly from the app—without sacrificing safety.
- Buy & Sell: Purchase crypto with credit card, bank transfer, or other payment methods through trusted partners integrated within Ledger Live.
- Swap: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another instantly while maintaining control of your keys.
- Stake: Earn rewards by staking supported assets such as Ethereum, Tezos, and Polkadot. Your rewards are deposited directly into your account.
- Earn: Access yield services and DeFi opportunities directly from the Discover tab.
Security at the Core
Ledger Live operates under a “security-first” principle. Your hardware wallet acts as a secure enclave, isolating your private keys from the internet and ensuring that no transaction can be executed without your explicit confirmation.
- Every transaction must be verified on the device screen.
- Your private keys never leave the hardware wallet.
- Ledger Live encrypts communication between the app and device.
- Firmware and app updates are cryptographically signed by Ledger.
- Device authenticity is checked automatically when connected.
Ledger’s combination of software and hardware security provides one of the most reliable environments for managing digital wealth.
Portfolio Management Features
Ledger Live’s user interface is designed to provide clarity and control over your crypto holdings. The portfolio view shows your total balance, allocation by asset, and performance trends over time.
- Monitor prices and market movements in real time.
- Group assets by account, coin, or blockchain.
- Track performance and transaction history instantly.
- Sync your mobile and desktop apps seamlessly.
- Enable dark or light themes for personalized experience.
Ledger Live helps both long-term investors and active traders maintain visibility over their entire portfolio with precision and privacy.
Ledger Live Mobile
Ledger Live Mobile brings full crypto management to your smartphone, while maintaining the same hardware-level security through Bluetooth connectivity with Ledger Nano X or USB OTG for Nano S Plus. Available on both iOS and Android, it lets you manage your assets anywhere, anytime.
- Check balances and track market trends on the go.
- Send and receive crypto with secure confirmation.
- Use biometric authentication for an extra layer of protection.
- Synchronize your desktop and mobile portfolios automatically.
Privacy and Data Protection
Ledger Live prioritizes privacy. All your account and transaction data remain on your device. Ledger has no access to your balances or private information.
- Data stored locally—never on external servers.
- Option to connect via your own node for maximum privacy.
- No user tracking or advertising cookies within the app.
Your financial freedom is fully yours. Ledger simply provides the tools for safe self-custody.
Firmware and App Updates
Keeping your Ledger device and apps up to date ensures optimal security and compatibility. Ledger Live makes this process seamless:
- Notifications appear in Ledger Live when updates are available.
- Follow prompts to install firmware updates safely.
- Re-enter your PIN and confirm updates directly on the device.
- All updates are verified and signed by Ledger SAS.
Tips for Secure Usage
- Download Ledger Live only from Ledger.com.
- Verify all addresses on your device screen before confirming transactions.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase.
- Use strong passwords and lock features on your computer or phone.
- Keep multiple backups of your recovery phrase offline.
Ledger devices are designed to resist attacks, but personal vigilance completes the defense. Treat your recovery phrase as the ultimate key to your assets.
Advanced: Exploring Web3 with Ledger Live
The Discover tab within Ledger Live opens access to decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and Web3 apps while keeping hardware-based security intact. You can connect to DApps, stake assets, and explore NFT marketplaces safely through verified integrations.
- Use Ledger’s “Connect Wallet” option for DApp authentication.
- All approvals require on-device confirmation.
- Explore DeFi lending, liquidity pools, and yield farming securely.
Conclusion
Ledger Live offers a complete and secure solution for managing your digital assets. From portfolio tracking and staking to Web3 access and privacy control, it simplifies the complex crypto landscape without compromising your security.
By combining Ledger Live with a hardware wallet, you maintain true self-custody—owning and protecting your private keys at all times. Whether you’re holding long-term or trading actively, Ledger Live provides the trust, transparency, and control every crypto investor deserves.
Get Ledger Live Now