What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application that acts as the user-friendly interface for hardware wallets produced by Ledger. It allows users to hold private keys offline on a Ledger device while using Ledger Live to view balances, send and receive cryptocurrency, stake supported tokens, install and manage apps on the device, and interact with supported decentralized applications.

Core features

Security-first design
Private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device. Transaction signing happens on the device for maximum safety.
Multi-asset support
Supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and tokens across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many others — including ERC-20, SPL and more.
Staking & earnings
Stake supported assets directly in the app to earn rewards while keeping custody of your private keys.
dApp & Web3 connectivity
Connect your Ledger to Web3 wallets and decentralized applications for secure on-chain interactions and NFT management.

Security & best practices

Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware devices so that keys are generated and stored offline. Here are recommended best practices:

Buy hardware from an official source
Purchase Ledger devices only from official channels or authorized resellers to reduce the risk of tampering.
Keep your recovery phrase offline
Record the 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card or a secure backup — never store it digitally or share it online.
Verify addresses on device
Always confirm the receiving address directly on your Ledger device screen before approving a transaction in Ledger Live.
Enable device passphrase & firmware updates
Keep device firmware updated and consider using an optional passphrase for an extra layer of protection.

Getting started (quick)

  1. Download Ledger Live on desktop or mobile from official sources.
  2. Set up your Ledger hardware device: create a PIN and write down the recovery phrase.
  3. Open Ledger Live, add an account for the cryptocurrency you want to manage, and install the required app on your device.
  4. Use the Receive, Send, and Swap features to move funds. For staking or dApp access, follow prompts in-app to connect securely.

Troubleshooting & tips

If your device isn't connecting: check USB/OTG cables, re-open Ledger Live, and ensure the device is unlocked. For update issues, follow official firmware update steps and never interrupt the device during updates. For support, Ledger provides documentation and a help center.

Who should use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is ideal for anyone who wants strong custody of their crypto — from hobbyists holding small portfolios to investors and builders interacting with DeFi. It strikes a balance between security and usability: novice users benefit from clear UI guidance while advanced users can access detailed features like custom fees and multiple accounts.

Privacy & design philosophy

The app minimizes data collection when possible; local device storage and encrypted backups are preferred. The design focuses on making security approachable — clear prompts, device confirmations, and contextual help appear throughout the interface so users never sign transactions blindly.

Short FAQ

Q: Can I recover my Ledger wallet on another device?
A: Yes — use your 24-word recovery phrase on a supported Ledger device or compatible BIP39-compliant wallet.

Q: Does Ledger Live custody my funds?
A: No. Ledger Live is an interface; custody remains with your hardware device (private keys offline) and your recovery phrase.

Q: Can I connect multiple Ledger devices?
A: Yes — Ledger Live supports multiple devices and multiple accounts for the same asset types.