Overview
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile companion application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It gives users a single place to manage multiple cryptocurrency accounts, check balances in real time, send and receive coins, install apps on their device, and stake supported assets. Ledger Live separates the private key material — stored on the physical Ledger device — from the host computer and phone, reducing exposure to online threats while keeping the experience user-friendly.
Key Features
Create and organize accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of supported tokens. Ledger Live synchronizes balances and transaction history while the private keys remain offline on your device.
Initiate sends from the app and verify each transaction on your hardware device. Receiving addresses can be checked on-device for extra protection against host-based malware.
Track portfolio value, asset allocation, and historical performance. Use the in-app portfolio view to get a clear snapshot of holdings across multiple blockchains.
Install blockchain-specific apps to your Ledger device and keep firmware up to date — all through Ledger Live. Updates are signed and require device confirmation.
Stake supported coins directly through the interface (where supported) to earn rewards without exposing private keys. The app explains each staking option and its conditions.
How It Works (At a Glance)
Ledger Live acts as a user interface and a transaction builder. Private keys never leave the hardware wallet: when you send crypto, the transaction is built in Ledger Live, sent to the device to be signed securely inside the hardware, and only the signed transaction is broadcast from the host. This “air-gapped key material” model reduces risk compared to software-only wallets.
Security & Best Practices
Security is the core idea behind Ledger Live when paired with a Ledger device. Key recommendations:
- Keep your recovery phrase offline: Never store your 24-word phrase digitally or photograph it. Write it down and store it in a safe place.
- Verify addresses on-device: Confirm the recipient address on the Ledger display to protect against host-level malware.
- Use strong PINs and passphrases: Choose a secure device PIN. Advanced users can use a passphrase for an extra hidden wallet layer.
- Update firmware from official sources: Only update via Ledger Live and verify release notes in-app.
Getting Started
1. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website for desktop or mobile.
2. Initialize your Ledger device and write down the recovery phrase exactly as shown.
3. Open Ledger Live, follow the setup wizard, add accounts for the blockchains you use, and install required apps via the Manager.
Troubleshooting & Tips
If Ledger Live cannot find your device, try switching USB cables, enabling USB permissions, or testing on another computer. For mobile Bluetooth issues, ensure the Ledger device supports Bluetooth and that you’ve paired it through Ledger Live mobile. Always check Ledger’s official support resources for the latest troubleshooting steps.
/* Quick example: check device connection */
1. Connect Ledger via USB (or Bluetooth where supported)
2. Unlock device with PIN
3. Open the corresponding app on the device (e.g., Ethereum)
4. Ledger Live should detect and show accounts