What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It gives you a consolidated view of your portfolio, lets you install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device, and manages account balances and transactions. Most importantly, Ledger Live is designed so that private keys never leave the Ledger hardware device: transaction signing happens on-device and only signed payloads are transmitted to the network.
In practice, that means Ledger Live is the visible, user-friendly layer you interact with, while the hardware wallet remains the root of trust. This separation makes Ledger Live suitable for everyday portfolio management without sacrificing custody security.
Install & Initial Setup
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger start page. Using the official source prevents counterfeit software that could compromise your security.
Quick install steps
- Open your browser and navigate to ledger.com/start.
- Download Ledger Live for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
- Install and open Ledger Live. Choose to set up a new device or connect an existing Ledger hardware wallet.
- Follow on-screen prompts to create a PIN, generate and record your recovery phrase, and install required coin apps via the Manager.
Do not type or store your recovery phrase on your computer or in the cloud. Ledger Live will never ask for your complete recovery phrase during normal operation.
Core Features
Ledger Live combines a number of features that make it useful both as a daily manager and a long-term custody companion.
Portfolio overview
A single dashboard aggregates balances across coins and tokens. The portfolio view helps you track performance over time, view historical charts, and export data for accounting or tax purposes.
Account management
Add accounts for supported coins, create multiple accounts per coin, and manage transaction history and addresses. Ledger Live discovers accounts derived from your recovery seed and displays them without ever exposing private keys.
Send & receive
Generate receive addresses and verify them on-device before sharing. Create and sign transactions in Ledger Live; confirm details on the Ledger device’s screen before authorizing. This on-device verification prevents malware from silently altering destinations or amounts.
App Manager
Install and uninstall blockchain apps on your Ledger device using the Manager. Each app allows the device to handle specific blockchain rules and signing formats. Uninstalling an app only frees space—the underlying accounts remain recoverable from your seed.
Staking & rewards
Ledger Live supports native staking for selected assets and integrates with vetted third-party providers for additional yield opportunities. Delegation and claiming rewards occur through Ledger Live while signatures are produced on your device.
Discover & integrations
The Discover section shows vetted third-party services—swaps, bridges, DeFi dashboards, and custodial integrations—that are compatible with Ledger devices. These integrations allow broader functionality while keeping signing on-device.
Export & reporting
Export transaction history and account data for auditing, taxes, or portfolio analysis. Ledger Live’s export tools make it easier to compile reports without exposing private keys.
Security Model & Best Practices
The Ledger security model relies on the hardware device as the root of trust and Ledger Live as a management interface. Respecting a few core practices preserves that security:
Key best practices
- Download only from official sources: ledger.com/start for Ledger Live and firmware updates.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline: write it on the supplied card or store it in a durable metal backup—do not photograph or digitalize it.
- Confirm everything on-device: always verify addresses, amounts, and fees on the physical Ledger screen before approving transactions.
- Use a strong PIN and consider passphrase: the PIN protects against casual physical access; a passphrase adds an optional hidden wallet feature but requires careful storage of the passphrase itself.
- Update firmware & app software: firmware and Ledger Live updates often patch vulnerabilities—apply them through official channels.
- Vet third-party services: when using Discover integrations, pick reputable, audited providers and start with small test amounts.
If you suspect your recovery phrase has been exposed, create a new seed on a new device and transfer funds immediately to addresses derived from the new seed. Do not reuse an exposed seed.
Staking & Earning
Ledger Live supports staking for a range of proof-of-stake (PoS) networks either natively or through partners. Native staking flows in Ledger Live let you delegate directly, while partner services enable additional yield or liquidity options.
What to check before staking
- Lockup/unbonding periods for the chosen chain.
- Validator reputation, fees, and decentralization metrics.
- Whether staking rewards are automatically compounded or require manual claiming.
Always perform a small test delegation first to confirm the workflow and timing for rewards and unbonding on a given chain.
Third-Party Integrations
Ledger Live works with a curated set of third-party providers to extend functionality—swaps, bridges, DeFi dashboards, custodial services, and lending/staking partners. Integrations show in the Discover tab and are selected for user safety and reliability.
Using integrations safely
- Only use services listed in Ledger Live’s Discover or on the official website.
- Review third-party privacy policies, audits, and community reputation.
- Confirm every transaction on-device and use small amounts when trying something new.
Troubleshooting — Common Issues & Fixes
Ledger Live can't detect device
Try a different USB cable, use another USB port, ensure the device is unlocked, and verify that the correct coin app is open on the device. If you’re on mobile, check OTG or Bluetooth permissions and compatibility.
Balances or transactions missing
Ledger Live synchronizes with blockchain data providers. Use the “Rescan” or “Sync” option in settings to refresh. Allow time for network propagation, especially for recent transactions.
Firmware update failure
Do not disconnect the device during a firmware update. If something goes wrong, follow the official recovery steps in Ledger Live or on the Ledger website. Contact official support if needed—never share your recovery phrase.
Lost PIN or recovery phrase
If you forget your PIN, reset the device and restore from your recovery phrase. If you lose your recovery phrase and lose device access, funds cannot be recovered—secure backups are essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ledger Live hold my crypto?
No. Ledger Live is an interface only; private keys remain on the Ledger hardware device. Ledger Live helps you manage accounts and prepares transactions that you sign on-device.
Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
Some read-only features may be available, but signing and broadcasting transactions requires a Ledger hardware wallet.
Is Ledger Live safe for DeFi?
Ledger Live provides hardware-backed signing, which reduces signing risk. However smart-contract and application-level risks remain—always vet contracts, use audited platforms, and confirm transaction data on-device.
Conclusion
Ledger Live provides a secure, polished environment for managing crypto portfolios while relying on Ledger hardware devices for custody and signing. It offers portfolio tracking, account management, staking, app control, and curated integrations — all designed so private keys never leave your device. By following security best practices—official downloads, offline seed storage, on-device verification, firmware updates, and cautious use of integrations—you can balance usability and strong custody for long-term crypto ownership.