What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is an application that connects to Ledger hardware devices such as the Ledger Nano S and Nano X. It enables you to manage more than 5,000 cryptocurrencies, check balances, and sign transactions using the private keys that never leave your hardware device. Ledger Live focuses on making advanced cryptographic security accessible to everyday users.
Key features
Account management
Create and manage multiple accounts for the same coin, organize your portfolio, and view transaction history with an intuitive interface. Accounts are indexed locally and synced to the Ledger device for safe transaction signing.
Secure transactions
When sending crypto, transaction data is prepared in the app but is signed on the connected Ledger device. Signing requires physical confirmation on the device — a critical defense against remote attackers.
Portfolio and analytics
Track your portfolio across multiple accounts, view asset allocation, recent performance, and export transaction history for tax reporting. Ledger Live provides simple visualizations and breakdowns to understand holdings at a glance.
App catalog & staking
Manage native and third-party apps through Ledger Live. Some supported assets also offer staking and delegation directly from the app, allowing users to earn rewards while maintaining custody of private keys.
Security model — why private keys stay safe
Ledger Live never stores or exposes your private keys. Instead, it communicates unsigned transactions to your Ledger device; the device signs them in a secured chip and returns only the signature. Ledger hardware uses a Secure Element to isolate private materials and requires physical confirmation to approve sensitive actions. Additional protections include PIN codes, recovery phrase handling best practices, and optional passphrase support.
Getting started
- Download Ledger Live for desktop or mobile from the official Ledger website.
- Initialize your Ledger device and write down the recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet — never store it digitally.
- Install blockchain apps for the coins you plan to manage using Ledger Live.
- Create accounts in Ledger Live and receive funds or migrate existing wallets by receiving transactions to your new addresses.
Tip: Always verify the website URL and checksum before downloading software. Keep firmware up to date through Ledger Live itself.
Common use-cases
Ledger Live suits everyone from first-time holders who want a safe place to store a few coins to power users managing multiple accounts and diverse assets. It is also popular with stakers, long-term holders, and institutions that need an easy-to-use interface layered on top of hardware-level security.
Privacy & limitations
Ledger Live collects limited telemetry to improve the product, but most account-level data is computed locally. Users who value additional privacy should avoid reusing addresses, consider using their own Full Node for extra privacy, and review Ledger's privacy settings within the app.