Unified Portfolio
View balances across multiple coins and networks from a single screen. Ledger Live aggregates accounts, recent activity, and market movement to help you understand your overall position at a glance.
What is Ledger Live?
The Ledger Live App in a nutshell
Ledger Live is a companion application for Ledger hardware wallets that helps you manage, send, receive, and grow your digital assets from one secure interface. It brings portfolio tracking, account synchronization, staking, and third‑party integrations into a unified dashboard designed around safety and clarity.
This page is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with Ledger SAS. Always verify downloads with official sources.
Send & Receive with Confidence
Generate verified addresses, review transaction details on your hardware wallet, and broadcast with clear network fee options. Built‑in checks help reduce common mistakes before your funds are sent.
Staking & Rewards
Stake supported assets through integrated partners and monitor rewards from the same dashboard. The app explains lock‑ups, validator selection, and how to claim or restake earnings.
Account Discovery
Import and synchronize existing accounts in seconds. Ledger Live scans derivation paths for compatible networks so you can restore a portfolio without exposing your recovery phrase.
Buy, Swap & Bridge (via partners)
Access on‑ramp, swap, and bridging services that integrate natively. You choose providers and compare quotes while keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device.
Notifications & Insights
Optional alerts highlight incoming funds, app updates, and security advisories. Portfolio insights surface gas spikes, dormant accounts, and historical performance trends.
Quick Start
Install & connect in five steps
- Verify the source. Only download Ledger Live from the official website or your OS app store. Avoid links from emails, ads, or social posts. Check the domain and certificate.
- Install the desktop or mobile app. Desktop supports Windows, macOS, and Linux; mobile is available for iOS and Android.
- Update your Ledger device. Using the Manager tab, apply the latest firmware and install network apps for the coins you plan to manage.
- Add accounts. Connect your device, unlock it, and add accounts per network. Ledger Live will detect existing balances and sync your history.
- Test a small transfer. Before moving large amounts, send a small transaction to ensure addresses, networks, and fees are set correctly.
Tip: If you previously used another wallet, you can often import the same accounts by connecting your Ledger and selecting the relevant derivation path—no seed phrase typing required on your computer.
Best Practices
Safe setup checklist
- Write down your 24‑word recovery phrase on paper and store it in separate, secure locations. Never type it into a website or app.
- Confirm addresses on the device screen every time. If the address on your computer and device differ, cancel the transaction.
- Lock your computer and phone with strong passcodes and keep OS security updates current.
- Enable a password lock for the Ledger Live app and consider disabling screenshots on mobile.
- Bookmark the official support site for updates and incident reports. When in doubt, verify first.
Security Model
How Ledger Live protects your assets
The Ledger Live app never sees your private keys—those remain secured inside the Ledger hardware wallet’s secure element. Transactions prepared in the app are presented to the device to review and approve. Only after you physically confirm on the device are signed transactions released to the network. This split model means malware on your computer is far less likely to authorize transfers without your knowledge.
For added peace of mind, the app verifies application signatures, checks device firmware compatibility, and offers clear warnings for risky actions like blind signing or unknown networks.
Threats & Defenses
Common risks to watch for
- Phishing & fake apps: Always verify the download source. Mismatched domains, typos, or requests for your seed phrase are red flags.
- Clipboard hijacking: Double‑check the address on your Ledger device, not just on your computer screen.
- Network confusion: Ensure you select the correct chain (e.g., native vs. wrapped assets, mainnet vs. testnet) before sending.
- Blind signing: Only enable advanced features if you fully understand the contract you are interacting with.
- Loss or damage: Keep redundant, offline copies of your recovery phrase. Consider a passphrase if you understand the implications.
Troubleshooting
Fix issues fast
- If the app can’t find your device, try a different USB cable/port, unlock the device, and ensure the correct coin app is open.
- For sync or balance delays, refresh accounts or clear cache in settings and resync. Network congestion can also impact confirmation times.
- After a firmware update, re‑install missing coin apps in the Manager; your accounts remain intact on‑chain.
- On mobile, ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted and background restrictions aren’t blocking the connection.
- For persistent errors, export logs (redacting personal info) before contacting official support.
Who it’s for
Is Ledger Live right for you?
If you hold digital assets long term and want hardware‑backed security with a simple interface, Ledger Live fits well. Power users benefit from hardware confirmations while gaining access to partners for swaps and staking. Developers and DeFi explorers may prefer connecting their Ledger device directly to advanced tools while keeping Live for portfolio and account management.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ledger Live hold my crypto?
No. Ledger Live is an interface for viewing and managing assets that live on their respective blockchains. Your private keys never leave your Ledger device.
Is the mobile app as secure as desktop?
Security centers on your hardware wallet. Whether you use desktop or mobile, transactions must still be approved on the device. Protect your phone with a strong lock and keep the OS updated.
What happens if I lose my Ledger?
You can restore access to funds on a new compatible hardware wallet using your recovery phrase. Keep that phrase offline and private; anyone with it can control your assets.
Can I manage NFTs?
Yes, for supported networks. You can view, receive, and send many NFTs; deeper marketplace actions may require connecting your Ledger to partner apps.
How do updates work?
Ledger Live notifies you when new versions are available. Update the app and, if prompted, your device firmware. Read the release notes and ensure your recovery phrase is safely stored before updating firmware.
Take Action
Next steps
1) Verify the authentic download source. 2) Install on desktop or mobile. 3) Update your Ledger device and add the networks you need. 4) Test a small transaction. 5) Bookmark official support. With these steps, you’ll have a secure, streamlined setup that’s easy to maintain over time.
Reminder
Independence & disclaimer
This is an independent, educational page about the Ledger Live app. It does not collect personal data, ask for seed phrases, or claim to be the official provider. Always cross‑check instructions with the official Ledger documentation before acting.