What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application designed to help individuals interact with their cryptocurrency assets while keeping private keys secured on a hardware device (Ledger hardware wallet). The app combines portfolio tracking, transaction management, and decentralized application (dApp) interaction with an emphasis on security and user control.
Key Features
Private keys never leave your Ledger device — transactions are signed on-device for maximum protection against remote attacks.
See balances across multiple coins and accounts, historical performance, and real-time price updates.
Create, review, and sign transactions with clear on-screen details before confirmation.
Support for staking certain PoS tokens directly through the app, letting users earn rewards while maintaining custody.
Access an ecosystem of apps and integrations for DeFi, NFTs, and more — with Ledger keeping the signing secure.
Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore access if a device is lost — the phrase is the only wallet backup you need.
Why security-first matters
Unlike custodial services, Ledger gives you full control of your private keys. While this brings greater responsibility, it also drastically reduces the risk of exchange hacks and third-party custody failures. Ledger Live is intentionally designed to minimize attack surface: sensitive operations require confirmation on the hardware device itself.
- Two-piece model: Ledger Live (software) + Ledger hardware (secure element).
- Transaction review: All important transaction details are visible on the hardware screen.
- Open integrations: Connect to trusted dApps without exposing private keys.
Getting started (quick)
- Buy a genuine Ledger hardware wallet from an official source and unbox it.
- Install Ledger Live on your computer or phone and follow onboarding steps.
- Create a new wallet or restore from a 24-word recovery phrase; write the recovery phrase down and keep it offline.
- Install cryptocurrency apps on your Ledger device via Ledger Live and add accounts.
- Test by receiving a small amount of crypto, then try sending once you're comfortable.
Practical tips & best practices
- Buy only from official retailers. Avoid used or tampered devices.
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live updated to benefit from security fixes and new features.
- Use a passphrase (optional advanced feature) for an additional layer of protection.
- Consider a hardware or physical safe for long-term storage of your recovery sheet.
FAQ
- Is Ledger Live a custodian?
- No — Ledger Live is a non-custodial interface. You control the private keys stored on your Ledger device.
- What if I lose my Ledger device?
- Use your recovery phrase to restore your accounts on a new compatible Ledger device or other supported wallet that accepts BIP39-compatible recovery phrases.
- Can I use Ledger Live for NFTs and dApps?
- Yes — Ledger Live supports certain NFT workflows and can connect to dApps through integrations, while keeping signing secure on-device.