Ledger Live App® — Official Ledger Mobile & Desktop Application

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single interface to manage cryptocurrency accounts, check portfolio balances, receive and send assets, install app packages on the Ledger device, and interact with supported third-party services. Ledger Live acts as the user-facing control center while the Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X) remains the secure element that stores private keys and performs cryptographic signing.

Key concept: Ledger Live manages accounts and constructs transactions, but private keys never leave the Ledger device. All sensitive operations require physical confirmation on the hardware.

Supported platforms and installation

Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux (desktop) and for iOS and Android (mobile). Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or the official app store listings to avoid counterfeit or malicious builds.

1. Visit the official Ledger site and navigate to the Ledger Live download section.
2. Choose your platform (macOS/Windows/Linux) or install from the App Store / Google Play on mobile.
3. Install and launch Ledger Live; follow the onboarding steps to connect your Ledger device or create a new wallet.

Tip: On desktop, Ledger Live may request permission to install accompanying drivers or helper services — follow official prompts and avoid unauthorized third-party drivers.

Core features

• Portfolio view: Aggregated balances across supported accounts with fiat valuations.
• Account management: Add multiple accounts per supported coin, view transaction history, and manage addresses.
• Send & receive: Create transactions in Ledger Live and confirm details on your Ledger device before signing.
• App catalog: Install or remove blockchain-specific apps on the Ledger hardware (Ledger Live manages device storage usage).
• Manager & firmware updates: Update device firmware, install apps, and verify signed firmware through the app.
• Swap & Buy: Integrations with third-party on-ramps and swap providers to buy or exchange crypto (third-party fees apply).
• Staking & earn: Supported staking options for eligible assets via integrated partners (availability depends on region and provider).
• Third-party integrations: Links to dapps and Web3 providers that can connect while keeping the Ledger device as the signing authority.

Security model — what Ledger Live does and doesn’t do

Ledger Live is a management interface, not a custody layer. The security guarantee depends on the Ledger hardware device’s secure element (SE) and the user’s operational security:

• Private keys on device: Keys are generated and stored inside the Ledger device’s secure element; they never leave the hardware.
• On-device confirmation: Every transaction must be reviewed and confirmed on the Ledger device’s physical buttons or touchscreen (depending on model).
• Recovery phrase: The recovery seed (24 words) is the ultimate backup. Store it offline and never enter it into software or share it.
• Official updates: Firmware and app installs should only be done via Ledger Live to ensure signatures and authenticity.

Ledger Live communicates with the device and network, but cannot sign transactions without your device's confirmation. Still, host security matters: a compromised computer can attempt social engineering — always verify details on-device.

Supported assets and integrations

Ledger Live supports a large collection of cryptocurrencies natively and connects to third-party wallets and dapps for additional tokens or advanced features. Supported assets include major blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, XRP, Cardano, Polkadot, Solana, and many more) and thousands of tokens via integrations. Check the official asset compatibility matrix for the most current list before transferring new or obscure tokens.

Fees and costs

Ledger Live itself does not charge custody fees. Costs fall into these categories:

• Hardware cost: Purchase price for Ledger devices (one-time).
• Network fees: Miner/validator fees paid to the blockchain when sending transactions; Ledger Live provides fee estimators and sometimes advanced fee control.
• Third-party fees: Swap, buy, and staking providers integrated into Ledger Live may charge service fees or spread — those are disclosed by the providers.

Consider the hardware purchase an insurance-like cost compared with the potential loss from compromised software wallets.

Typical workflows — step by step

Initial setup (new device)

1. Open Ledger Live and select "Set up as new device".
2. Follow device prompts to create a PIN and generate the recovery phrase (24 words).
3. Write the recovery phrase on the provided card — keep it offline and secure.
4. Back in Ledger Live, add accounts for the blockchains you want to manage.

Receiving funds

1. Select the account and click "Receive".
2. Verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the address displayed on your Ledger device.
3. Share the verified address with the sender.

Sending funds

1. Create a transaction in Ledger Live and enter recipient and amount.
2. Review fee options and select your preference.
3. Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device physically; only then will the transaction be signed and broadcast.

Staking, Swap, and Buy features

Ledger Live integrates with service providers to let users swap between assets, buy crypto with fiat, or stake eligible assets. These features are convenient but are provided by third parties — compare fees and trust models. For staking, Ledger typically supports validator selection through integrated partners while keeping the private key offline.

Always review which third-party provider you are using and understand any lockups, minimums, or withdrawal limitations before staking or buying.

Troubleshooting common issues

Security best practices

• Buy hardware only from official Ledger stores or authorized resellers.
• Write down and store your recovery phrase offline in multiple secure locations; never photograph it or upload it to cloud services.
• Only update firmware and install apps through Ledger Live.
• Verify addresses on the Ledger device screen before approving sends.
• Use a dedicated machine for large-value transactions if practical and consider multisig for enterprise or high-value custody.
• Beware of phishing sites and only use official ledger[.]com URLs; type URLs or use bookmarks rather than clicking links from emails or social media.

Alternatives and ecosystem

Ledger Live fits within a broader ecosystem of hardware wallets and wallet management apps. Alternatives include other hardware wallets (Trezor, Coldcard) and third-party wallet software (Electrum, MetaMask, Exodus) which may integrate with Ledger devices. Choice depends on priorities: open-source preferences, supported assets, advanced workflows (PSBT, multisig), or mobile-first convenience.