Ledger Live is Ledger’s official application for managing cryptocurrency in combination with Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax and similar models). Available on desktop and mobile platforms, Ledger Live functions as the user interface and transactional gateway while the physical device remains the root of trust that holds and uses private keys. The core idea is simple: give users a modern, usable toolset for sending, receiving, staking and swapping assets while ensuring that signing always happens inside the secure hardware element.
This balance between convenience and security makes Ledger Live suitable for a wide range of users — from newcomers who need clear onboarding to advanced operators who require multisig, PSBT, and air-gapped signing workflows. In the sections that follow we’ll cover core features, step-by-step setup, security best practices, daily workflows, advanced options, troubleshooting, and final recommendations to operate Ledger Live safely and effectively.
Track multiple accounts across Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana and thousands of other tokens, view historic balances, and inspect transaction histories in a single dashboard.
Create transactions in the app and verify every critical detail on the Ledger device screen before signing to prevent address substitution and malware attacks.
Ledger devices require individual blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum). Ledger Live’s Manager installs and updates these securely.
Integrated partners allow fiat on-ramps and swaps while staking features enable non-custodial rewards for supported chains — all signing happens on-device.
Start by downloading Ledger Live from Ledger’s official website or the trusted app stores for mobile. Avoid third-party sites. Once downloaded, install the app and follow the onboarding wizard. You will be prompted to either set up a new Ledger device or restore from an existing seed. If you are setting up a new device, create the recovery phrase using the device itself, write the words down in order on the provided card (or a metal backup plate), and never store the seed digitally.
Ledger Live’s security model is built on a strict separation: the host app (desktop or mobile) provides the UI, networking, and optional third-party services; the Ledger hardware contains the secure element that stores private keys and performs signing. Because the private keys never leave the device, software-level compromises of the host do not automatically compromise funds. The device displays transaction details and requires explicit user confirmation (button press or touch) before any signature operation is performed.
For routine operations, Ledger Live provides a straightforward flow. When receiving funds, generate a receive address in Ledger Live and verify it on your Ledger device screen before sharing. For sending assets, enter the destination and amount in the app, then confirm the full transaction detail on the device. Ledger Live supports fee customization where applicable and will show estimated fees and confirmations. Always perform a small test send when using new services or counterparty addresses.
Advanced users can use Ledger Live in combination with PSBT tools for air-gapped signing and multisig setups. PSBT (Partially Signed Bitcoin Transaction) workflows enable offline signing, where an unsigned transaction is prepared on an online host, transferred to the offline signer for signatures, and then broadcast by the online host. Multisig setups allow multiple independent signers to co-manage funds, greatly reducing single-point-of-failure risk. Always test advanced setups with small funds before committing large balances.
Yes — the Ledger Live application itself is free to download and use. Network fees, swap or buy provider fees, and third-party service charges may apply.
Yes — as long as you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new compatible Ledger device or other compatible software wallets that support the same standards. Without the recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
Both are supported. Desktop often provides the most feature-complete experience for advanced workflows, while mobile offers convenience and notifications. Nano X supports Bluetooth for seamless mobile use; other models use wired connections or desktop-first flows.
Ledger Live App® combines a modern, user-friendly interface with a hardware-rooted security model that keeps private keys isolated and enforces human approval for all signing operations. When used correctly — official downloads, secure seed backups, on-device verification, firmware updates, and cautious testing — it provides a durable, flexible environment for managing crypto across many chains and use cases. Whether you are starting out with your first hardware wallet or building complex, multi-signer custody strategies, Ledger Live offers the tools and safeguards to keep your crypto securely under your control.