About Ledger Live
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application designed to pair with Ledger hardware devices to give users a streamlined, secure interface for managing cryptocurrencies. With Ledger Live you can view portfolio balances, send and receive assets, install and update apps on your Ledger device, and connect to DeFi and NFT ecosystems — all while keeping private keys offline on a secure hardware element.
Whether you're new to crypto or managing a diversified portfolio, Ledger Live provides a single place to monitor holdings, check real-time prices, and sign transactions in a way that isolates private keys from networked devices. This separation strengthens security without sacrificing usability.
Key Features
Hardware-backed Security
Private keys remain on your Ledger device. Transactions require physical confirmation, preventing remote compromise and reducing attack surface.
Portfolio & Tracking
See aggregated balances, historical performance, and price charts across supported blockchains — ideal for portfolio management and tax reporting.
Token & App Management
Install the specific cryptocurrency apps you need on your Ledger device and manage tokens across hundreds of supported chains and assets.
DeFi & DApp Connectivity
Use Ledger Live alongside web3 browsers and integrations to interact with DeFi protocols, sign smart contract calls, and manage NFTs with hardware-backed approvals.
How Security Works
The cornerstone of Ledger Live's security model is the hardware device (Ledger Nano family), which stores private keys in a secure element and requires physical confirmation for transaction signatures. Ledger Live acts as a companion app: it builds unsigned transactions, displays essential details, and sends the transaction to the Ledger device for validation. The device shows the recipient, amount, and fee so you can verify that what you approve on-device is exactly what will be broadcast.
Combined with a seed phrase backup stored offline and best practices like firmware updates and official app downloads, Ledger Live plus a Ledger device is one of the most robust consumer-grade solutions for managing crypto custody.
Getting Started
1) Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your desktop or mobile device. 2) Initialize your Ledger hardware device by following the on-screen setup steps in Ledger Live. 3) Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you wish to manage. 4) Add accounts in Ledger Live and begin sending, receiving, and tracking your crypto.
Always verify downloads from the official source, confirm firmware authenticity on-device, and keep your recovery phrase private and offline. Ledger Live offers built-in checks and guidance to help you avoid common pitfalls.
Why Choose Ledger Live
Ledger Live combines high security with accessibility: you get the protection of hardware custody with the convenience of a polished user interface. For individuals and institutions that require custody controls yet still want to transact and interact with decentralized services, Ledger Live is a practical solution that balances safety and functionality.
The Ledger/Live/Wallet experience is designed so that onboarding is approachable while maintaining rigorous security standards. If security-first custody is your priority, Ledger Live paired with a Ledger device is a leading option.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 1) What is Ledger Live and do I need a Ledger device to use it?
- Ledger Live is a companion application for Ledger hardware devices that allows you to manage crypto accounts, track portfolio performance, and sign transactions. To securely sign transactions and keep private keys offline you should use Ledger Live together with a Ledger hardware device.
- 2) Can I use Ledger Live on multiple devices?
- Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on desktop and mobile devices. Your accounts are restored through your recovery phrase on any Ledger device. Always keep your recovery phrase secret and secure.
- 3) Does Ledger Live support DeFi and NFTs?
- Ledger Live supports many DeFi interactions through integrations and allows you to manage NFTs for supported chains. For advanced DeFi flows, Ledger devices provide secure signing while interaction typically occurs through connected web3 interfaces or Ledger Live integrations.
- 4) How does Ledger Live protect my assets from hacks?
- Ledger Live keeps private keys off internet-connected devices by requiring transaction signing on the Ledger hardware. This physical confirmation step and secure element storage dramatically reduce the risk of remote theft.
- 5) Where can I download Ledger Live safely?
- Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or authorized app stores. Verify the site URL and checksums when available. Avoid third-party downloads to prevent tampered installers.