Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Management

Ledger Live is the official application for Ledger hardware wallets. Manage apps, install accounts, send & receive crypto, update firmware, stake and monitor your portfolio — all while your private keys remain on your device.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the companion application that connects to your Ledger device (e.g., Nano S Plus, Nano X) and provides a secure interface for managing cryptocurrencies. It is available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (Android, iOS) and never exposes your private keys — they always stay on the hardware.

Key features

Portfolio management

View real-time balances, track asset performance, and see transaction history across all your accounts in one dashboard.

Account management

Add multiple accounts per blockchain. Accounts are derived from your secure seed and require device confirmation for any changes.

Secure transactions

Transactions are prepared in Ledger Live but must be confirmed on your Ledger device. This prevents malware or phishing attacks from altering addresses or amounts.

App installation

Install and update blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device via Ledger Live. Available storage depends on your device model.

Buy, swap, stake

Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners to let you buy, sell, swap tokens and stake supported assets — all with on-device confirmations.

Firmware updates

Ledger Live guides you through official firmware updates which improve security and add features. Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.

Desktop vs Mobile

Desktop — Recommended for initial setup and offers the most features. Connect via USB.
Mobile — Convenient for on-the-go management and pairs with devices like Nano X via Bluetooth. Supports portfolio tracking, sending/receiving and swapping where available.

Why Ledger Live is secure

  • Private keys never leave the device: all signing is done on the Ledger hardware.
  • On-device confirmation: every transaction must be approved on the device screen.
  • Official source: always download Ledger Live from the manufacturer's website to avoid fake builds.
  • End-to-end model: Ledger hardware + Ledger Live reduce the risk of interacting from compromised environments.

Common uses

  • Check portfolio and asset prices
  • Send and receive crypto with on-device verification
  • Install or remove blockchain apps
  • Stake assets and manage rewards
  • Swap tokens and manage NFTs on supported chains

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected: use the original USB cable, try another port, update Ledger Live, and avoid USB hubs.
  • Firmware update stuck: keep the device connected, use a stable USB connection, and retry the update.
  • App storage full: uninstall unused apps (funds remain secure) and reinstall apps when needed.