What Ledger Live does

Ledger Live is the official local application that acts as the interface between you and your Ledger hardware wallet. Its core responsibility is to present account information, prepare transactions, and coordinate signing requests with the Ledger device. Crucially, Ledger Live never has access to your private keys: signing occurs inside the hardware wallet, and only signed payloads are returned for broadcast to the network.

Beyond sending and receiving, Ledger Live supports portfolio overviews, staking and rewards for supported coins, swaps via integrated partners, and exportable transaction history for accounting or tax tools. It serves both beginners and power users by offering guided flows and advanced options.

Download & install

Always download Ledger Live from the official domain. Choose the appropriate installer for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) or the official mobile apps from the platform stores. Prefer the desktop app for better privacy control and richer feature support.

  1. Visit the official download page and select your OS.
  2. Verify the download link and checksum if you require extra assurance.
  3. Install and open Ledger Live, then follow the guided onboarding.
Tip: keep Ledger Live updated. Updates may include important security fixes and support for new assets.

Setting up & connecting your Ledger device

Ledger Live pairs with your Ledger hardware (e.g., Ledger Nano series) to finish initialization or to manage an existing wallet. The app will detect your device when it’s plugged in and unlocked.

  1. Connect your Ledger to the host via USB (or Bluetooth where supported for mobile models).
  2. Use Ledger Live to initialize (create new) or recover (enter seed) — follow on-device prompts carefully.
  3. Only accept firmware updates delivered through Ledger Live and verify device confirmations during updates.
If any step asks you to enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any website, stop. Your recovery phrase must remain offline and never entered into a host device.

Common workflows in Ledger Live

Add accounts

Ledger Live lets you add accounts for supported blockchains. Each account displays balances, transaction history, and address discovery. Account derivation is handled by the device and Ledger Live according to established standards (BIP32/BIP44/BIP49/BIP84 etc.).

Send & receive

When sending, Ledger Live builds the unsigned transaction and requests a signature from your Ledger device. The device shows the destination address and amount — always verify these details on the device screen before approving.

Staking & rewards

Supported assets can be staked through Ledger Live to earn rewards. Review terms, lock-up periods, and any third-party fees before delegating tokens.

Swap & buy

Ledger Live integrates partners for swapping and buying tokens. These are third-party services; Ledger Live facilitates the UX but does not custody intermediary funds. Confirm counterparties, fees, and rates before proceeding.

Security model & best practices

The security guarantee of Ledger Live depends on the Ledger hardware: private keys stay in the Secure Element and signing requires a physical button press. That prevents remote malware from extracting keys, but you must still practice safe operational hygiene.

Best practices

  • Keep your recovery phrase offline — never photograph or store it digitally.
  • Verify addresses on-device before approving transactions.
  • Use a PIN and consider a passphrase for additional security (advanced users).
  • Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date and download software only from the official site.
  • For large sums consider multisig, multiple devices, or institutional custody solutions.

Advanced features & integrations

Ledger Live supports advanced operations such as multiple account management, custom derivation paths (through advanced options), raw transaction inspection for developers, and air-gapped signing workflows for maximum isolation. Third-party wallets and dApps can integrate with Ledger via secure signing APIs, enabling DeFi interactions while leaving keys protected by the device.

Developers and power users should review documentation and test integrations in a non-production environment before authorizing significant transfers.

FAQ & troubleshooting

What if Ledger Live doesn't see my device?
Check cable and USB port, ensure device is unlocked, confirm you allowed any host permissions, and update Ledger Live to the latest version.
Can I use Ledger Live with multiple devices?
Yes — Ledger Live supports multiple devices. Each device's keys remain isolated and you can manage accounts across devices within the app.
Is Ledger Live open source?
Ledger maintains repositories and documentation for many components; consult official sources for the current open-source status and code reviews.