Ledger Live — Official Guide

Install, configure, and use Ledger Live to manage your Ledger hardware wallet — securely, confidently, and with full control over your crypto.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and other models). It acts as your central interface to create and manage accounts, check balances, send and receive cryptocurrencies, install and update device apps, and access market data. Critically, Ledger Live never exposes your private keys — transaction signing always happens on your Ledger device, ensuring that your keys remain isolated from online threats.

Why use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live combines usability with strong security guarantees. It provides a polished interface for everyday tasks while preserving hardware-level protections. You can manage multiple accounts across many blockchains, track portfolio performance, export transaction history for accounting, and interact with select third-party services that integrate with Ledger’s secure signing process.

Installation & Setup (Step-by-step)

  1. Download Ledger Live: Go to ledger.com/ledger-live and download the package for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) or install the mobile app from official app stores.
  2. Install & launch: Run the installer, follow system prompts, and open Ledger Live once installed.
  3. Connect your Ledger: Use the provided USB cable (or Bluetooth for Nano X) and connect your device. Unlock it using your device PIN.
  4. Initialize or restore: Choose to set up as a new device (create a PIN and write down your recovery phrase) or restore from an existing recovery phrase if you already have one.
  5. Add accounts: In Ledger Live, select Add account, pick the cryptocurrency, and follow the prompts. Ledger Live will synchronize your account and display balances and transaction history.

Core Features

  • Account Management: Add, label, and organize multiple accounts across different blockchains.
  • Portfolio Tracking: View real-time balances and aggregated portfolio value with historical charts.
  • Send & Receive: Generate receiving addresses, verify them on-device, and sign outgoing transactions on your Ledger.
  • App Management: Install and update blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device safely through Ledger Live.
  • Market Data & Swap: Access market prices, exchange tokens, and connect to integrated swap providers (availability varies by region).

Security Best Practices

Ledger Live is designed to work alongside your Ledger device’s hardware security, but user practices matter. Follow these essential tips:

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify links: ledger.com/ledger-live.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into Ledger Live, a website, or any digital device. Record it offline on the supplied recovery sheet or use a metal backup for durability.
  • Keep both Ledger Live and device firmware up to date — updates include security patches and compatibility improvements.
  • Confirm receiving addresses on your Ledger device screen before sharing them. This prevents malware from altering addresses displayed on your computer.
  • Use a PIN and consider the optional passphrase feature for advanced privacy and hidden wallets.

Using Ledger Live Mobile

Ledger Live mobile offers a compact experience to manage your accounts on the go. Pair your Ledger device via Bluetooth (Nano X) or use it in read-only mode for portfolio tracking. For transaction signing, the device itself is required to confirm actions when the device is connected.

Advanced Workflows

Power users can connect Ledger Live with third-party applications (for example, DeFi platforms or NFT marketplaces) while preserving hardware-level signing. Always ensure the third-party service supports Ledger integration, and double-check all transaction details on your device before confirming.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Ledger Live access my private keys?
A: No. Private keys remain on your Ledger device and never leave it. Ledger Live only acts as an interface and a conduit for signed transactions.

Q: Is it safe to use Ledger Live on public or shared computers?
A: Avoid using Ledger Live on untrusted devices. If necessary, use the device only for read-only tasks and avoid entering sensitive information on the computer.

Q: Do I need Ledger Live to use my Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live provides the most user-friendly way to manage accounts, but advanced users can use third-party wallets and CLI tools that support Ledger devices. Always confirm transactions on-device.