What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live (recently referred to in marketing as Ledger Wallet app in some pages) is the official desktop and mobile application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, secure interface to manage cryptocurrency accounts while your private keys remain stored on the Ledger device itself. Ledger Live connects to on-device confirmations so sensitive operations require physical approval on your Ledger device, dramatically reducing remote attack risk.
Key features at a glance
- Account management: Add and manage accounts for many blockchains from one place.
- Buy & Swap: Compare integrated partners to buy or swap tokens without exposing private keys.
- Stake & Earn: Stake supported assets directly via Ledger Live to earn network rewards.
- App & Firmware updates: Apply device firmware updates and install blockchain apps safely through Ledger Live.
- Portfolio tracking: See real-time balances and historical performance in a single dashboard.
Why Ledger Live + a Ledger device is safer
Ledger devices store private keys inside a Secure Element chip. Ledger Live intentionally stores only account metadata and displays information; transaction signing happens on the device and must be confirmed by pressing physical buttons. This architecture prevents attackers on your computer or phone from extracting keys or silently signing transactions. Because of persistent phishing risks, always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site and verify certificates.
Quick start checklist
- Download Ledger Live from the official site (
https://ledger.com/download) or the official app stores. - Initialize your Ledger device or restore with your recovery phrase if prompted — never share the phrase.
- Open Ledger Live, pair your device, and add accounts for the assets you want to manage.
- Use built-in buy/swap/stake partners as needed; always review the transaction on your device screen before approving.
Security reminders
Ledger will never ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. Beware of fake Ledger or Ledger Live downloads circulating online. Criminal campaigns have distributed counterfeit apps that attempt to steal seed phrases — always verify URLs, signatures, and download only from ledger.com or official app stores. If in doubt, consult Ledger’s official support pages for verification steps.
Who should use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is ideal for anyone who wants self-custody of crypto with strong hardware-rooted security: casual holders who want a simple UI to track balances and professional users who need firmware management, multi-account support, and integration with DeFi or staking partners through Ledger Live integrations.
More advanced options
Developers and partners can integrate with Ledger Live to bring blockchain support or services into the app ecosystem. Ledger offers developer docs and integration guides for teams wanting to be supported inside Ledger Live.