Ledger Live is the official management software for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to help you securely manage all your cryptocurrency assets. The app allows you to view your portfolio in real-time, send and receive funds, install blockchain apps, and update your device firmware, all while keeping your private keys securely on your Ledger device.
Ledger Live is available for desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as mobile platforms like iOS and Android. The app provides a user-friendly interface to manage multiple assets and supports advanced features such as staking, buying, selling, and exchanging crypto directly from the app.
Security is the core principle of Ledger Live. All critical operations, such as transaction signing, occur on the Ledger device, ensuring that private keys never leave the hardware wallet. Ledger Live only facilitates the interaction between the blockchain and your secure device, giving you full control over your assets.
Downloading Ledger Live correctly is critical to ensure your security. Always download the app from verified and trusted sources. Avoid third-party websites or links that could host tampered versions of the software. Ledger Live provides installers for multiple platforms, and choosing the correct version for your operating system is important to ensure compatibility and stability.
Ledger Live supports:
After downloading, carefully follow installation instructions and verify that the application launches correctly. Ledger Live will guide you through device connection, initialization, and account setup on first run.
Connecting and initializing your Ledger device is a crucial step in securing your assets. When first connected, the device will prompt you to set up a secure PIN code. This PIN protects your device from unauthorized access in case it is lost or stolen. Choose a PIN that is memorable yet difficult for others to guess.
Next, your device will generate a recovery phrase, typically 24 words. This recovery phrase is essential to recover your wallet if the device is lost or damaged. Write the words carefully on the provided recovery card, keeping them offline and away from digital devices. Never share your recovery phrase or store it digitally.
Once the PIN and recovery phrase are set, you can proceed to install apps for different blockchains. Ledger Live will display a list of available apps and guide you through installation.
Firmware updates ensure that your Ledger device has the latest security features and bug fixes. Ledger Live checks for firmware updates automatically and notifies you when a new version is available. Always apply updates through Ledger Live and confirm the update directly on the device. Never attempt to update firmware through unofficial methods or third-party tools.
Each update is cryptographically signed and verified by the device before installation. This ensures that only authentic and safe firmware is applied. Firmware updates may also bring new features or support for additional cryptocurrencies.
Ledger Live allows you to add multiple accounts for different cryptocurrencies. Each account represents a unique address derived from your Ledger device’s seed. You can label accounts, view balances, monitor transaction history, and manage multiple wallets seamlessly.
Adding accounts is straightforward: select the desired cryptocurrency, follow the on-screen instructions, and verify account addresses on your device. This ensures that all addresses are valid and controlled by your device, mitigating the risk of malware altering addresses.
Ledger Live ensures that sending and receiving crypto is both easy and secure. When receiving funds, generate a receiving address in the app and verify it on your Ledger device. Share only the verified address to prevent fraud or theft.
When sending crypto, Ledger Live will prepare the transaction details and prompt you to confirm the transaction on your device. Always verify the recipient address, amount, and fees directly on the device screen. Host malware cannot alter the transaction once it is confirmed on the Ledger device.
Performing a small test transaction for a new recipient is recommended to ensure everything functions correctly before sending large amounts.
Ledger Live allows you to stake supported cryptocurrencies directly from the app. Staking helps you earn rewards while keeping your assets secure on the Ledger device. Follow the on-screen instructions to delegate or stake your tokens.
Ledger Live supports buying and exchanging certain cryptocurrencies directly within the app. All transactions are securely signed by your device, ensuring your private keys remain safe. Use these features to diversify your portfolio while maintaining control over your funds.
For advanced users, Ledger devices support adding a passphrase to create hidden wallets. Passphrases provide extra security and plausible deniability. Remember that losing a passphrase means the hidden wallet is inaccessible. Store passphrases securely and separately from your recovery phrase.
No, Ledger Live is a non-custodial app. Private keys remain on your Ledger device and are never exposed to your computer or the internet.
Yes, using your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on another Ledger device or compatible hardware wallet. Always verify compatibility before restoring on a different device.
If your Ledger device is lost, you can restore your wallet on a new device using your recovery phrase. Do not share your recovery phrase with anyone, and consider moving funds to a new wallet if you suspect compromise.
Always ensure you download Ledger Live from the official source. Do not click on unsolicited links, and never provide your recovery phrase to anyone claiming to be support.