Ledger Live

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion application built by Ledger to help users safely manage their digital assets while keeping private keys offline. It acts as a secure interface between your Ledger hardware wallet (such as Nano S, Nano X, Stax, or Flex) and the blockchain ecosystem.

With Ledger Live, you can view portfolio balances, send and receive crypto, stake assets, swap between tokens, explore dApps, manage NFTs, and more — all while your private keys remain securely stored in your Ledger device. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

The app is available for desktop platforms (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android), giving you flexibility to manage your crypto anywhere. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

Key Features

• Portfolio Dashboard & Analytics
  Monitor real‑time balances, performance charts, historical trends, and breakdowns by coin or asset. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
• Send & Receive Crypto
  Easily send or receive assets, generate addresses, and confirm each transaction on your Ledger device for security. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
• Buy, Sell & Swap
  Use partnered providers to buy crypto via fiat or swap between tokens directly in the app, without exposing your private keys. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
• Staking & Earn
  Delegate proof-of-stake assets (e.g. Tezos, Polkadot, Cosmos, Ethereum, etc.), review validators, compare rewards, and claim earnings all from within the app. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
• NFT & Web3 Integration
  View, send, or receive NFTs (on supported chains) and access decentralized apps (dApps) through the Discover (Live Apps) section. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
• App Manager
  Install or remove blockchain apps for your hardware device, update firmware, and manage storage space. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}

Security & Trust

Security is central to Ledger Live’s design. Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet; all critical actions (signing transactions, staking, app installation) require physical confirmation on the device itself. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}

Ledger uses a Secure Element and cryptographic firmware signing to protect against tampering. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}

The Discover / Live Apps section helps you safely interact with Web3 applications. These are curated or vetted so that they can connect to your Ledger device only in a controlled, secure manner. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}

However, users should stay cautious: malicious actors sometimes distribute fake versions of the Ledger Live app to phish seed phrases. Always download from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) and verify signatures. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}

How to Get Started

Follow these steps to set up and begin using Ledger Live:

1. Download the Ledger Live app from the official Ledger site or trusted source.
2. Install and launch the app on your desktop or mobile device.
3. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet via USB or Bluetooth (where supported).
4. Initialize your device: set a PIN, write down your 24‑word recovery phrase.
5. Within Ledger Live, go to “Manager” and install blockchain apps you need (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum).
6. Add accounts and synchronize them to the app so balances and transaction history appear.
7. You can now send, receive, buy, swap, stake, and interact with Web3 from Ledger Live.

Note: Ledger Live itself never asks for your 24‑word seed phrase. If any interface prompts you, it’s a scam. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Ledger Live free to use?
Yes — downloading and using Ledger Live is free. You only pay blockchain network fees or third‑party service fees (for buy, swap, etc.). :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}

Which platforms does it support?
Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}

Can I use Ledger Live without a hardware wallet?
No. Ledger Live is designed to interface with Ledger hardware wallets; it assumes your private keys stay on the device. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}

Which cryptos are supported?
Ledger Live supports thousands of coins and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and many ERC‑20 / BEP‑20 tokens. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}

What are Live Apps / Discover?
The Discover section in Ledger Live offers access to curated dApps (Live Apps) that can interact with your Ledger. These apps are vetted and connected securely via the Ledger Services Kit or dApp browser. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}

What if Ledger Live crashes or freezes?
Back up your account and seed, share logs with support, and reinstall from official source. Ledger regularly updates the app. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}