Ledger® Live — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet App
Official Wallet App for Secure Crypto Management**
Ledger® Live is the central application in the Ledger ecosystem — the official desktop and mobile app that lets you securely manage, track, and grow your cryptocurrency and Web3 assets while keeping complete control over your private keys. It pairs with Ledger’s hardware wallets and acts as the face of your digital-asset management experience. Ledger
1. What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a unified crypto wallet application designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets such as the Nano S Plus, Nano X, Ledger Stax, and others. Its main purpose is to provide a secure, user-friendly interface to manage your digital assets with ease and confidence. Ledger
Key Functions
- 📊 Portfolio Overview: Monitor thousands of coins and tokens across accounts from a single dashboard. Ledger
- 💱 Buy, Sell & Swap Crypto: Find best rates and service providers to buy or sell assets directly within the app. Ledger
- 🔄 Swap Tokens: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another without leaving Ledger Live. Ledger
- 🌱 Stake Assets: Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies through partners. Ledger
- 🖼 NFT Management: View and manage NFTs (e.g., on Ethereum and Polygon). docs-ledger.teachable.com
- 🔐 Firmware & App Management: Install apps for individual blockchains on your hardware wallet and keep firmware up to date. Ledger
- 📱 Multi-Device Access: Use Ledger Live on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android). Ledger
Ledger Live never stores your private keys — those remain offline in your hardware device, giving you cold storage security even while interacting with live services. Ledger
2. Why Ledger Live Matters
Total Security Model
Unlike many online wallets or exchange wallets, Ledger Live works together with your Ledger hardware wallet so that private keys never touch the internet. Transactions and sensitive actions must be confirmed physically on the Ledger device — adding a critical layer of security. en-live-ledger-docs.teachable.com
All-In-One Management
Rather than using multiple apps or web services, Ledger Live consolidates:
- account balances across blockchains
- transaction histories
- exchange services (buy/sell)
- token swaps and staking
- DeFi access
- NFT viewing
All in one single platform. Ledger
Trusted by Millions
Ledger Live is the official app trusted by millions of crypto holders worldwide to secure and manage their assets. Ledger
3. Getting Started: Installation & Setup
A. Downloading Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website (ledger.com/ledger-live). This helps avoid fake, malicious apps being circulated online. Ledger
Supported platforms:
✔ Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
✔ Mobile: Android, iOS Ledger
Steps:
- Visit ledger.com/ledger-live. Ledger
- Choose your operating system and download the installer. Ledger
- Install Ledger Live and launch the app. Ledger
B. First Launch & Welcome Wizard
When Ledger Live opens, you’ll see options to:
- Set up a new device
- Restore a wallet from a recovery phrase
- Open existing Ledger Live (if you already set it up)
C. Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
- Use your official USB cable (or Bluetooth if supported on your device) to connect your Ledger hardware wallet. Ledger
- Unlock your device by entering your PIN directly on the hardware wallet. Ledger
- Ledger Live will detect your device and guide you through initial setup and verification. Ledger
D. Initialize or Restore
- New Device: If it’s new, Ledger Live will guide you to create a PIN and generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write this down offline on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely. Begin Ledger
- Restore Wallet: If you’re migrating an existing wallet, choose “Restore” and enter your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger Academy
⚠️ Important: Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase in any other situation — if something asks for it, it’s a scam. Ledger Live
4. Adding Crypto Accounts
Once Ledger Live is installed and your device is connected:
A. Open “Manager”
In Ledger Live, go to the Manager section. This is where you install apps for specific cryptocurrencies on your hardware wallet. Ledger
B. Install Coin Apps
Select the coins you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Click Install next to each. Ledger
C. Add Accounts
After installing an app on the device:
- Go to Accounts
- Click Add Account
- Choose the coin and follow the steps
- Ledger Live will sync that account’s addresses and balances. Ledger Academy
Now you can track balances and histories across all of your assets from one dashboard.
5. Using Ledger Live — Core Features
Portfolio Dashboard
Ledger Live’s main screen shows a consolidated view of:
- total portfolio value
- individual asset balances
- price charts
- recent transactions Ledger
This gives you real-time insight into your holdings and performance. Ledger
Sending & Receiving Crypto
✔ Receive:
- Go to the account, click Receive, and display your wallet address.
- Always verify the address on your hardware device screen — this ensures it hasn’t been tampered with. Ledger
✔ Send:
- Click Send
- Enter recipient address and amount
- Review carefully
- Confirm on your Ledger device. Ledger
Buy & Sell Crypto
Ledger Live integrates with trusted third-party providers so you can buy crypto using fiat (cards or bank transfers) or sell crypto directly within the app. Examples include providers like MoonPay, Coinbase, and others (availability varies by region). Ledger
Swap Tokens
Swap one coin for another inside Ledger Live without converting to fiat first. This can save time and reduce fees. Ledger
Staking & Earn Rewards
Ledger Live supports staking for many assets (e.g., Tezos, Polkadot). You can:
- delegate holdings
- earn rewards
- track them right within the app. docs-ledger.teachable.com
6. NFT Management
Ledger Live also includes support for NFTs, allowing you to view and manage tokens on supported blockchains like Ethereum and Polygon. docs-ledger.teachable.com
This offers a secure alternative to third-party NFT dashboards.
7. Security Best Practices
Your Ledger ecosystem’s security depends not just on the app, but on how you follow safety practices:
📌 Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the only backup of your wallet. Ledger will never ask for it outside the initial setup. Ledger Live
📌 Download Only Official Software
Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com to avoid fake apps that can compromise your assets. Ledger
📌 Confirm Each Transaction on Your Device
Ledger Live prepares transactions, but only your physical device signs them. Always check details on the hardware screen before confirming. en-live-ledger-docs.teachable.com
📌 Keep Firmware & App Updated
Ledger Live notifies you of app and firmware updates — install them promptly to keep your system secure. Ledger
📌 Use a Secure PIN
Choose a strong PIN and never disclose it. Ledger
8. Advanced Features
Passphrase & Hidden Wallets
Ledger Live supports an optional passphrase — a custom word that acts as a 25th secret — to create hidden wallets. Handle this carefully: if you lose the passphrase, you lose access. Ledger Start Guide
Mobile & Bluetooth Use
If you have a Ledger Nano X, you can connect via Bluetooth to the mobile Ledger Live app for convenient on-the-go access. Ledger
9. Common Troubleshooting & User Tips
Using Ledger Live Without Your Device
You can view balances in some setups (like mobile) after initial sync, but for sending or signing transactions, your Ledger device must be connected. Reddit
Avoid Scams
Be cautious of phishing sites, fake help pages, and apps falsely claiming to be Ledger Live. Real Ledger Support never asks for sensitive information through unsolicited messages. TechRadar
10. Summary
Ledger Live is not just a companion app — it’s the central command center for managing your crypto securely:
✅ Secure portfolio tracking
✅ Easy sends, receives, swaps, and buys
✅ Staking & NFT support
✅ Full compatibility across desktop and mobile
✅ Deep hardware-based security
✅ Trusted by millions worldwide Ledger