A modern desktop and mobile app that lets you manage your crypto securely, track your portfolio, stake assets, and interact with the decentralized web — all while keeping private keys offline.
At its core, Ledger Live is a bridge between convenience and security. It’s designed for users who want a smooth, feature-rich experience managing multiple cryptocurrencies while ensuring the private keys that control funds remain offline and under your control. Ledger Live connects to Ledger hardware devices (like Ledger Nano S and Nano X) and allows non-custodial access to a wide ecosystem of blockchains and services.
Getting started is straightforward: download Ledger Live for desktop or mobile, connect (or pair) your Ledger hardware wallet, and follow the step-by-step setup. During initialization, your device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — this is the only backup of your accounts. Store it securely offline and never share it. Ledger Live guides you through this process with clear warnings and checks to prevent phishing and accidental exposure.
Ledger Live’s security rests on a hardware root-of-trust. The private keys and cryptographic signing occur inside the secure element on the Ledger device. Even if your computer or phone is compromised, attackers cannot extract the private keys or perform transactions without physical access to the device and PIN confirmation. Ledger Live provides additional safeguards like firmware verification, genuine device checks, and transaction previews that show exact amounts and destination addresses on the hardware screen — a critical feature to defend against malicious hosts.
The portfolio view gives an instant snapshot of your holdings, total value, allocation, and recent performance. You can track individual accounts, sort by asset, and use filters to focus on a particular segment of your holdings. Historic charts let you understand how market moves impact your overall balance, while per-asset pages show transaction history and staking rewards where applicable.
Ledger Live supports native sending and receiving across many chains. For swapping assets, Ledger Live offers integrated swap partners that let you exchange tokens without leaving the app. When interacting with decentralized apps (dApps) or third-party services, Ledger Live acts as a signing gateway: it displays the transaction details and requires on-device approval, preserving a non-custodial security model while accessing modern DeFi features.
Several proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies can be staked through Ledger Live. Staking typically involves delegating or locking funds to participate in network consensus, earning rewards in return. Ledger Live simplifies the process: it shows expected rewards, lockup conditions, and on-device confirmation steps. Staking from Ledger Live maintains control of private keys throughout — you don’t transfer custody to a centralized platform.
Whether you prefer desktop or mobile, Ledger Live keeps features consistent. The mobile app is excellent for quick balance checks and urgent transactions, while the desktop app offers deeper portfolio analytics and power-user tools. Pairing between devices is secure and encrypted, letting you use the interface that suits your workflow.
Your 24-word recovery phrase is the ultimate control over your funds. Ledger Live and Ledger devices never ask you to enter it into the app or online. Store the phrase offline, ideally engraved on a metal plate or kept in a secure physical safe. Never photograph your recovery phrase, never type it into email or cloud services, and never share it with anyone. If your device is lost, the recovery phrase allows you to restore on a new Ledger device or a compatible wallet.
Ledger Live minimizes data collection and never stores your private keys or recovery phrase. Local account data (balances and transaction history) is displayed and can be cleared. When using third-party services inside Ledger Live (for example, price feeds or swap providers), data flows are governed by the respective provider’s policies — Ledger Live provides transparency about which partner is handling which service so you can make informed choices.
Ledger Live suits a broad range of users: single-asset holders, active traders who need secure transaction signing, long-term HODLers who want an auditable portfolio view, and DeFi participants who require safe on-chain interaction. It’s particularly valuable for anyone who prioritizes security but wants a polished user experience that brings modern crypto features under one roof.
Whether you are new to crypto or an advanced user, Ledger Live provides a pragmatic balance — powerful enough for pros, guided enough for beginners — with a consistent security-first approach. Use it as the control center for your non-custodial crypto journey, and pair it with safe offline habits to minimize risk.