What is Ledger™ Live?
Ledger™ Live is the all-in-one software companion to your Ledger hardware wallet, allowing you to securely buy, swap, stake, and manage your cryptocurrencies. It bridges convenience with self-custody, enabling you to view your entire crypto portfolio and manage transactions while your private keys remain offline inside your Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax.
Unlike many web wallets or exchanges, Ledger Live gives you full control of your crypto assets without relying on third-party custodians. Every transaction you approve is verified on the physical Ledger device, providing a layer of security unmatched by browser-based wallets.
Whether you are a beginner learning to store your first Bitcoin or an experienced DeFi user managing multiple assets, Ledger Live provides a clean, professional interface designed to make crypto management safe and simple.
How to Download Ledger Live
To get started, visit the official Ledger website and navigate to the download section. Always double-check the URL: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live Avoid downloading Ledger Live from third-party sources, as counterfeit versions can compromise your recovery phrase and device.
Ledger Live Desktop is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. The installation process is straightforward:
- Step 1: Choose your operating system and download the appropriate installer file.
- Step 2: Verify the digital signature to confirm the file’s authenticity.
- Step 3: Launch the installer and follow the on-screen prompts to complete setup.
Tip: Always download directly from the official Ledger website or use verified app stores for the mobile version (iOS and Android).
After installation, launch Ledger Live and you’ll be greeted with the onboarding dashboard, guiding you through connecting your Ledger hardware wallet and setting up your accounts.
Setting Up Ledger Live
Once installed, Ledger Live will prompt you to connect your Ledger device. If you’re setting up for the first time, select “Set up as new device.” Follow the on-screen instructions to initialize your wallet, set a PIN code, and record your recovery phrase. Your recovery phrase (usually 24 words) is the ultimate key to your assets. Keep it offline, safe, and never share it.
- Connect your Ledger device using the supplied USB cable.
- Unlock the device with your PIN code.
- Follow the prompts in Ledger Live to initialize or restore your wallet.
- Install apps for cryptocurrencies you plan to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- Add accounts for each asset type using Ledger Live’s intuitive interface.
The setup wizard will guide you through verifying your device authenticity, installing the latest firmware, and enabling key features such as staking or portfolio tracking. Ledger Live ensures that even non-technical users can complete setup with minimal effort while maintaining top-tier security.
Never type or upload your recovery phrase into Ledger Live or any computer. Ledger employees will never ask for your recovery words.
Security at the Core
Ledger’s approach to security relies on a physical barrier between your computer and your crypto keys. Your private keys never leave the Ledger device — all signing happens internally within the device’s Secure Element chip (CC EAL5+ certified). Ledger Live simply acts as a visual interface to manage and monitor your assets safely.
Even if your computer is infected with malware, hackers cannot access your crypto, since all critical approvals happen on the Ledger screen itself. This makes Ledger Live one of the safest software environments for crypto transactions, staking, and asset management.
- ✅ Always confirm transactions on your Ledger device screen.
- ✅ Keep your recovery phrase offline — never digital.
- ✅ Verify software authenticity before updates or downloads.
Ledger also integrates regular firmware updates and transparency reports, ensuring long-term device integrity. Combined with Ledger Live’s encrypted communication channels, users benefit from enterprise-level protection across all supported assets.
Exploring Ledger Live Features
Once setup is complete, you can use Ledger Live to manage every aspect of your crypto journey:
- Portfolio View: Monitor balances, value trends, and performance across all your assets in one place.
- Buy and Swap: Use integrated partners to buy crypto or exchange one asset for another securely.
- Staking: Earn rewards by staking coins such as Ethereum, Polkadot, or Tezos directly in Ledger Live.
- NFT Management: View and verify your NFTs safely on Ethereum and Polygon networks.
- DeFi Connectivity: Connect to Web3 apps via WalletConnect while keeping your Ledger device in control.
Ledger Live continues to expand its ecosystem, adding support for more networks, coins, and decentralized applications. Updates are frequent, and each version enhances both usability and security.
Why Choose Ledger Live?
The combination of Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet offers one of the safest and most user-friendly solutions for self-custody in the crypto space. You remain the only one with access to your private keys while enjoying a full-featured management suite for your digital assets.
Ledger Live unites convenience, transparency, and trust. With its open-source components, verified code, and regular security audits, it empowers millions of users to confidently manage cryptocurrencies, NFTs, and DeFi activities from a single, unified platform.