Introduction
Ledger Live is Ledger's official desktop and mobile app that lets you interact with your crypto while keeping private keys safely stored on Ledger hardware devices (Nano S, Nano S Plus, Nano X). Think of Ledger Live as the secure, user-friendly bridge between your hardware wallet and the wider crypto world — it manages accounts, installs coin apps on your device, shows portfolio overviews, and integrates buying, swapping and staking features through trusted partners.
1. Download and install
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site to avoid malicious copies. Choose the desktop or mobile build depending on your workflow: desktop for full device management and mobile for convenient on-the-go access. Official download page: Ledger Live Download. Verify downloads and release signatures if you want extra assurance: Download signatures.
Security reminder: fake Ledger Live apps have been used in malware campaigns. If an interface ever asks for your recovery phrase, it is a scam — Ledger Live and legitimate tools never request your seed words. Always confirm the URL is on ledger.com and check digital signatures when available.
2. Initial setup and connecting your Ledger device
After installing Ledger Live, choose whether to set up a new device or restore an existing wallet. Connect your Ledger hardware via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X on mobile), and follow the guided steps to set a PIN, generate a recovery phrase on-device, and install apps for the coins you wish to manage. Ledger Live's Manager tab makes it easy to install and uninstall coin apps directly to your device.
Important: your recovery phrase is generated on the device and should never be entered on a computer or phone. Ledger Live stores account and configuration metadata, but private keys stay on the hardware device.
3. Core features of Ledger Live
- Accounts & portfolio: Add accounts for multiple coins, track balances and transaction history in a single dashboard.
- Manager: Install and remove coin-specific apps on your Ledger device via the Manager tab. This controls which cryptocurrencies the device exposes to Ledger Live. See Manager instructions: Install & update apps.
- Buy & sell integrations: Ledger Live integrates with trusted partners to let you buy crypto directly.
- Swap & bridge: Built-in swap services let you trade assets; always check fees and provider details before confirming.
- Staking: Stake supported assets directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards while maintaining custody.
- Security checks: Ledger Live includes checks and alerts to help detect suspicious activity.
4. Supported assets & third-party integrations
Ledger Live supports a broad range of coins and tokens — for a current list, check: Supported Coins & Tokens. Some advanced tokens or features may rely on third-party integrations (e.g., DeFi platforms, swap providers). When using third-party services, always review provider terms and fees in Ledger Live before proceeding.
5. Security model — what stays on your device
The core security promise of Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet is simple: private keys never leave the secure element inside your device. Ledger Live performs transactions by preparing them locally and sending the unsigned transaction to the device for signing. You then review transaction details on the device screen and confirm with physical buttons — protecting you from malware that might manipulate on-screen values.
That said, security is shared: keep your host machine's OS and Ledger Live updated, avoid downloading software from untrusted sources, and never disclose your recovery phrase. Ledger Live will never ask for your 24-word seed.
6. Firmware updates & device maintenance
Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to enhance security and add features. Ledger Live will notify you when an update is available and guide you through the process. Always confirm update prompts on the device display and ensure you have a verified recovery backup before proceeding. For detailed firmware and Manager guidance, see Ledger’s support articles.
7. Troubleshooting common issues
If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device or a transaction fails, try these steps:
- Update Ledger Live to the latest version and restart the app.
- Try a different USB cable or port; for Nano X, ensure Bluetooth is enabled and the mobile app is permitted to connect.
- Ensure the device firmware is up to date and verify apps are installed for the correct asset.
- Consult Ledger Support's troubleshooting guides and provide detailed error messages when contacting support. Ledger Support: Ledger Support.
8. Best practices
- Download Ledger Live only from ledger.com/ledger-live or official app stores.
- Never reveal your recovery phrase — treat it like physical cash.
- Use a metal backup solution for long-term seed protection and consider geographically distributed backups for high-value holdings.
- Enable device PIN and use device confirmation for all transactions.
- Verify transaction details on the device screen before approving — not just on your computer.
9. Restoring accounts
To restore an account on a new Ledger device, select the restore option in Ledger Live and enter your recovery phrase using the device interface. Enter words carefully — incorrect order or spelling prevents access. For step-by-step restore instructions, see Ledger’s restore documentation.
10. Help & learning resources
Ledger’s Support hub, Learn center and release notes are the authoritative sources for troubleshooting, updates and best practices. When contacting support, include your Ledger device model, Ledger Live version and exact error messages to speed up resolution. Helpful links are in the quick links panel.