Ledger Live (Official) — Secure Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet

Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage Bitcoin and thousands of other cryptocurrencies with a user-friendly interface while keeping private keys securely on your device.

What is Ledger Live?

Official wallet management for hardware-backed security

Ledger Live is the official application maintained by Ledger that connects to your Ledger hardware device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X and others). It acts as a bridge between your physical private keys — which never leave your device — and the blockchain networks you interact with. With Ledger Live you can send, receive, stake, swap, and track your portfolio across multiple accounts and blockchains.

Core features

Who should use Ledger Live?

If you own a Ledger hardware wallet and want a single, official interface to manage your crypto — Ledger Live is the recommended application. It’s designed for both beginners who want a safe place to store savings and power users who manage multi-asset portfolios.

Getting started — setup & install

Download and verify

Always download Ledger Live from official sources. Ledger recommends obtaining the app directly from their site and verifying signatures when possible. After installing the app, follow the on-screen prompts to pair your Ledger device and create accounts for the assets you want to manage.

Step-by-step quick start

  1. Install your Ledger device and write down your recovery phrase following the device instructions.
  2. Download Ledger Live from an official source (links below).
  3. Open Ledger Live, choose "Get started", and follow the setup wizard to pair your device.
  4. Add accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage and synchronise balances.
  5. Optional: enable additional security features (PIN, passphrase) and connect third-party services if needed.
Security reminder: never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it. Store it offline in a safe place.

Security model — why hardware wallets matter

Ledger’s security model separates the signing device (the hardware wallet) from the network-connected environment (your computer or phone). Your private keys never leave the device; transactions are signed on the Ledger and then broadcast by Ledger Live. This reduces the attack surface compared to software-only wallets.

Advanced protections

Ledger devices support features like a PIN code, device passphrase (25th word) and secure element chips designed to resist physical tampering. Ledger Live complements this with software updates and firmware upgrade tools to ensure devices remain protected against known vulnerabilities.

Features you’ll use every day

Portfolio & transactions

Ledger Live shows a unified portfolio view, transaction history, and the market value of your holdings. You can generate receive addresses for each account and confirm transactions on your device for maximum security.

Swap & buy integrations

Ledger Live integrates with vetted partners to let you buy crypto with fiat and swap assets from within the app. Partner availability depends on region and KYC requirements.

Mobile sync

Ledger Live’s mobile app syncs with the desktop version for a consistent experience. Pair via Bluetooth (for Nano X) or USB where supported.

Common pitfalls & troubleshooting

Lost recovery phrase

If your recovery phrase is lost and you still have access to your device, create a new backup immediately. If you’ve lost both the phrase and the device, funds cannot be recovered — that is the tradeoff for absolute control.

Firmware and app updates

Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Always update from official sources and check release notes to confirm legitimacy.

Scams and phishing

Phishing remains the top cause of stolen crypto. Verify official URLs, never enter recovery phrases into websites, and treat unsolicited messages with extreme caution.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Ledger Live free to use?

A: Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use. Some integrated services (buy, swap) may charge fees or require third-party accounts.

Q: Can I manage Bitcoin and Ethereum at the same time?

A: Absolutely. Ledger Live supports multiple accounts and blockchains concurrently. You can add Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other chains to a single Ledger device.

Q: What happens if Ledger stops supporting an asset?

A: If official support changes, Ledger typically communicates via their blog and support channels. You can still access private keys via compatible tools, but follow official guidance to avoid risk.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?

A: No — Ledger Live is designed to work with Ledger hardware wallets to provide private-key security. Some read-only features (portfolio tracking) may be available without a device, but signing transactions requires one.

Q: How do I restore a wallet from my recovery phrase?

A: Restore using the Ledger device setup procedure. For step-by-step guidance, consult the official Ledger support article linked above.