What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you securely manage cryptocurrencies, check balances, send and receive funds, install apps on your device, and access staking and swap features from a single interface. Ledger Live connects to your Ledger hardware device so private keys never leave the device.
Key features
- Secure portfolio view & real-time balances
- Send and receive Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens
- Install and manage apps on your Ledger device
- Buy, swap, and stake (availability varies by region)
- Firmware and app updates with device protection
System requirements
- Windows: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
- macOS: macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later
- Linux: Most modern distributions (Debian/Ubuntu/Fedora) — check community docs for specifics
- Mobile: iOS 13+ or Android 7+ (Ledger Live Mobile available on App Store & Google Play)
- USB port (for Ledger hardware wallets) or Bluetooth (for Ledger Nano X)
Security note
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your device's official app store. Never share your 24‑word recovery phrase with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.
Quick start — Download & install
- Visit the official Ledger website (ledger.com) and navigate to Ledger Live > Download.
- Choose your platform (Windows / macOS / Linux) or download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions. On macOS you may need to allow the app in
System Preferences > Security & Privacy. - Open Ledger Live and follow the onboarding wizard to create or restore an account and pair your Ledger device.
Step-by-step setup (detailed)
Unbox and prepare your Ledger device
When you receive your Ledger device, check the packaging and authenticity label. Use the included USB cable to connect the device to your computer (or use Bluetooth for Nano X). Power on the device and follow the device prompts.
Create a new wallet or restore
On the device you can choose to create a new wallet (generate a new 24‑word recovery phrase) or restore an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. Write down the 24‑word phrase on the provided recovery sheet and store it offline in a safe place. Never photograph or store the recovery phrase digitally.
Open Ledger Live and add accounts
In Ledger Live, use the Manager to install apps for the blockchains you want (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum). Then go to Accounts and add accounts by following the prompts. Ledger Live will detect your device and derive addresses from your hardware wallet — your private keys remain stored on the device.
Receive and verify addresses
When receiving funds, always verify the receiving address shown in Ledger Live on the physical Ledger device screen. Scanning a QR code or copying the address without verification can expose you to address-rewriting malware.
Send transactions securely
Prepare the transaction in Ledger Live, then confirm details on your Ledger device. The device shows the destination address and amount for manual verification; confirm only if everything matches.
Managing apps & firmware
Ledger Live's Manager tab lets you install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device. Keep the device firmware and apps up to date — Ledger Live will notify you of available updates. When updating firmware, follow prompts carefully and ensure your recovery phrase is accessible (do not enter your recovery phrase into the computer).
Mobile pairing
Ledger Live Mobile pairs with supported Ledger devices via Bluetooth (Nano X) or cable (OTG). Download the mobile app from the App Store or Google Play, open it, and follow the pairing instructions. Mobile Ledger Live offers portfolio, send/receive, and Manager functionality suitable for on-the-go use.
Common troubleshooting
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable, port, or computer. Ensure Ledger Live is allowed in system settings and that any required drivers are installed.
- App installation fails: Close other wallet software, reboot the device, and try again. If an error persists, check for firmware updates.
- Forgot PIN: If you forget your device PIN, you must reset the device and restore it using your recovery phrase.
- Lost recovery phrase: If you lose your recovery phrase and still have access to the device, create a new wallet and transfer funds to the new addresses. If both device and recovery phrase are lost, funds cannot be recovered.
Security best practices
- Always download Ledger Live from ledger.com or official app stores.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple safe locations if needed.
- Use a strong PIN and enable additional OS-level security on the host device.
- Beware of phishing sites and double-check URLs before downloading or entering details.
FAQs
Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live?
Yes — Ledger Live is the companion software that works with Ledger hardware wallets. You need a Ledger device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) to secure private keys.
Can I install Ledger Live on multiple computers?
Yes — Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices. Your accounts will be discoverable when you connect your Ledger hardware wallet; private keys always remain on the device.
Is Ledger Live open source?
Certain components of Ledger's ecosystem are open source. Ledger provides resources and documentation for developers; consult the official Ledger developer documentation for details.
Further resources
- Official Ledger support & documentation
- Community guides and tutorials
- Security advisories and firmware release notes