What is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger® hardware wallets. It provides a unified interface to view balances, manage accounts, send and receive cryptocurrencies, stake supported tokens, and interact with selected third-party services — while ensuring that private keys remain inside your hardware device. The application constructs transactions and displays portfolio information, but sensitive signing always happens on the device, which acts as the final trusted authority.
Why hardware + Ledger® Live matters
Storing your private keys on a general-purpose computer or smartphone exposes them to malware and phishing. By contrast, a hardware wallet stores keys inside a tamper-resistant chip and performs signing locally. Ledger® Live gives you modern tools and usability while preserving the security benefits of hardware-backed custody. For most users, this combination is the best balance between safety and convenience.
Key benefits
- Private keys never leave the hardware device.
- Unified portfolio view for multiple assets.
- Staking and partner services without exposing keys.
- Cross-platform (desktop and mobile) accessibility.
Who should use it?
Beginners who want an easy hardware + app workflow, active users who benefit from desktop features, and long-term holders who need secure custody and clear recovery processes.
Download and installation — safe first steps
Only download Ledger® Live from official manufacturer channels for your operating system. After downloading, verify any checksum or signature if available — this reduces supply-chain risks. Run the installer and follow the on-screen prompts. Ledger® Live will prompt you to set up a new device, restore an existing wallet, or connect a previously configured hardware wallet.
Initializing your Ledger® device
- Power on the device and follow on-device prompts to select language and model.
- Choose to Set up as new device or Restore from recovery phrase.
- If creating new, set a strong PIN directly on the device; memorize it — do not store it with the recovery phrase.
- Write the recovery phrase exactly as shown on the device onto the supplied recovery sheet. Confirm the words in the prompted order.
- Pair the device with Ledger® Live to finish onboarding and install blockchain apps as needed.
Daily operations — receiving and sending
Receiving: Request a receive address in Ledger® Live and always verify that the address shown on your Ledger® device matches the address displayed in the app. This prevents host-based malware from substituting addresses.
Sending: Ledger® Live constructs the transaction, but the device will display destination, amount, and fees. Carefully review each detail on the device screen before approving. If anything looks unexpected, cancel and investigate; the device screen is the final trusted UI.
Staking, NFTs and DeFi — sensible precautions
Ledger® Live supports staking for certain networks and provides NFT viewing for supported chains. It also integrates with some DeFi services through connectors. When interacting with contracts or unfamiliar dApps, take extra care: verify contract addresses from trusted sources, use small test transactions, and consider using a dedicated low-balance wallet for experiments. Smart contract approvals can grant wide permissions — only approve what you understand.
Backup strategies
Protect your recovery phrase — it is the ultimate backup. Options to increase safety include:
- Write the phrase on paper and store multiple copies in separate secure locations.
- Use a metal backup for resilience against fire and water.
- Consider advanced schemes like Shamir Secret Sharing for distributed backups (advanced users).
Operational security (OPSEC)
- Keep OS and apps updated and use reputable security software when appropriate.
- Maintain a hot/cold split: small spending balance vs. long-term cold storage.
- Limit public disclosure of holdings and backup locations.
- Rehearse recovery with a spare device periodically to ensure backups work.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port, unlock the device, or restart Ledger® Live.
- Firmware update failure: Reconnect and retry via Ledger® Live; follow official recovery flows if needed.
- Forgotten PIN: A device wipe is required; restore from your recovery phrase—ensure backups exist before wiping.
- Slow synchronization: Network or API delays may slow updates — re-scan accounts or wait briefly.
Final checklist before moving large amounts
- Confirm device authenticity and that Ledger® Live was downloaded from official sources.
- Firmware updated through Ledger® Live and any signatures verified on-device.
- Recovery phrase recorded, duplicated to secure offline backups, and stored in separate locations.
- Strong PIN chosen and memorized; optional passphrase planned and securely stored if used.
- Small test transfers completed successfully and recovery rehearsal performed on a spare device.
Completing this checklist reduces accidental loss and prepares you for responsible custody and high-value transactions.
Short FAQ
Can I install Ledger® Live on multiple devices?
Yes. Ledger® Live can be installed on as many trusted devices as you need. The hardware wallet and recovery phrase remain the source of truth.
Does deleting an app on the device remove my funds?
No. Removing a blockchain app from the device only frees storage. Funds are derived from the recovery phrase and can be accessed again after reinstalling the app.
What if my recovery phrase is compromised?
If you believe your recovery phrase has been exposed, move funds immediately to a new wallet generated on a clean device and secure a fresh recovery phrase. Treat exposed seeds as permanently compromised.