Official Site® | Ledger.com/Start® | Getting started

Jamie Larson

06 Jan 2026 — 7 min read

Welcome to Ledger Live – the essential companion application that transforms your Ledger hardware wallet into a complete crypto management platform. More than just an interface, Ledger Live is where self-custody meets seamless user experience, giving you full control over your digital assets without compromising security.

One App, Complete Control

Ledger Live is the bridge between the ironclad security of your Ledger hardware wallet and the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. It's designed to make managing digital assets as intuitive as checking your traditional bank account—but with the added power of true ownership.

Why Trust Ledger Live?

Uncompromised Security: Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet
All-in-One Management: Portfolio tracking, trading, staking, and exploration in one place
Institutional-Grade Architecture: Built with the same security standards that protect billions in assets
Continuous Innovation: Regular updates with new features and blockchain integrations

"Ledger Live is where Web3 becomes accessible to everyone, secured by hardware."

Core Features & Capabilities

Unified Portfolio Dashboard

Your Complete Financial Snapshot

Real-time valuation across all connected accounts
Multi-currency display (USD, EUR, GBP, CHF, etc.)
Interactive performance charts (24h, 7d, 1m, 1y, All)
Asset distribution pie charts
Customizable portfolio views and sorting

Track everything from Bitcoin to your smallest altcoin investments with precision.

Secure Transaction Management

Send & Receive with Absolute Confidence

Generate unlimited receiving addresses
QR code support for easy mobile transfers
Address book for saving frequent contacts
Complete transaction history with blockchain links
Mandatory device verification for every outgoing transaction

The golden rule: If it's not verified on your device screen, don't sign it.

Integrated Buy Services

Fiat to Crypto Made Simple

Direct purchases via credit/debit card (through Banxa, MoonPay)
Bank transfer options in supported regions
Real-time exchange rates with transparent fee breakdown
Direct deposit to your Ledger-secured addresses
Available in 200+ countries with regulatory compliance

Purchase BTC, ETH, USDT, USDC, and other major assets directly within the app.

Native Swap Functionality

Trade Assets Without Leaving Security

Instant token swaps across multiple chains
Best-rate algorithm scanning top DEX aggregators
No KYC or account registration required
Transparent fee structure (typically 0.75-1.5%)
Direct settlement to your hardware wallet

*Swap between 100+ tokens on Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, and more.*

Built-In Staking & Earning

Grow Your Assets While Maintaining Custody

Non-custodial staking for 15+ Proof-of-Stake assets
Flexible staking with no lock-up periods (where available)
Real-time reward tracking and history
Automatic reward compounding options
Your keys never leave your device during staking

Currently stake: ETH, SOL, DOT, ATOM, XTZ, ADA, NEAR, and others.

NFT Management Suite

View and Manage Your Digital Collectibles

Native NFT gallery for Ethereum and Polygon collections
Collections organized by blockchain and category
Direct links to OpenSea and other marketplaces
Full metadata and trait display
Hardware-secured ownership verification

Your NFTs receive the same protection as your cryptocurrencies.

Platform Experience

Desktop Application (Recommended)

Operating Systems: Windows 10+, macOS 10.15+, Linux Ubuntu 20.04+
Connection: Direct USB for maximum security
Features: Full functionality including advanced tools
Download: ledger.com/ledger-live/download

Mobile Application

Platforms: iOS 15+, Android 9+
Connection: Bluetooth (Nano X/Stax) or USB-C with adapter
Features: Core functionality optimized for on-the-go use
Download: App Store and Google Play

Web Interface

Access: live.ledger.com
Functionality: Portfolio viewing only (no transactions)
Purpose: Quick checks without device connection

Getting Started Guide

First-Time Setup Process

Download & Install: Get Ledger Live from official sources only
Connect Device: Use included USB cable or Bluetooth
Initialize: Set up new wallet or restore existing with recovery phrase
Install Apps: Add cryptocurrency apps via the Manager tab
Create Accounts: Generate addresses for each asset type
Fund Your Wallet: Transfer assets from exchanges or purchase directly

Daily Operations Workflow

Morning Review: Check portfolio performance and market movements
Transaction Management: Send/receive with hardware verification
Opportunity Assessment: Explore staking yields and market opportunities
Security Maintenance: Check for updates and review account activity
Evening Planning: Set goals and prepare next-day transactions

Advanced User Features

Multi-Account Management: Separate personal, business, and savings accounts
Tax Reporting Tools: Export comprehensive transaction history
Custom Token Support: Add unsupported ERC-20, BEP-20, or other tokens
Experimental Features: Access beta functionalities for early testing
Developer Mode: Enable advanced settings for technical users

Security Architecture

How Ledger Live Protects Your Assets

Separation of Concerns Principle

Transaction preparation happens in Ledger Live
Transaction signing happens exclusively on your hardware wallet
Private keys never exposed to connected devices

Encrypted Communication Layers

All blockchain communication via encrypted channels
Price data and market information via secure APIs
No sensitive data stored on Ledger servers

Device-Verified Security

Every transaction detail verified on hardware wallet screen
Address verification prevents manipulation attacks
Physical button confirmation required for all actions

Proactive Security Updates

Automatic vulnerability patching
Regular security audits and penetration testing
Immediate response to emerging threats

Your Role in the Security Partnership

Always Verify: Check addresses and amounts on device screen
Stay Updated: Install Ledger Live and firmware updates promptly
Use Genuine Apps: Download only from official sources
Practice Vigilance: Be wary of phishing attempts and social engineering
Maintain Backups: Keep recovery phrase secure and accessible

The Ledger Live Ecosystem

Discover Section – Your Web3 Gateway

Curated dApp Integration

Security-vetted decentralized applications
Categories: DeFi, NFTs, Gaming, Tools, Social
Direct connection with Ledger hardware protection
Educational resources for each integration

Featured Partners: MetaMask, Paraswap, Lido, OpenSea, Aave, Compound

Partner Network

Trusted Service Ecosystem

Fiat on-ramp providers with regulatory compliance
Staking service operators with proven track records
Trading platforms with competitive liquidity
Educational content providers

All partners undergo rigorous security and compliance reviews.

Developer & Advanced Tools

For Builders and Technical Users

Ledger Live Command Line Interface (CLI)
Custom application development framework
API access for institutional users
Testing and simulation environments

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is there a cost to use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription fees for the core application. You only pay blockchain network fees (gas fees) for transactions, and optional service fees for features like swapping (typically 0.75-1.5%) or buying crypto (2-4% depending on provider). These fees go to our partners, not Ledger.

Q2: Can I use Ledger Live with other hardware wallets?
No, Ledger Live is designed exclusively for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and Stax). This exclusive integration ensures maximum security and optimized performance. The application cannot interact with other hardware wallet brands due to fundamental security architecture differences.

Q3: What happens if I lose internet access? Can I still use Ledger Live?
You can still access your portfolio and prepare transactions offline, but you'll need internet connectivity to broadcast transactions to blockchain networks and sync the latest balances. Your assets remain completely secure during internet outages, as they're stored on the blockchain, not in Ledger Live.

Q4: How many cryptocurrencies can I manage simultaneously in Ledger Live?
There's no hard limit to the number of cryptocurrencies you can manage. However, your Ledger device has limited storage for apps (Nano S Plus: ~10 apps, Nano X: ~100 apps). You can install/uninstall apps as needed without affecting your assets, as they remain safe on the blockchain. Ledger Live itself can track thousands of assets simultaneously.

Q5: Are my transaction histories and portfolio data private?
Yes. Portfolio data and transaction histories are stored locally on your device. Ledger Live does not send this information to our servers. We only receive anonymized, aggregated data for service improvement. You control what data is shared through optional analytics settings in preferences.

Q6: What should I do if Ledger Live shows incorrect balances?
First, ensure you're running the latest version of Ledger Live. If balances appear incorrect: 1) Clear the cache in Settings > Help > Clear cache, 2) Resynchronize your accounts, 3) Verify on blockchain explorers, 4) Check that all relevant apps are installed on your device. If issues persist, contact support with specific details.

System Requirements & Compatibility

Minimum Requirements:

Processor: 1.5 GHz or faster
RAM: 4 GB minimum (8 GB recommended)
Storage: 500 MB free space
Internet: Broadband connection
USB: Available port (USB 2.0 or higher)

Supported Blockchains: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Polygon, BNB Chain, Solana, Polkadot, Cosmos, Tezos, Algorand, 25+ others

Language Support: English, French, Spanish, German, Russian, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Portuguese, Italian

Troubleshooting & Support

Common Solutions

Device Not Recognized: Try different USB cable/port, restart computer, reinstall USB drivers
Transaction Stuck: Check blockchain explorer, increase gas fee, wait for network congestion to clear
App Installation Fails: Ensure sufficient space on device, update firmware, restart Ledger Live
Bluetooth Connection Issues: Restart both phone and device, ensure Bluetooth permissions granted

When to Contact Support

Failed transactions with lost funds
Suspected security breaches
Persistent software crashes
Account synchronization failures
Feature malfunction after updates

Pro Tips for Optimal Use

Keyboard Shortcuts Mastery
- Ctrl/Cmd + N: New account
- Ctrl/Cmd + S: Send flow
- Ctrl/Cmd + D: Discover section
- Ctrl/Cmd + , : Settings
Portfolio Optimization Strategies
- Set custom price alerts for key assets
- Create watch-only accounts for tracking without access
- Use tags for tax categorization (personal, business, investments)
- Export quarterly reports for accounting purposes
Security Enhancement Practices
- Enable passphrase feature for hidden accounts
- Use separate accounts for different risk profiles
- Regular recovery phrase verification (using test transactions)
- Implement multi-signature setups for significant holdings

Future Developments & Roadmap

Coming Soon:

Additional blockchain integrations (Layer 2 solutions)
Enhanced DeFi dashboard with yield optimization
Advanced portfolio analytics and tax tools
Expanded fiat currency support
Improved NFT marketplace integrations
Social recovery features
Institutional dashboard for business users

Join our Early Access Program to test new features before general release.

Ready to Experience Secure Crypto Management?

Get Started Today
Download Ledger Live and transform how you interact with digital assets.

Download for Desktop
Get Mobile App
View Features

For Existing Users:

Check for latest updates (Help > Check for updates)
Explore new blockchain integrations
Review security settings and preferences
Test our latest partner integrations

Support & Learning Resources

Immediate Assistance:

Help Center – Comprehensive guides and troubleshooting
Community Forum – User discussions and peer support
Status Page – Real-time service monitoring
Contact Support – Direct technical help

Educational Content:

Ledger Academy – Free crypto security courses
Video Tutorials – Step-by-step guides
Blog & Updates – Latest news and feature announcements
Webinars – Live learning sessions

Ledger Live: Your secure portal to the decentralized world.

Current Version: 2.70.1 | Release Date: November 2024
Supported Devices: Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, Ledger Stax
Security Certification: ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II Compliant