Ledger Live
Secure crypto management app

Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Management, made simple

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion for Ledger hardware wallets: a unified interface to view your portfolio, sign transactions offline, buy and swap crypto, stake approved assets, and access curated dApps — all while keeping your private keys offline.

Why people choose Ledger Live
Hardware-backed security
Private keys never leave your Ledger device when used with the app.
Portfolio & real-time balances
Track multiple coins, tokens and account values in one place.
Buy, swap & stake
Integrated partners let you buy or swap crypto and stake supported assets.
dApp & DeFi gateway
Access selected Web3 apps while signing transactions on your device.

All-in-one control with hardware protection

Ledger Live works together with Ledger hardware wallets to provide a layered, auditable security model. You manage accounts and inspect balances on your phone or desktop, but whenever a transaction needs approval, the final signature happens on the hardware device itself — isolated from the internet. This model reduces attack surface and helps you keep your recovery phrase safely offline.

The app supports a broad set of cryptocurrencies, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to many popular altcoins and tokens. Ledger maintains a regularly updated list of supported assets and integrates with a set of trusted on-ramp and swap providers so you can move between fiat and crypto or swap one token for another without exposing private keys. Ledger Live's portfolio view gives you an at-a-glance picture of holdings and historic performance.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Designed for both beginners and pros

For newcomers, Ledger Live offers straightforward workflows: install apps for specific blockchains on your Ledger device, create or restore accounts, and follow guided purchase or swap flows. Power users benefit from more advanced features — multiple accounts per currency, transaction fee controls where supported, and integration with third-party tools and dApps through curated connectors.

On mobile, Bluetooth-enabled Ledger devices can pair with Ledger Live for on-the-go portfolio checks and transaction creation while keeping sign operations on the device. Desktop users can combine the same security guarantees with the convenience of large-screen portfolio tools and exportable transaction logs. The Ledger developer portal also enables third parties to build Live Apps that run alongside Ledger Live, expanding available services in a controlled environment.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Buying, swapping and staking inside the app

Ledger Live integrates with authorized partners to let you buy crypto using bank transfers or cards, swap between assets, and stake supported proof-of-stake tokens to earn rewards. When you buy or swap, the app routes transactions through third-party liquidity providers but ensures custody ends up on your device-protected addresses. Staking rewards and statuses appear directly in the portfolio so you can monitor yields without exposing keys.

Because the app itself does not hold your private keys, it acts primarily as a secure gateway and user-friendly dashboard. The core principle remains: custody with you, not with the app. That makes it easier to combine convenience (buy/swap/stake) with hardware-grade security for long-term holdings or active management.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Security best practices and tips

Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or your device's official app store to avoid fake or tampered versions. Never enter or share your 24-word recovery phrase — legitimate Ledger software or support will never ask for it. Keep your device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date, verify transactions on your device screen before approving, and use a secure, malware-free computer to manage large transfers.

For business users, consider air-gapped setups or multi-signature strategies where appropriate. Ledger also recommends following standard operational security: unique, strong passwords for accounts, hardware backups stored securely, and awareness of phishing channels that may try to trick you into revealing your recovery phrase.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Common workflows

Typical day-to-day flows include: checking real-time portfolio balances, sending small payments, receiving tokens to device-managed addresses, swapping assets to rebalance exposure, and staking to earn passive rewards. Ledger Live's transaction history and exportable logs help with bookkeeping. For larger operations, review transactions on the device carefully and, when in doubt, test with a small transfer first.

If you interact with dApps, use the Ledger Live curated connectors or recognized browser extensions, and always confirm the exact transaction details on your Ledger device display before accepting — the on-device verification is the final line of defense against malicious payloads or misleading UI text.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Troubleshooting & official support

Ledger provides official support and a knowledge base to guide setup, firmware updates, and common issues. The support site contains step-by-step articles for installing Ledger Live, restoring accounts, and pairing devices. If you suspect a malicious app or behavior, stop immediately, do not enter your seed phrase, and consult Ledger support for next steps.

Community forums and developer docs can help with advanced integrations, but always validate code and endpoints before connecting them to your wallet. For enterprise or developer needs, Ledger's developer portal describes Live App creation and integration options with security controls in place.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Final thoughts

Ledger Live pairs the best of both worlds: a friendly, consolidated interface for managing many crypto assets and the airtight security posture of a hardware wallet. Whether you are starting with a small amount or managing a diversified portfolio, Ledger Live helps you keep custody where it belongs — with you — while giving tools to buy, swap, stake, and interact with Web3 services in a safer way.

Ledger Live secure crypto management app

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is Ledger Live custody of my crypto?
A: No — Ledger Live is an interface. Your private keys are stored on your Ledger hardware device; Ledger Live facilitates management and viewing. Always keep your recovery phrase secure.
Q2: Where should I download Ledger Live?
A: Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or official app stores. Avoid third-party downloads to reduce risk of fake apps or malware.
Q3: Can I buy crypto inside Ledger Live?
A: Yes — Ledger Live integrates with authorized partners to let you buy and swap crypto in-app; availability depends on your country and partner services.
Q4: What happens if my computer is compromised?
A: If your computer has malware, you may face phishing or UI-based attacks, but because signatures are verified on the external Ledger device, your private keys remain offline. Still, avoid entering recovery phrases or approving suspicious transactions.
Q5: Does Ledger Live support staking?
A: Ledger Live supports staking for a number of proof-of-stake assets; check the supported assets page for details and rewards visibility.