Overview
Ledger Live is the official application that pairs with Ledger hardware wallets (such as Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax and others) to manage, send, receive, buy, sell, swap and stake cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys securely inside the device. The design principle is simple: keep secret keys offline, present a clear UX for transactions, and integrate with trusted partner services when needed.
Core features
- Hardware-backed signing: Transactions are signed on your Ledger device, so private keys never touch your computer or phone.
- Multi-asset support: Manage thousands of coins and tokens in one app with account-level visibility.
- Buy / Swap / Sell integrations: Third-party on/off ramps are available from inside Ledger Live for convenience.
- Staking & Earn: Stake supported assets directly or use Earn-like services exposed in-app.
- Portfolio tracking: Real-time portfolio charts, price alerts and transaction history.
Why use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live's combination of an audited hardware secure element plus a well-scoped application gives users a middle ground between custodial services and fully manual self-custody workflows. It is made to be approachable for new users while providing advanced features for experienced self-custodians.
Best practices (quick)
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (not third-party mirrors). Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Verify the transaction details on your physical Ledger device screen before approving.
Security model
The Ledger approach is to isolate private keys inside the hardware secure element; Ledger Live acts as the interface and uses clear-signing and verification steps on the device. Users approve addresses and amounts directly on the Ledger device, making remote compromise of the computer less likely to result in theft — provided the user follows recovery-seed hygiene and uses only official software.
Limitations & threats
UI-level malware and fake apps are a real threat: attackers sometimes craft fake Ledger apps to trick users into revealing their recovery phrase. Users must verify sources, enable OS protections, and keep their recovery phrase offline and secure.
Workflow example (send BTC)
- Open Ledger Live and unlock your Ledger device.
- Choose the Bitcoin account, click Send and enter destination address + amount.
- Review fee & recipient on the Ledger device display.
- Approve the transaction on the device — transaction signed locally, then broadcast from the app.
Accessibility & platforms
Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux and mobile (iOS / Android). Mobile apps connect via Bluetooth for compatible devices, or via a cable for direct connection.
Integrations and extensibility
Ledger Live offers curated third-party integrations for trading, swapping, and DeFi dApps, along with a supported dApp library. When a third-party action is requested Ledger Live still requires device confirmation to sign transactions, preserving the user's control over approvals.
Closing summary
Ledger Live is not a bank — it's a secure interface to hardware self-custody. Use it to keep private keys offline, to verify transactions on-device, and to integrate trusted services when desired. Pair it with careful operational security to minimize risk.