What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It's a secure platform that allows you to manage your cryptocurrency assets, check your portfolio, send and receive crypto, and install apps on your Ledger device.
Unlike exchange-based wallets or software wallets, Ledger Live works in conjunction with your Ledger hardware device (Nano S, Nano S Plus, or Nano X) to provide the highest level of security for your cryptocurrencies. Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet, ensuring that your assets remain secure even if your computer is compromised.
Key Features of Ledger Live
Ledger Live offers a comprehensive suite of features for managing your cryptocurrency portfolio:
Portfolio Overview
Track all your crypto assets in one place with real-time price updates and portfolio performance charts.
Send & Receive
Securely send and receive cryptocurrencies with verification on your Ledger device.
Buy Crypto
Purchase cryptocurrencies directly through integrated partners like Coinify and Wyre.
Staking
Earn rewards by staking supported cryptocurrencies directly through Ledger Live.
Swap
Exchange cryptocurrencies instantly through integrated exchange services.
App Management
Install, update, and remove apps on your Ledger device to manage different cryptocurrencies.
Security Architecture
Ledger Live is designed with security as the fundamental principle:
How Security Works
- Private Key Protection: Your private keys never leave your Ledger hardware device
- Transaction Verification: All transactions must be verified on your Ledger device screen
- Secure Element: Ledger devices use certified secure chips (CC EAL5+)
- Encrypted Communication: All data is encrypted between Ledger Live and your device
- Regular Updates: Frequent security updates to protect against new threats
Security Best Practices
- Always verify receiving addresses on your device screen
- Keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it
- Use a strong PIN code for your Ledger device
- Only download Ledger Live from official sources
- Regularly update your Ledger device firmware and apps
Supported Devices & Cryptocurrencies
Ledger Live works with all Ledger hardware wallets and supports thousands of cryptocurrencies:
Supported Hardware Wallets
| Device | Connection | Screen | App Capacity | Mobile Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ledger Nano X | USB-C, Bluetooth | 128x64 pixels | 100+ apps | Yes (iOS & Android) |
| Ledger Nano S Plus | USB-C | 128x64 pixels | 100+ apps | Android only |
| Ledger Nano S | Micro USB | 128x32 pixels | 3-10 apps | No |
Supported Cryptocurrencies
Ledger Live supports over 1,800 cryptocurrencies and tokens, including:
- Bitcoin (BTC): Native support with full SegWit and Bech32
- Ethereum (ETH): Full support with ERC-20 token management
- Binance Coin (BNB): BEP2 and BEP20 support
- Cardano (ADA): Native staking support
- Polkadot (DOT): Staking and governance support
- Plus thousands of ERC-20, BEP-20, and other standard tokens
Download & Installation
Ledger Live is available for desktop and mobile platforms:
Mobile Applications
Getting Started Guide
Follow these steps to set up Ledger Live with your Ledger device:
Initial Setup
- Download and install Ledger Live for your operating system
- Connect your Ledger device to your computer using the USB cable
- Open Ledger Live and follow the on-screen setup instructions
- Initialize your device (if new) or enter your PIN code
- Install apps for the cryptocurrencies you want to manage
- Add accounts for each cryptocurrency
Using Ledger Live
- Dashboard: View your portfolio value and allocation
- Accounts: Manage individual cryptocurrency accounts
- Send: Transfer crypto to others (requires device confirmation)
- Receive: Generate addresses to receive crypto (verify on device)
- Manager: Install, update, or remove apps on your device
- Buy/Sell: Purchase crypto through integrated services
- Swap: Exchange one cryptocurrency for another
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems with Ledger Live, try these solutions:
Connection Issues
- Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port, restart Ledger Live
- Bluetooth connection problems: Ensure Bluetooth is enabled, restart both devices
- Driver issues on Windows: Install the latest drivers from Ledger's website
Transaction Issues
- Transaction stuck: Check network status, ensure sufficient gas fees
- Balance not updating: Check connection, clear cache (Settings > Help > Clear cache)
- App not installed: Use Manager to install the required cryptocurrency app
Performance Issues
- Slow performance: Close other applications, ensure you have sufficient RAM
- Sync problems: Check your internet connection, restart Ledger Live
- App crashes: Update to the latest version, reinstall the application
If problems persist, visit the Ledger Support Center for more help.