Ledger Live (Official) — Secure Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet

Overview

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It gives users a single dashboard to monitor balances across multiple accounts and blockchains, create/send/receive transactions, and interact with DeFi and staking features while keeping private keys inside a secure hardware element.

Main capabilities

• Manage Bitcoin, Ethereum and many other supported assets in one place.
• Install apps on your Ledger hardware device and confirm transactions on-device.
• Buy, swap, send, receive, and stake directly through integrated partners.

Download & Install

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or the official app stores. Ledger publishes platform-specific installers (macOS, Windows, Linux) and mobile apps for iOS and Android.

Quick setup steps

1. Download Ledger Live from the official download page and install it on your computer or mobile device.
2. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet and follow the device prompts to set a PIN and create a recovery phrase.
3. Add accounts for the assets you want to manage inside Ledger Live and confirm accounts on your device when prompted.

Features & User Experience

Ledger Live displays real-time portfolio balances and supports hundreds or thousands of crypto assets via built-in and third-party integrations. The app also offers portfolio charts, transaction history, and a marketplace of partners for on/off ramps and services.

Security-first UX

Every transaction must be reviewed and physically confirmed on your Ledger hardware device — this design isolates private keys from the internet and apps. Ledger Live acts as a secure UI, but the cryptographic signing always happens on-device.

Supported Coins & Services

Ledger maintains a support list of compatible coins and tokens; Ledger Live also integrates with swap, buy and staking providers (availability varies by country). Check the supported assets page to verify a token before attempting to manage it.

Common actions

• Buy crypto via integrated on-ramps.
• Swap tokens via swap providers.
• Stake supported PoS tokens to earn rewards.

Security Guidance & Best Practices

The core security principle: your 24-word recovery phrase must remain private and offline. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase — any request for it is a direct scam attempt. Only install Ledger Live from the official sources and keep firmware and app versions updated.

Practical tips

Downloads

Verify downloads using the official site. Avoid third-party mirrors or search-result traps that mimic the official app.

Recovery phrase

Store your recovery phrase offline, ideally in multiple secure physical locations; never enter it into a website or app.

If you see suspicious prompts

If any interface ever asks for your recovery phrase, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately. Seek support from Ledger's official support channels.

Troubleshooting & Support

Ledger provides an official support portal and help articles that cover common issues like device connectivity, missing accounts, or synchronization problems. Use official support channels to open tickets or chat with Ledger agents when needed.

Conclusion

Ledger Live, when used together with a Ledger hardware wallet, provides a strong security posture for self-custody of crypto assets: private keys stay on-device while the app offers an accessible interface to manage and interact with assets. Maintain download hygiene, update regularly, and never disclose your recovery phrase.