Ledger Live is the companion application designed to connect to your hardware wallet and give you a safe, intuitive interface to manage your cryptocurrency portfolio. It acts as a bridge between cold storage and everyday use: while your private keys remain stored offline on a physical device, Ledger Live enables you to view balances, approve transactions, install supported apps, and keep the device firmware in sync — all with clear UI guidance and cryptographic protections.

The app's core philosophy centers on security without sacrificing usability. Users can check portfolio performance at a glance, send and receive funds with transparent address verification, and sign transactions using the hardware device itself. This separation of concerns — interface in software, signing in hardware — preserves the central security model: private keys never leave the device.

Key features

  • Portfolio overview: an aggregated view of holdings across supported accounts and assets with historical charts and P&L.
  • Send & receive: create transactions in the app and confirm them securely on your hardware device for signature verification.
  • App management: install and remove blockchain-specific apps on the device to add or remove support for coins and tokens.
  • Swap & buy: integrated partners facilitate in-app swaps and fiat-to-crypto purchases (availability varies by region).
  • Staking and earning: delegate or stake supported assets directly from the application to earn network rewards safely.
  • Firmware updates: securely update your hardware device’s firmware through Ledger Live with step-by-step validation.

Practical usage is straightforward: create or restore accounts, connect your Ledger device, and let the app scan the blockchains for balances. Whenever you initiate an outgoing transaction, the app builds the transaction payload and the device displays the human-readable details (recipient, amount, fees). You must confirm the data by physically approving on the device — this guarantees that even a compromised computer can't silently steal funds.

Security & best practices

Ledger Live pairs with a hardware wallet so that private keys remain isolated. Still, users benefit from following a few basic rules: always keep your recovery phrase offline and never share it; verify addresses on the device screen before approving; download Ledger Live only from official sources; and maintain a clean, updated operating environment. The app helps by offering firmware and app update workflows and by surfacing warning messages if something looks suspicious.

Advanced workflows

For power users, Ledger Live supports multiple accounts per asset, custom transaction fees on many chains, and advanced settings for network parameters where applicable. Developers and experienced users can also use the app in tandem with external tools for specialized operations, while still relying on hardware-backed signatures.

Who should use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is an excellent choice for anyone who wants a reliable balance between security and day-to-day access: long-term holders who occasionally move funds, users staking to earn rewards, and traders who prefer signing through a hardware device. It’s not a custodial wallet; instead it empowers users to control their own keys, so responsibility for backups and recovery ultimately remains with the owner.

Note: This page is a descriptive overview intended for general information. Always consult official documentation and download Ledger Live from verified channels before installing.