What Ledger Live does
Ledger Live connects to Ledger hardware devices to provide a polished interface for holding, sending, receiving and growing crypto assets. It combines a portfolio view, market insights, built-in swap and staking, and device management — designed for both beginners and power users who want control and safety.
Security-first by design
Keys never leave your Ledger device. All transaction signatures happen on the hardware wallet, keeping private keys offline and resistant to malware and remote attacks.
Portfolio & tracking
Track real-time balances across 5,000+ tokens and multiple blockchains. Custom labels, historic performance charts, and exportable reports let you reconcile taxes or analyze returns.
Swap & exchange
Built-in atomic swaps and aggregator-powered trades let you swap assets without exposing your keys. Competitive rates and a clear fee breakdown provide transparency for every swap.
Staking & earning
Stake supported coins directly from Ledger Live to earn rewards. Delegation options include validators, lock-up periods, estimated APY, and quick unstake information to manage liquidity.
How it works — simple flow
Install Ledger Live on desktop or mobile, set up or connect your Ledger device, and add accounts for the blockchains you use. When you initiate transactions in the app, confirm them on your hardware device. Ledger Live acts as a secure, human-friendly bridge between you and the blockchain.
- Download & Install the app (desktop or mobile).
- Create a new device or restore from your recovery phrase.
- Add accounts (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
- Send, receive, swap, or stake — confirm on your hardware device.
Advanced features for power users
Ledger Live includes integrations and settings that satisfy advanced workflows: custom fees, multiple accounts per currency, developer tools, link to third-party dApps safely via Web3 connectors, and support for ERC‑20 tokens and custom tokens.
Device management
Install and uninstall apps for each blockchain on your Ledger device, update firmware, and manage PIN and passphrase options from the app. Firmware updates are signed and verified to maintain device integrity.
Design & accessibility
Ledger Live focuses on clarity: high-contrast UI, keyboard navigability, and readable typography make it accessible. Tooltips, inline help, and guided flows reduce onboarding friction for newcomers without hiding advanced controls from experienced users.
Privacy & data
Only essential metadata is shared with Ledger’s services (e.g. market data providers). Private keys, recovery phrases, and transaction signatures stay on-device. The app provides options to opt out of analytics and to run in a more privacy-preserving mode.
Getting started tips
- Always buy Ledger devices from official channels to avoid tampered hardware.
- Write down your recovery phrase physically and store it offline in a secure place.
- Enable a passphrase for plausible deniability if you need a hidden account.
- Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to benefit from security fixes.