Ledger Live Wallet

A practical guide to using Ledger Live to manage, secure, and track your crypto.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile companion application built to manage cryptocurrency assets in combination with Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, polished interface to check balances, send and receive coins and tokens, install apps on your hardware device, and monitor portfolio performance. By pairing an offline hardware device for private key storage with the Live application, users combine strong security with everyday usability.

Core features

Secure key storage:
Private keys never leave your Ledger device. Transactions are signed on-device and verified by Ledger's secure element.
Portfolio & tracking:
Real-time balance updates, historical charts, and price tracking for many coins and tokens enable quick portfolio checks.

Getting started — quick steps

  1. Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and install it on your computer or mobile device.
  2. Initialize your Ledger hardware device: create a PIN and write down your 24-word recovery phrase. Store the recovery phrase offline and never share it.
  3. Open Ledger Live and pair the device. Create accounts for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.
  4. To send assets, connect your device, open the relevant app on the device, and confirm the transaction details physically.

Security best practices

Security is the primary reason for using a hardware wallet. A few best practices will keep you safe:

  • Always download Ledger Live from the official site and verify the app signature when available.
  • Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any app, website, or computer. Store it offline in a secure place (consider a fireproof safe).
  • Use a strong PIN on your device and enable passphrase support only if you understand the trade-offs.
  • Be careful with third-party integrations — only connect to trusted platforms and double-check transaction details on your hardware device screen before approving.

Supported assets and integrations

Ledger Live supports a wide range of coins and tokens through native integrations and third-party partners. Popular assets such as Bitcoin, Ethereum (and many ERC-20 tokens), Litecoin, and others are supported natively. The app also links to decentralized finance (DeFi) and staking providers so users can stake some assets directly from Ledger Live while preserving private key control.

Common everyday use cases

For day-to-day crypto users, Ledger Live solves common needs: secure long-term storage, periodic transfers to exchanges, staking passive income, and checking a portfolio on the go. Advanced users often combine Ledger Live with wallet connect-compatible dapps or use the device to sign messages and transactions for added security.

Troubleshooting tips

  • If Ledger Live doesn't detect your device, check the USB cable and try another port, update device firmware, and ensure the Ledger app is installed on the device for the coin you want to manage.
  • If your balance appears incorrect, refresh the account, or re-sync — always verify on-chain details using a block explorer if in doubt.
  • Contact official support channels for recovery-related questions; never share your recovery phrase with anyone promising help.
Download Ledger Live (official site)

Important note: This article is informational and not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger. Always verify sources and use official downloads for security-critical operations.