What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a user-friendly application that connects to your Ledger hardware device (Nano X, Nano S Plus, and other models) to perform account management and signing in a secure environment. Unlike custodial wallets, Ledger Live combined with your Ledger device guarantees that private keys never leave the hardware, offering maximum protection against remote attacks.
Core capabilities
Why use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live removes complexity without compromising security. By combining an intuitive UI with hardware-based signing, it minimizes user error and prevents common attack vectors like clipboard hijacking, phishing, and key exfiltration. It also integrates with trusted partners for swaps and decentralized finance actions, letting you perform advanced tasks from a single hub.
Getting started — a quick walkthrough
- Download Ledger Live: Visit ledger.com/start to get the official installer for desktop or mobile.
- Connect your Ledger: Plug in the Ledger device and open Ledger Live. Choose to set up a new device or restore using your recovery phrase.
- Install apps: Use the Manager to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) on your device as needed.
- Add accounts: Add accounts in Ledger Live to begin viewing balances and transaction history.
- Send/receive: Create transactions in Ledger Live; verify and approve them directly on the device screen.
Security model — what matters
Ledger Live intentionally never accesses or stores private keys. All sensitive operations are performed inside the secure element on your device. The app acts as a management layer: it builds transactions, presents them to you, and forwards them to the device for cryptographic signing. This design reduces attack surface and keeps control firmly in the user's hands.
Advanced features
- Privacy mode: Hide balances or enable obfuscated views for public screens.
- Developer tools: Access to SDKs and developer flows for integrating Ledger support into dApps.
- Third-party integrations: Swap providers, portfolio trackers, and DeFi partners (carefully vetted) appear inside Live to expand functionality.