Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets that brings your crypto accounts, NFTs, staking, and on-chain actions into a single, streamlined dashboard. This page explains what it is, why people use it, and how to set it up safely—so you can take control of your digital assets with a workflow that’s both beginner-friendly and power-user ready.
Works with Ledger Nano Series & Ledger Stax
Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application built to interface with Ledger hardware wallets. Think of it as a secure command center: you can add accounts for different blockchains, view real-time balances, and initiate transactions that must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device. Because the private keys never leave the secure element on the device, the app can remain convenient without becoming a single point of failure. Ledger Live also integrates tokens, NFTs, and staking flows, so common tasks—like receiving funds, checking transaction history, or claiming staking rewards—are a few clicks away. For users who prefer clarity over complexity, Ledger Live removes a lot of guesswork while still letting advanced users choose fees and networks.
A major advantage is transparency. When you send or swap assets, the app displays the details while your device shows the destination and amounts for review. If anything looks off, you can cancel on-device. That simple requirement dramatically reduces the risk of malware-driven approvals and malicious pop-ups. The combination of clear UX and hardware verification is why many investors, builders, and collectors trust Ledger Live for daily operations.
Create separate accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many other networks, then track them in one portfolio. You can rename accounts, filter by asset, and see fiat values for quick context. Advanced users can connect to custom nodes or explorers to match their preferred infrastructure.
Within Ledger Live you can purchase supported assets through partners, sell back to fiat where available, and swap between tokens without leaving the dashboard. The device confirms final details, reducing common errors like wrong amounts or addresses. Always compare quotes and fees, and ensure availability for your region.
Staking flows help you delegate or stake assets (on chains that support it) and monitor rewards. Instead of managing multiple dashboards, you can handle most steps in one place, with on-device confirmation for safety and a clear record of rewards and compounding actions.
View collections, verify contract details, and send NFTs with the same hardware-backed confirmations used for tokens. Ledger Live surfaces metadata and network fees so you understand what you’re sending before you approve anything.
Tip: Store the recovery phrase offline in multiple safe locations. If the device is ever lost or damaged, you can restore access on a new Ledger using that phrase.
Ledger Live is the software interface; your Ledger hardware wallet secures the private keys. Together they form a wallet experience where the device is the root of trust and the app is the control panel.
You can explore parts of the interface, but to secure real funds you should use a Ledger device so your keys never touch an internet-connected computer or phone.
As long as your 24-word recovery phrase is safe, you can restore your accounts on a new device. Without the phrase, funds cannot be recovered by anyone, including Ledger.
Yes, for supported networks. You can view NFTs, send them with device confirmation, and stake various assets while tracking rewards from the same dashboard.
Availability depends on your region and partner integrations. Always review fees, limits, and terms before confirming a transaction.
If an account balance looks off, refresh the blockchain data or check a block explorer to confirm recent transactions. Connection issues often resolve after updating Ledger Live, reconnecting the cable, or trying a different USB port. For mobile, ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted and that no other device is currently paired. When sending tokens on networks with multiple address formats, double-check that the recipient supports the same standard. If gas fees spike, consider waiting or customizing fees where supported. For advanced users, connecting to a trusted custom node can improve reliability during busy network periods.
Finally, treat your recovery phrase like a master key. Keep redundant, offline copies in secure locations, avoid digital photos or cloud storage, and periodically verify you can still read the words. Small habits like these are the difference between a smooth experience and avoidable headaches.
Ledger Live brings the essentials—portfolio tracking, secure sending, buying, swapping, staking, and NFT management—into a clean interface while your Ledger hardware keeps private keys offline. Whether you’re moving your first $20 of crypto or managing a diverse, multi-chain portfolio, the same principle applies: verify on the device, take your time, and keep your recovery phrase safe.
Start with best practices