Ledger Live Download — Secure Hardware Wallet Management
Everything you need to know to download, install, and safely use Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware wallet — from setup and features to security practices, supported assets, and troubleshooting guidance.
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, unified interface to manage accounts, view real-time portfolio balances, receive and send cryptocurrencies, install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device, and access optional services such as swaps, buys, and staking via third-party partners. Crucially, Ledger Live never holds or exposes your private keys — signing always occurs on your Ledger device.
Key point: Ledger Live facilitates transactions and account management; your private keys remain inside the Ledger device’s secure element and are never transmitted to the app or the internet in plaintext.
Download and installation (quick guide)
To get Ledger Live safely:
- Download only from official sources: Use Ledger’s official website or your platform’s app store. Avoid links from emails, social posts, or third-party mirrors.
- Choose the right build: Desktop builds are available for Windows, macOS and Linux; mobile builds are available on iOS and Android.
- Install and launch: Follow platform prompts and grant only required permissions.
- Connect your device: Plug in your Ledger device by USB (or pair via Bluetooth for supported models) and follow the on-screen onboarding steps.
Safety tip: After installation, verify the app’s integrity (checksums or code signatures are sometimes published) if you want an additional assurance step before first use.
Initial setup and device onboarding
When you first open Ledger Live and connect a new Ledger device, the app will walk you through initialization or restoration:
- Set up as new device: Create a PIN on the device and generate a recovery phrase (usually 24 words). Write the recovery phrase down on the provided card or a durable backup medium — never store it electronically.
- Restore from seed: If you already have a recovery phrase, choose restore and input the words directly on the Ledger device when prompted.
- Install device apps: Use Ledger Live’s Manager to install individual blockchain apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) on the hardware so it can manage those assets.
- Add accounts: After installing apps, add accounts in Ledger Live to view balances and manage addresses.
Never initialize a device that already contains a seed. If packaging or seals appear tampered with, contact the seller and do not proceed.
Core features of Ledger Live
Ledger Live offers several features designed to make secure crypto management practical:
- Portfolio overview: See aggregated balances and performance in fiat or native asset units.
- Account management: Add multiple accounts per supported blockchain and view transaction history.
- Send & receive: Build transactions in the app and confirm them on your Ledger device.
- App Manager: Install/uninstall blockchain apps on your device to control supported coins and storage usage.
- Firmware & device updates: Apply signed firmware updates and manage device settings via Ledger Live.
- Buy, swap, stake: Optional integrations with third-party providers allow buying crypto, swapping assets, and staking tokens — these services have separate fees and terms.
- Third-party wallet/connectors: Connect Ledger to Web3 dapps or external wallets (e.g., MetaMask) while maintaining device signing authority.
Security model — how Ledger Live preserves safety
Ledger Live’s security model depends on hardware isolation and user verification:
- Secure element: Private keys live in the Ledger device’s secure element — a hardened chip that resists extraction.
- On-device confirmation: All sensitive transactions and operations must be approved on the physical device; the device displays the amount, destination, and fees for you to verify.
- Recovery phrase custody: The recovery phrase is the single point of recovery — it must be kept offline and private at all times.
- Signed firmware: Ledger ships signed firmware; Ledger Live applies updates only when signatures validate, reducing supply-chain risks.
Remember: Ledger Live is a helper UI. If your computer is compromised, an attacker can attempt social engineering, but they cannot sign transactions without your physical confirmation on the device.
Supported assets and integrations
Ledger Live supports hundreds of blockchains and thousands of tokens through native support and third-party integrations. Popular native examples include Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Polkadot, Cardano and many more. For some tokens or specialized chains, Ledger users rely on external wallets or dapps connected to the device via Ledger Live or bridge tools.
Before sending a less common token, validate compatibility and recommended client workflows — this avoids lost funds from unsupported derivation paths or token types.
Buying, swapping and staking — what to expect
Ledger Live integrates optional third-party providers that let you buy crypto with fiat, swap between assets, or stake tokens. These services are convenient but come with provider fees, KYC requirements, and region restrictions. Ledger Live will present provider details and fees during each flow.
Always review third-party terms and fees carefully. Using these integrations does not transfer custody of your private keys — signing remains on your device — but provider terms and regulatory obligations vary.
Troubleshooting and common issues
| Problem | Quick fix |
|---|---|
| Device not detected | Try a different USB cable/port, avoid low-quality hubs, restart Ledger Live, ensure the device is unlocked and firmware compatible. |
| Forgot PIN | Perform a device reset (factory reset) and restore using your recovery phrase on a new or reset device. |
| Firmware update failed | Do not disconnect mid-update. Retry via Ledger Live recovery instructions; contact official support if unsure. |
| Missing token | Install appropriate blockchain app via Manager or use a recommended third-party wallet integration for that token. |
| Swap/Buy error | Check provider availability, region restrictions, and KYC status; try a different provider if necessary. |
Best practices and operational checklist
Daily and frequent safety habits
- Verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving.
- Keep Ledger Live and device firmware up to date via official sources.
- Avoid initializing or signing sensitive transactions on public or untrusted machines.
- Be cautious of phishing — type known URLs or use bookmarks rather than clicking links from messages.
Pre-transfer steps for large sums
- Perform a small test transfer first.
- Confirm recipient address using an independent channel if possible (trusted counterparties).
- Ensure you have physical access to your recovery phrase and any passphrase required.
Advanced workflows — PSBT, multisig, air-gapped signing
Advanced users often combine Ledger devices with software such as Electrum, Sparrow, or other PSBT-capable tools to support air-gapped signing, multisignature wallets, and advanced coin control. These workflows increase security by separating transaction construction from signing and distributing trust among multiple keys. They require planning, careful backups, and practice restores before use with significant funds.
If you plan to use advanced workflows, document the process clearly and test recovery procedures on spare devices first.
Where to learn more
After you’ve installed Ledger Live and completed a few transactions, expand your knowledge by reading official documentation on app management, passphrase usage, multisig guides, and provider integrations. Community resources and reputable guides can help but always cross-check procedures with official documentation before performing high-value operations.