Ledger Live — Secure Crypto Management Guidance
Ledger Live is your secure, all-in-one desktop and mobile companion for managing Ledger hardware wallets and self-custody assets. Learn how to set up, manage, update, and protect your crypto with Ledger Live’s modern interface.
Ledger Live: the secure interface for Ledger hardware wallets
Ledger Live (now closely integrated with Ledger Wallet offerings) is the official manager app that pairs with Ledger hardware signers such as the Ledger Nano family. With Ledger Live you can add accounts, track balances, send and receive assets, install blockchain-specific apps on your device, and access staking or swap integrations while keeping your private keys offline on the device.
This page focuses on Ledger Live as both a ledger live wallet experience and the desktop application known as ledger live desktop. Whether you prefer desktop workflows or the mobile companion, Ledger Live is designed for secure self-custody, clear transaction signing, and compatibility with a wide set of coins and tokens.
Ledger Live download & install — desktop-first guidance
Installing the ledger live desktop application is straightforward: choose the correct installer for Windows, macOS, or Linux from Ledger’s official download pages, run the installer, and then follow the in-app onboarding when connecting a Ledger device for the first time. Ledger’s support documentation walks new users through each step — from initializing a device to restoring an existing wallet if needed. See official downloads and setup guides in the Resources section below.
Only the official distribution ensures digitally signed installers and prevents maliciously modified applications.
Desktop (ledger live desktop) is preferred for deep management tasks and large transfers. Mobile offers on-the-go balance checks and easy swaps while preserving the same core security model.
Ledger Live security model — keep your keys offline
Ledger Live is a companion app; your private keys stay on your Ledger hardware device. All transaction approvals happen on the device itself, so Ledger Live sends unsigned transaction data to your device and the device returns a signed transaction. This separation reduces exposure to malware on your desktop or phone. Important: Ledger or any legitimate interface will never ask you for your seed phrase — that is a red flag and a common phishing tactic.
Ledger also provides regular updates for both Ledger Live and device firmware. Applying updates promptly helps ensure compatibility and the latest security fixes.
Core Ledger Live features (desktop & wallet)
Ledger Live focuses on clear functionality that preserves security while making crypto easier to manage:
— Account management for multiple blockchains and tokens.
— Buy, sell, swap integrations with third-party providers (within the app).
— Staking & earnings dashboards for supported assets.
— Firmware and app management for your Ledger device.
— Portfolio view, transaction history, and exportable statements.
The ledger live wallet interface is purpose-built to let you discover supported coins and connect to decentralized services while retaining hardware-protected signing. The desktop app is often used for backups, complex account setups, and bulk operations that are easier on a larger screen.
Ledger Live FAQ — quick answers
Q: Is Ledger Live open source? Ledger maintains several public repositories for Ledger Live components and the desktop app; this makes portions of the tooling inspectable by the community. For advanced users, Ledger’s GitHub contains repositories such as the ledger-live-desktop client.
Q: Do I need Ledger Live to use a Ledger device? Ledger Live simplifies the experience and is recommended for most users. Some advanced users may use third-party wallets that talk to the device, but Ledger Live remains the official and most supported path.
Q: What about fake apps? Fake Ledger Live clones have been reported in the wild. Always verify the download source and never enter your seed phrase. If an app prompts for your recovery phrase, treat it as a scam and disconnect immediately.