What is the Ledger Live App?
Ledger Live (also branded in some materials as Ledger Wallet™ or Ledger Wallet App) is Ledger's official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android) and is the primary interface for managing supported cryptocurrencies while keeping private keys safely on your Ledger device.
Source: Official Ledger product pages and start guides. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Key features — what you can do in Ledger Live
Portfolio & tracking
Ledger Live displays your portfolio value in real-time, lets you add multiple accounts and track performance over time. It aggregates your holdings across supported chains and tokens so you can get a single view of your net worth in crypto.
Send, receive, buy, swap, stake
You can send and receive thousands of crypto assets, buy and sell via integrated third-party providers, swap between assets, and stake supported coins directly from the app — all while your private keys remain secured on your hardware device.
Supported assets and integrated services are listed on Ledger’s official pages. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
App management & firmware
Ledger Live is also how you install blockchain-specific apps onto your Ledger device (for example the Ethereum app, Bitcoin app), and how you keep your device firmware up-to-date — critical steps for security and compatibility.
Mobile vs Desktop — which should you use?
Ledger Live is available on both mobile and desktop. Desktop versions tend to be used for heavier workflows (large batch operations, deep history review), while mobile is optimized for fast everyday checks, on-the-go swipes and mobile-only features (including some Android-specific integrations). Ledger maintains parity for core flows but there are platform differences (e.g., some NFT workflows and firmware flows differ by device & OS).
Comparison information: Ledger Support — mobile vs desktop guide. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Security first — how Ledger Live keeps your keys safe
Hardware-backed keys
Ledger Live never stores your private keys. Keys are generated and signed on the Ledger hardware device (Secure Element), and the app acts as a signed interface. This separation ensures online activities (apps, browsers, exchanges) never get direct access to private keys.
Beware of fake apps & phishing
Criminal campaigns have distributed fake Ledger apps, especially targeting desktop/macOS users. Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website or your official app store, and never enter or share your seed phrase (recovery phrase) with any interface. Ledger’s official guidance is explicit: if any UI asks for your seed phrase, it’s a scam.
Security reporting and warnings have been published in public reports and security news. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Getting started — quick setup
1 — Get a Ledger device
Purchase from Ledger’s official shop or an authorized reseller. Never buy a second-hand device that already has a recovery phrase configured.
2 — Download Ledger Live
Download the app on desktop or mobile from Ledger’s official pages or the Apple/Google app stores. On desktop, run the installer and follow the onboarding. On mobile, install the Ledger Wallet / Ledger Live app from the official app store and pair it with your device.
Official download & start pages. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
3 — Set up accounts
Add accounts for the coins you hold (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many more). Install chain apps on your device via Ledger Live when requested.
Official links (10) — quick access
Below are 10 official links to Ledger resources and stores — use these for downloads, support, and product information. Always verify the domain is ledger.com or the official app store entry.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Ledger Live free to use?
A: Yes. Ledger Live is free to download and use — the app interfaces with third-party providers for buy/sell/swap services which may charge fees.
Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
A: Ledger Live can be installed without a device, but most secure operations (signing transactions) require a Ledger hardware wallet. Some portfolio-view-only features may function but will not allow secure sends without the device.
Q: Where do I download Ledger Live safely?
A: Always download from Ledger’s official site or the official app store entries listed above. Do not download from third-party or mirrored pages. If an interface ever asks for your seed phrase, stop — it’s a scam.
Security advisory summary. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Q: How many coins does Ledger Live support?
A: Ledger supports thousands of assets across many blockchains; the exact supported list is maintained on Ledger’s website and can change as the ecosystem evolves. Check the official supported-assets page for the latest list.
See supported assets listing. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
Q: What should I do if I suspect a fake Ledger Live app?
A: Uninstall any suspicious app, do not enter seed phrases, check downloads only from ledger.com or official stores, and contact Ledger Support immediately if you think you were targeted.
Official security guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
Advanced tips (h4/h5 usage)
Tip 1 — Use a dedicated device
If you manage a substantial portfolio, consider using a dedicated machine/phone for crypto management and keep it isolated from risky browsing or downloads.
Tip 2 — Keep firmware & apps updated
Ledger releases firmware and app updates for security and compatibility — apply updates only through Ledger Live and official steps.
Note on backups
Write your recovery phrase on paper (or a metal backup solution) and store it offline in a secure place. Never store it digitally or share it.