ledger live:
ledger live is the official crypto management application developed by ledger, designed to help users buy, store, send, receive, and stake cryptocurrencies with top-tier security. by pairing the app with a ledger hardware wallet such as the nano s plus, nano x, or stax, you gain full control over your digital assets while keeping your private keys completely offline. this makes ledger live one of the safest ways to manage crypto in 2025.
this guide explains what ledger live is, how to set it up, how to use it, the security benefits it provides, and the features that make it a trusted choice for millions of crypto users.
what is ledger live?
ledger live is a desktop and mobile application that serves as a secure interface for managing cryptocurrencies stored on your ledger device. it provides an all-in-one dashboard that allows you to check balances, track portfolios, send and receive coins, buy or sell crypto through integrated partners, and stake certain assets to earn rewards.
it supports thousands of coins and tokens across different networks, making it convenient for both beginners and experienced users.
why choose ledger live?
people use ledger live because it combines ease of use with hardware-level security. unlike software wallets or exchange wallets, ledger live never exposes your private keys to the internet. all sensitive information remains inside the secure element of your ledger device.
key advantages include:
full control over your crypto
secure transaction verification on the hardware wallet
real-time portfolio tracking
support for 5,000+ assets
integration with safe, trusted services
easy account management and network updates
ledger live is built for security, but also for simplicity. even first-time crypto users can navigate it with ease.
how to download ledger live (official source)
for safety, always download ledger live from the official link:
ledger.com/start
downloading from any other source may expose you to fake apps, phishing tools, or malware. the official page automatically detects your device (windows, macos, linux, android, or ios) and gives you the correct version.
installing ledger live on desktop
installation is quick and simple:
visit ledger.com/start
select your device
download ledger live for your operating system
run the installer
follow the prompts to complete setup
open the app and choose “get started”
once installed, you can begin configuring your ledger hardware wallet with the app.
setting up your ledger device with ledger live
when you connect your ledger device for the first time, follow these steps:
plug in your ledger device
open ledger live
choose “set up new device” or “already have a device”
create or confirm your device pin
write down your 24-word recovery phrase
verify the phrase as required
allow ledger live to run a security check
after these steps, your hardware wallet and ledger live are linked securely.
remember: your 24-word recovery phrase must always stay private, offline, and never typed anywhere.
understanding the ledger live interface
ledger live’s dashboard is designed for simplicity and clarity. it shows:
your total portfolio value
individual asset balances
recent transactions
installed blockchain apps
quick buttons for sending, receiving, and buying
market performance data
the interface is clean, readable, and ideal for both beginners and advanced users.
adding accounts in ledger live
you can manage different blockchains using “accounts.” each blockchain (bitcoin, ethereum, solana, polygon, etc.) requires its own account.
to add an account:
click “accounts”
select “add account”
choose your cryptocurrency
unlock your ledger device
open the corresponding app on the device
let ledger live scan for existing balances
confirm and add
after this, your balances and transaction history appear automatically.
how to send crypto through ledger live
sending crypto using ledger live is secure because the transaction must be approved on the hardware wallet.
steps to send:
click “send”
choose the account
enter the recipient’s address
enter the amount
connect and unlock your ledger device
review details on the device screen
approve the transaction
since you must physically confirm the transaction on the device, hackers cannot send your funds without your approval.
how to receive crypto using ledger live
receiving crypto is simple but requires address verification.
click “receive”
choose the account
connect and unlock your device
ledger live displays a receiving address
verify that the address on your device matches the one in the app
share the address with the sender
wait for confirmations
verifying the address on your device prevents address-swapping malware from tricking you.
buying, selling, and swapping crypto in ledger live
ledger live integrates with licensed third-party providers to offer:
crypto purchasing
selling for fiat
swapping assets instantly
these services work within the app but never expose your private keys. your crypto stays in your ledger-controlled wallets at all times.
staking crypto in ledger live
ledger live allows you to stake several major cryptocurrencies, earning passive rewards while keeping your assets secure.
supported staking assets include:
ethereum
solana
cardano
polkadot
tezos
cosmos
algorand
and others
staking is performed directly through ledger live or via integrated partners, depending on the network.
mobile version of ledger live
ledger live mobile is available on both android and ios. with the nano x, you can connect via bluetooth and manage your crypto anywhere.
mobile features include:
send and receive
buy, sell, swap
staking
portfolio tracking
account management
it uses the same security principles as the desktop version.
security benefits of ledger live
ledger live is widely respected for its strong security model:
private keys always stay inside the hardware wallet
no transaction can occur without physical confirmation
ledger live verifies addresses and apps
secure element technology protects against attacks
constant updates improve system safety
using ledger live with a ledger device is far more secure than leaving funds on an exchange or using a software-only wallet.
supported cryptocurrencies and tokens
ledger live supports a huge ecosystem, including:
bitcoin
ethereum and erc-20 tokens
solana
cardano
polygon
avalanche
binance smart chain
xrp
polkadot
litecoin
dogecoin
stablecoins
multichain assets via integrated apps
support continues to expand regularly.
safety tips for using ledger live
follow these tips to keep your crypto safe:
download ledger live only from ledger.com/start
never share your 24-word recovery phrase
avoid screenshots or digital copies of your phrase
update firmware and the app regularly
verify recipient addresses on your device
ignore fake pop-ups or “support” messages
keep your device pin private
staying cautious dramatically increases your protection.
conclusion: why ledger live is a top choice
ledger live is one of the best and safest ways to manage digital assets in 2025. with its intuitive interface, wide crypto support, secure hardware integration, and useful features like staking and swapping, it offers everything a crypto user needs in one place.
pairing ledger live with a ledger hardware wallet gives you maximum freedom, security, and control over your crypto, making it a trusted choice for millions of users around the world.