Ledger Live — Securely Manage Your Crypto

A vertical, user-friendly guide that explains how to connect your Ledger device to Ledger Live, protect your keys, manage accounts, and use features like staking and swapping while keeping security first.

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a unified interface to view balances, manage multiple blockchain accounts, perform transactions, stake supported tokens, and swap assets through integrated partners. Crucially, Ledger Live acts as a bridge: the app prepares operations, but the Ledger hardware device stores the private keys and performs critical signing operations on-device. This separation keeps your keys offline and minimizes exposure to online threats.

Initial setup and login

Begin by downloading Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and installing it on a trusted computer or mobile device. Open the app, connect your Ledger device with the provided USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for compatible models), and unlock the device by entering your PIN directly on the hardware. Ledger Live will detect the device and prompt you to add accounts for the currencies you want to manage. There’s no password-based remote account — access depends on your physical device and PIN.

How the login flow protects your keys

The security model is simple but effective: private keys never leave the hardware wallet. When you request a transaction in Ledger Live, the app creates an unsigned transaction which the Ledger device then verifies and signs. The device displays the transaction details (recipient address, amount, fees) on its secure screen; you must confirm on the device to authorize the operation. Even if your computer were compromised, attackers couldn’t sign transactions without the physical device and PIN.

Key features you’ll use daily

• Portfolio dashboard: real-time balances, performance charts, and asset allocation so you can monitor holdings at a glance.
• Send & Receive: prepare and verify transactions; always confirm details on your Ledger device.
• Swap & Buy: integrated services let you exchange or purchase crypto without exposing private keys to third parties.
• Staking: stake supported tokens directly in Ledger Live to earn rewards while keeping custody on your device.
• Manager: install or remove blockchain apps on your Ledger device to support different coins.

Security best practices

Protecting your crypto relies on a few simple habits. Always store your 24-word recovery phrase offline in a secure place; consider using a fireproof metal backup for long-term durability. Choose a strong, private PIN and shield it when entering it in public. Keep both Ledger Live and your Ledger device firmware up to date — updates patch security vulnerabilities and add features. Finally, verify transaction details shown on the Ledger device screen before approving; that screen is the final and trusted source of truth.

Troubleshooting common login issues

If Ledger Live doesn’t detect your device, check the USB cable, try another port, or test a different computer. For mobile Bluetooth connections, toggle Bluetooth and re-pair the Ledger device. If Ledger Live prompts for a firmware update, follow instructions carefully and confirm updates on the device. If you run into persistent problems, Ledger Support and the official help center provide step-by-step guides and diagnostics.

Recovering access

If your device is lost, stolen, or wiped (for example, after too many incorrect PIN attempts), you can restore your funds using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. The recovery phrase is the only way to regain control, so never share it digitally. If you suspect your phrase was exposed, move funds to a newly generated wallet immediately and set up a fresh recovery phrase.