Ledger Live is the official companion app for managing Ledger hardware wallets, allowing users to securely buy, send, receive, stake, and track a wide range of crypto assets from one dashboard. It is available as Ledger Live desktop software and as a mobile app, both of which connect directly to your Ledger device to keep private keys offline while you transact.
What is Ledger Live
Ledger Live is an all‑in‑one portfolio and transaction manager designed specifically for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a unified interface to view balances, manage multiple accounts, install blockchain apps, and interact with supported networks, while the hardware wallet signs transactions securely.
From a user perspective, Ledger Live functions as a bridge between your Ledger device and various blockchains, removing the need to interact directly with complex node software or multiple third‑party wallets. Whether using Ledger Live desktop or the mobile version, the app keeps sensitive operations on the device while giving you a clear visual overview of your holdings and activity.
Getting started via ledger.com/start
The safest way to begin is by visiting the official onboarding portal at ledger.com/start, which provides the step‑by‑step process for new and existing users. This guide walks you through unboxing your device, checking authenticity, initializing the wallet, and downloading Ledger Live for your operating system.
At ledger.com/start, new users choose their specific hardware model and follow vendor‑verified instructions to create a PIN, generate a recovery phrase, and confirm it on the device itself. The same flow also instructs you to install the Ledger Live application only from official sources, reducing the risk of phishing or fake software.
Installing Ledger Live desktop
Ledger Live desktop can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, and Linux using links provided on the official website. After downloading, users install the application like any standard desktop program, then connect their Ledger device via USB to begin the onboarding wizard.
Once installed, Ledger Live desktop offers full access to portfolio views, account management, app installation, and most advanced features such as staking and integrated swap services. Many users prefer Ledger Live desktop for detailed portfolio charts, multi‑account management, and settings configuration thanks to the larger screen and robust interface.
Initial setup and device initialization
On first launch, the app detects whether you are setting up a new device, restoring an existing wallet, or connecting a wallet that is already initialized. New users select the option to initialize a new Ledger device, then are guided through PIN selection and recovery phrase generation directly on the hardware screen.
During this process, the device displays each word of the recovery phrase in sequence, which must be written down and stored offline; Ledger Live confirms the phrase by asking you to validate words in the correct order. This phrase never appears in Ledger Live itself, ensuring that backups remain entirely offline and under your control.
Adding accounts and managing assets
After the initial setup, users install blockchain apps onto the hardware wallet and add corresponding accounts in Ledger Live to manage specific assets. Creating a new account is typically done from the portfolio or accounts section by choosing a supported cryptocurrency and following prompts while the device is connected.
Ledger Live allows multiple accounts for the same asset, which is helpful for separating funds by purpose, such as long‑term holdings versus trading allocations. These accounts appear in the Ledger Live desktop interface and mobile app, giving you synchronized visibility over balances, historical performance, and recent transactions.
Portfolio, real‑time balances, and analytics
One of the core benefits of Ledger Live is the integrated portfolio dashboard that displays your total holdings and asset allocation in real time. The app fetches market data from configurable rate providers and converts crypto balances into a chosen fiat currency, providing percentage and value changes over selected time frames.
Users can view charts for the overall portfolio as well as for individual assets, toggling between different periods such as one week, one month, or one year. This makes Ledger Live a convenient portfolio tracker, reducing the need to log into multiple exchanges or third‑party apps just to monitor performance.
Transactions: send, receive, buy, sell, swap, stake
Ledger Live integrates core transaction flows, including sending and receiving crypto, buying and selling through partners, swapping between supported assets, and staking select coins. When sending funds, the transaction details entered in the app must be verified and approved on the Ledger device, ensuring that only physically confirmed operations are signed.
The app supports receiving addresses generation for supported networks, with on‑screen prompts to verify addresses on the hardware display before sharing them externally. Built‑in buy, sell, swap, and staking features leverage partner services while keeping private keys secured by the hardware wallet throughout the process.
Security best practices with Ledger Live
While Ledger Live manages the interface, the security model hinges on keeping private keys within the Ledger device and never exposing the recovery phrase to the computer or network. Users should always confirm device authenticity during first use, enable a strong PIN, and store the 24‑word recovery phrase safely offline, away from cameras and cloud storage.
It is equally important to ensure that Ledger Live desktop or mobile is downloaded only from official links and that operating systems remain updated to reduce malware risk. Phishing warnings from the vendor emphasize that legitimate support will never ask for the recovery phrase, and that any request for those words is a red flag.
Keyword‑focused overview (ledger live, ledger live desktop, ledger.com/start)
Ledger Live, often accessed via ledger.com/start during initial setup, is designed as a secure hub for everyday crypto management with Ledger devices. By centering all core actions—portfolio tracking, sending and receiving assets, staking, and more—inside Ledger Live, users reduce reliance on third‑party wallets and untrusted interfaces.
For power users, Ledger Live desktop offers the richest experience, consolidating device management and advanced features into a single control center. Whether starting from ledger.com/start or opening an existing installation of Ledger Live desktop, the workflow always routes sensitive signing operations through the hardware wallet to preserve security.
Internal linking suggestions to the official site
When creating content about using Ledger Live, interlinking to key sections of the official website improves both user experience and trust. Typical internal links include the main setup page at ledger.com/start, the general product page for Ledger Live, and the support knowledge base for troubleshooting.
Linking directly to these resources guides readers to verified documentation for tasks like recovering a wallet, installing apps, or resolving connection issues. This approach helps ensure that new users follow secure, vendor‑approved practices, rather than relying on unofficial tutorials.
Final thoughts
Ledger Live delivers a streamlined way to manage crypto while honoring the security benefits of hardware wallets, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. By starting from ledger.com/start, installing Ledger Live desktop or mobile, and following best practices for device and recovery phrase security, users can maintain strong control over their digital assets.
For content creators, emphasizing correct onboarding, secure transaction flows, and the advantages of using Ledger Live as a daily driver helps readers understand why combining software convenience with hardware security is so powerful. Interlinking to the official website further reinforces safe behavior and keeps users within the trusted ecosystem for updates and support.
FAQ
1. What is Ledger Live used for?
Ledger Live is a companion app for Ledger hardware wallets that lets users view balances, manage multiple accounts, send and receive crypto, and access services like staking and swaps in one place.
2. Is Ledger Live desktop different from the mobile app?
Ledger Live desktop offers a more expansive interface suitable for detailed portfolio tracking and device management, while the mobile app focuses on convenient on‑the‑go access to core features.
3. How do I start with Ledger Live?
New users begin by visiting ledger.com/start, selecting their device, and following the guided steps to initialize the wallet, secure the recovery phrase, and download Ledger Live.
4. Does Ledger Live hold my private keys?
Private keys remain inside the Ledger hardware device at all times; Ledger Live simply interacts with the device and broadcasts signed transactions without ever seeing the recovery phrase.
5. Can Ledger Live track my whole portfolio?
Yes, Ledger Live aggregates balances from all added accounts into a unified portfolio view, showing allocations, historical performance, and real‑time valuations.
6. Is it safe to buy crypto through Ledger Live?
Ledger Live integrates buy and sell services from partners, while the hardware device secures keys and transaction signing, reducing counterparty risk compared with leaving funds on exchanges.
7. How do I add a new crypto account in Ledger Live desktop?
Within Ledger Live desktop, users add accounts by selecting an asset, installing its blockchain app on the device if needed, and completing the guided account creation while the device is connected.
8. What happens if Ledger Live is uninstalled?
Uninstalling Ledger Live does not affect on‑chain funds, which remain controlled by the recovery phrase and hardware wallet; the app can be reinstalled and accounts re‑added at any time.
9. Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
Ledger Live is primarily designed for use with Ledger hardware wallets, and critical security benefits rely on the device for transaction signing and key storage.
10. Where can I get official support for Ledger Live?
Official assistance is provided through the vendor’s support portal, which includes FAQs, troubleshooting guides, and contact options, all accessible from the main website.