Ledger Live is the essential application that connects your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, Stax, etc.) to the digital world. It serves as your secure interface to check balances, manage accounts, send/receive crypto, and access Web3 services—all while your private keys remain secured offline.
Understanding Ledger Live begins with understanding self-custody. Your Ledger device is not a "wallet" in the traditional sense; it is a key-storage vault. Your crypto assets are not "on" the device; they reside on the blockchain. Your Ledger device holds the **private keys** (specifically, your 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase) required to *sign* transactions and prove ownership.
Ledger Live's Role: Ledger Live is the convenient, user-friendly interface that reads your public balances from the blockchain and prepares transactions. It sends the unsigned transaction to your device, which then securely signs it offline and sends it back to Ledger Live for broadcasting to the network. Your private keys never leave the hardware.
This step is performed on the device screen ONLY. Ledger Live is not involved.
🚨 The Golden Rule of Crypto: NEVER DIGITIZE YOUR SRP.
Do not take a photo, type it into a computer, store it in the cloud, or email it. Your SRP is the master key to your funds. Keep the physical paper in a secure, private location (e.g., a safe or fireproof box).
To interact with a specific blockchain (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum), you must install its corresponding app onto your Ledger device. These apps allow the device to process the blockchain's rules for transaction signing.
Adding an account creates a synchronized link between the blockchain and your Ledger Live dashboard, allowing you to view and transact with your funds.
Receiving crypto is straightforward, but verification is critical to avoid "address swapping" malware.
Sending crypto is where the Ledger device's security shines. The critical signing step is done entirely offline.
Ledger Live is an all-in-one platform for interacting with the crypto economy securely.
The main screen offers a comprehensive, real-time tracking of your entire portfolio. You can view your total balance in your preferred fiat currency, monitor price changes, and review transaction history across all your accounts.
Integrated directly within Ledger Live are services from reputable third-party partners, allowing you to:
For proof-of-stake cryptocurrencies (like Ethereum, Solana, Tezos, etc.), you can delegate your assets directly through Ledger Live to earn staking rewards. Your funds remain secured by your device and are never locked or controlled by a third party.
The Discover section provides access to a curated list of Decentralized Applications (dApps) and Web3 services. This allows for secure interaction with:
Maintaining security requires vigilance and adherence to best practices.
Always keep both your Ledger Live software and your Ledger device's firmware updated. Updates often contain critical security patches, new feature support, and compatibility improvements.
Review the storage location of your 24 words periodically. Consider using a metal backup solution (like Ledger’s Cryptosteel) for superior durability against fire, flood, and time. Your 24 words are your single point of recovery if your device is lost, stolen, or broken.
For an additional layer of security, you can set up a "passphrase" (the 25th word) which creates a totally separate, hidden set of accounts. This protects against forced coercion, as you can present a less valuable "decoy" account secured by your PIN, while your primary funds remain inaccessible without the correct passphrase.
If any of the following occur, you are being targeted by a scam and should stop immediately:
Your Ledger device is designed to protect you from malware and phishing, but it cannot protect you if you willingly compromise your SRP.