Ledger Live is the all-in-one platform for your **Ledger hardware wallet**. Go beyond simple storage to securely access a complete ecosystem for buying, staking, swapping, and exploring **Web3 digital assets**.
Download Ledger Live SecurelyLedger Live's primary function is to serve as the secure interface for your **Ledger hardware wallet**. It ensures your **private keys** remain physically isolated on the device's certified secure element. All critical actions, like transaction signing and device setup, must be verified **on the device itself**, providing maximum defense against online threats like malware and phishing attacks.
The application allows you to manage over 5000 **digital assets** and tokens. Through the **Manager** tab, you install and update the necessary apps (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) directly onto your **Ledger Nano X** or **Nano S Plus**. The **Accounts** feature then synchronizes with the blockchain to display your current balances and transaction history in real-time.
Ledger Live transforms your **cold storage** from a passive vault into an active earning tool. Use the integrated **Staking** feature to delegate your proof-of-stake assets (such as DOT, ETH, or ATOM) and earn rewards, all while your funds remain secured by your **Recovery Phrase**. This functionality is essential for maximizing your **cryptocurrency investment** without sacrificing security.
Via the **Discover** section and **Ledger Connect** protocol, you can securely interact with decentralized applications (**dApps**). You can manage your **NFTs**, participate in Decentralized Finance (**DeFi**), and interact with external wallets like MetaMask, with every transaction receiving the crucial **on-device confirmation** only the Ledger can provide.
The **24-word Recovery Phrase** is the single backup for all your **digital assets**. You must write it down **physically** and never store it digitally. Your **PIN code** (set on the device) is the lock against physical access. Ledger Live will guide you through setting both, verifying the phrase only on the device screen for maximum **self-custody**.
Before any advanced use, you must ensure the core **Ledger Live synchronization** is correct:
Always ensure your **Ledger hardware wallet** is running the latest **firmware**. The Manager in Ledger Live will notify you of any required updates. This process is fully guided and must be confirmed on your Ledger screen. Updated firmware is mandatory for access to new coins, security patches, and advanced features like **Staking** and **Swap**.
When generating an address to **receive funds**, **Ledger Live** will prompt you to confirm the address shown on your computer screen **matches the address displayed on your physical Ledger device**. This is a non-negotiable security step. It protects against malware that might silently replace the correct address on your computer screen with a malicious one.
To send **cryptocurrency**, you initiate the process in Ledger Live, but the actual **digital signature** is generated by the hardware wallet. The app shows the recipient address, amount, and fees, but you must physically review and confirm these exact details on your **Ledger device** by pressing the buttons. This prevents any manipulation of the transaction data by hostile software.
Once you are comfortable with the basics, **Ledger Live** offers integrated services to expand your use of **digital assets** securely: