Ledger Live
Secure Wallet App & DeFi Gateway — Manage crypto, NFTs, and DeFi

Ledger Live — Your secure gateway to crypto and DeFi

Ledger Live combines a secure hardware wallet connection with an intuitive app for managing your crypto, NFTs, and decentralized finance — all while keeping your private keys offline.

HW
Secure by design
Connect your Ledger hardware wallet for on-device approvals and offline key storage. Ledger Live never stores your recovery phrase.

Manage assets

Add accounts for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and 5,000+ tokens. Track portfolio performance and balances at a glance.

DeFi access

Access lending, staking, and swaps directly through Ledger Live integrations and trusted third-party dApps while signing transactions on-device.

NFTs & collectibles

Browse and manage NFTs in your collection with native support and metadata previews.

Features & capabilities

Ledger Live provides a secure, centralized interface for your crypto activities while delegating final approvals to your hardware wallet. Below are the core features that make Ledger Live a complete wallet and DeFi gateway:

Portfolio & account management

Create and manage accounts for a wide range of blockchains. Ledger Live syncs balances and transaction history, shows real-time portfolio value, and gives you customizable alerts and price tracking.

Integrated DeFi & dApp access

Ledger Live integrates with vetted DeFi platforms and wallets, allowing you to stake, lend, and swap without exposing private keys. When interacting with a DeFi protocol, transaction contents (recipient address, amount, and data) are displayed on your device for manual confirmation — this is the core safety mechanism that keeps your funds secure even on compromised computers.

Swaps & bridge services

Execute token swaps using in-app integrations with decentralized and centralized liquidity providers. Bridge tokens across chains through trusted partners, and always confirm cross-chain operations on-device.

NFT support & gallery

Import NFT collections and view metadata, ownership history, and visual previews. Manage transfers securely with on-device signing and audit transaction details before approval.

Security-first utilities

Ledger Live includes recovery checks, firmware verification, and alerts for suspicious activity. The app helps you verify firmware authenticity and prompts when updates are necessary. Use the integrated Manager to install official apps for each blockchain on your device.

DeFi gateway explained

Accessing DeFi through Ledger Live involves three layers: the Ledger Live UI, a trusted partner or dApp integration, and the hardware wallet which signs transactions offline. This layered approach minimizes attack surfaces: the app fetches data and prepares a transaction, but the sensitive cryptographic signing only happens on the device under your direct control.

How to safely interact with DeFi

  1. Use the official Ledger Live app or verified partner links — avoid unknown dApps.
  2. Review contract calls and transaction data carefully; Ledger Live and compatible apps will display critical details on your device for verification.
  3. Start with small amounts when using a new protocol to reduce exposure to bugs or malicious contracts.
  4. Consider using a separate account for high-risk DeFi operations.

Security model & best practices

Ledger Live's security relies on keeping private keys within the hardware wallet at all times. Even when connected to apps, your keys remain inside the device's secure element, meaning transactions are signed in isolation and the signatures — not the keys — are passed back to the app for broadcasting.

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Verify all transaction details on the Ledger device screen before confirmation.
  • Use firmware updates from the official Ledger Live Manager only.
  • Consider a passphrase-protected hidden wallet for additional deniability or separation of funds.

Onboarding: quick start

1) Download Ledger Live from the official site. 2) Connect your Ledger hardware wallet and follow on-screen prompts to initialize or restore. 3) Install blockchain-specific apps via the Manager. 4) Add accounts and receive a small test transaction. 5) Explore DeFi integrations and third-party dApps through the Discover tab.

Advanced: multiple devices & enterprise

Ledger Live supports multiple devices and is suitable for personal and small-team use. For enterprise-grade key management, Ledger offers specialized products and services designed to integrate with institutional workflows and multi-signature setups.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ledger Live free to use?

Yes — Ledger Live is free to download. Some third-party services integrated within Ledger Live (swaps, lending platforms) may charge fees.

Can I use Ledger Live without a hardware wallet?

Ledger Live can display portfolio information without a device, but signing transactions and securing keys require a Ledger hardware wallet for full functionality.

How do I recover if I lose my device?

Use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your accounts on a new Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports the same recovery standard.

Does Ledger Live store my recovery phrase?

No. Ledger Live does not store or transmit your recovery phrase. It is used only during device initialization directly on the device itself.

Closing thoughts

Ledger Live blends user-friendly design with the highest security assurances for managing crypto and participating in DeFi. By keeping signing operations on-device and integrating with trusted partners, Ledger Live enables a broad range of blockchain activities while minimizing risk.