Everything you need to secure, manage, and grow your crypto assets in one place.
In 2025, the concept of "Self-Custody" has become the gold standard for anyone interacting with the blockchain. Ledger Live is not just an app; it is the essential companion to your Ledger hardware wallet. It acts as the bridge between your secure, offline private keys and the vibrant world of decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and global asset management.
Unlike software wallets that store your keys on an internet-connected device, Ledger Live works in tandem with the Secure Element (SE) chip inside your Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, Flex, or Stax. This ensures that every transaction is "Clear Signed" on your device, making it impossible for hackers to steal your funds through the interface alone.
Always download Ledger Live from the official ledger.com/ledger-wallet website. Verify the SHA-256 checksum to ensure the file has not been tampered with. Ledger supports Windows 10+, macOS 12+, and Linux (Ubuntu 20.04+).
Connect your Ledger device via USB-C. Choose "Set up as new device" if this is your first time. You will generate a 24-word Secret Recovery Phrase. Warning: Never enter these words into the computer or a phone. Type them only into the hardware device itself.
Once the app is open, navigate to the "My Ledger" tab. Ledger Live will perform a cryptographic handshake with your device to verify it is an authentic Ledger product manufactured in France. This prevents "supply chain attacks."
Blockchain protocols (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) require specific apps to translate data. Use the Manager to install these. Note: Installing an app does not use "storage" for your coins; it only provides the logic to sign transactions for that specific chain.
Earn passive income by delegating your assets. Ledger Live supports native staking for Ethereum, Solana, Cosmos, and Polkadot. Your keys stay offline while your assets work for you.
Visualize your digital art across Ethereum and Polygon. Send and receive NFTs with the same level of security as your currency, featuring full metadata support and "clear signing" visuals.
Access Yearn, Lido, 1inch, and Rainbow.me directly within the Ledger Live environment. By using the internal browser, you reduce the risk of interacting with "spoofed" or malicious websites that target browser-extension wallets.
Ledger Live operates on a custom Operating System called BOLOS (Blockchain Open Ledger Operating System). Unlike other wallets, BOLOS isolates each app on your device. This means even if a bug exists in the Solana app, your Bitcoin keys remain unreachable. This "compartmentalization" is why Ledger remains the industry leader in security.
| Feature | Hot Wallet (Exchanges) | Ledger + Ledger Live |
|---|---|---|
| Key Storage | Online / Third-party | Offline (Secure Element) |
| Transaction Signing | Automatic / Server-side | Physical Button Confirmation |
| Asset Ownership | "IOU" System | Full Sovereign Ownership |