Secure Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet • Desktop & Mobile

Ledger Live (Official) — Secure Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet

Ledger Live gives you a single, secure place to manage Bitcoin and a wide range of crypto assets. Paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, it brings self‑custody, transparent transactions, and portfolio visibility together—without surrendering your private keys.

Download Ledger LiveFirst‑Time Setup

Always download from the official vendor domain and verify every sensitive action on your hardware device screen before you approve it.

Highlights

• Self‑custody with on‑device confirmations
• Desktop & mobile with consistent UX
• Multi‑asset accounts and portfolio insights
• Fee controls, RBF (where supported), and address verification
• App catalog for installing coin apps on your device
• Passphrase (advanced) and strong PIN protection

What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It centralizes portfolio tracking, account management, and transaction workflows across supported networks. While the app helps prepare transactions and display balances, your private keys remain inside the hardware wallet’s secure element and never leave the device. Critical actions—like revealing a receive address or signing a transaction—require physical approval on your device, creating a strong defense against malware and phishing on your computer or phone.

The interface is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, plus iOS and Android. It provides a familiar experience across platforms so you can check balances, receive funds, and prepare sends wherever you go. Power users can choose custom fees, label accounts, and fine‑tune preferences without overwhelming newcomers.

Download & Installation

Desktop

1. Download the installer for your OS from the official website.
2. Verify the checksum/signature if provided.
3. Install and launch the app; allow it to check for updates.
4. Connect your hardware wallet via USB and keep the cable direct (no hubs).

Linux users may need to install udev rules for device access.

Mobile

1. Install from the official App Store/Play Store.
2. Enable notifications if you want activity alerts.
3. Pair via Bluetooth if your model supports it, or use a compatible USB adapter.
4. Keep your phone locked with a strong passcode; biometrics add convenience.

Bluetooth is optional—transactions still require on‑device approval and keys never leave the hardware wallet.

Secure Setup in Minutes

1) Initialize Device

Choose a strong PIN and write down your 24‑word recovery phrase offline. Confirm each word on the device. Never type your recovery phrase into any computer, browser, or app.

Never share your recovery phrase

2) Run Genuine Check

Open Ledger Live, connect your device, and let the app verify authenticity. Approve prompts only on your device screen.

Approve on device

3) Install Coin Apps

From My Ledger, install apps for assets you plan to manage (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum). Removing an app later doesn’t remove funds or keys.

Apps ≠ funds

4) Add Accounts

Go to Accounts → Add account, pick a coin, and let Ledger Live discover addresses. Use clear names like “BTC Savings” or “ETH Spending.”

5) Receive Securely

Click Receive, pick an account, and verify the address on your device screen. Share it only after both match to defeat clipboard or overlay attacks.

6) Send a Small Test

Try a small transaction first. Paste the destination carefully, choose a sensible fee, and approve only when the on‑device details match your intent.

Features You’ll Use Every Day

Unified Portfolio

See balances across accounts and assets, switch between fiat and crypto units, and chart value changes over time to understand performance.

On‑Device Confirmation

All critical actions require physical confirmation on the hardware wallet, dramatically reducing the risk of malware approving actions silently.

Fee & Speed Controls

Use presets or custom fees. For Bitcoin, RBF (Replace‑By‑Fee) can help speed up stuck transactions when supported.

App Catalog

Install and manage coin apps in My Ledger. Storage is limited, so keep only what you need; reinstall later with no impact on funds.

Labels & Notes

Organize multiple accounts and annotate transactions for budgeting and tax records. Consistent labeling saves time during audits.

Watch‑Only Modes

Monitor balances and incoming transactions on less‑trusted machines without connecting your signing device.

Security Best Practices

Protect Your Recovery Phrase

• Write the 24 words clearly, in order, and store them offline.
• Consider a durable metal backup and separate storage locations.
• Never type or photograph your recovery phrase; beware of “verification” scams.

Test recovery using a spare device or an offline environment—not on your primary wallet.

Harden Your Computer & Phone

• Keep operating systems and Ledger Live up to date.
• Use unique, strong passwords and a reputable password manager.
• Enable full‑disk encryption and limit unnecessary browser extensions.

Consider a dedicated user profile or machine for wallet tasks to reduce exposure.

Operational Safety

• Verify addresses on the device every time you receive or send.
• Start with small test transactions to validate the flow.
• Avoid public Wi‑Fi for critical actions; use a trusted network or VPN.

Advanced: Passphrase

Passphrase derives a separate wallet layered on top of your recovery phrase. It adds protection against physical compromise but increases complexity. Use it only if you fully understand backup and recovery implications.

Everyday Workflow

Begin by connecting and unlocking your hardware wallet with your PIN. Choose an account in Ledger Live to view balances and recent activity. To receive, generate a fresh address and confirm it on the device screen before sharing. To send, paste the destination, set fees, and carefully compare the details between the app and your device. If anything looks suspicious, cancel and investigate—security defaults to “deny” until you approve on the device.

For long‑term holdings, segregate assets by purpose (for example, “Savings,” “DCA,” and “Spending”). Label movements to keep tax and accounting clean. When network fees spike, consider timing transfers during off‑peak hours or using fee‑bumping options when available.

Desktop vs Mobile

Troubleshooting & Tips

• Device not recognized: Try a different USB cable/port, remove hubs, close other wallet apps, and on Linux confirm udev rules.
• Genuine check fails: Update Ledger Live, reconnect, approve prompts on the device, or test another computer.
• Bluetooth flakiness: Forget and re‑pair, keep devices close, and ensure firmware is current.
• Stuck transaction: If RBF was enabled, bump the fee; otherwise consider CPFP strategies where supported.
• App storage full: Uninstall rarely used coin apps; reinstall later—funds remain unaffected.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes. The app is free to download and use with compatible hardware wallets. Network fees apply when sending transactions; these are paid to the network.

Where are my private keys?

Keys are stored inside the hardware wallet’s secure element. Ledger Live prepares transactions, but signing happens on the device after your approval.

Can I use Ledger Live without a hardware wallet?

Read‑only monitoring is possible, but secure sending requires a compatible Ledger device.

What if I lose my device?

Restore your accounts on a new device using your 24‑word recovery phrase (and passphrase if enabled). Keep backups offline and secure.

Are coin apps required?

Yes. Install specific coin apps on the device to manage those assets. Removing an app does not affect funds.

Should I enable passphrase?

Passphrase adds a secret that derives a separate wallet. It improves security against physical compromise but increases complexity—use only if you can back it up reliably.

Start Small, Build Confidence

Self‑custody is empowering when paired with disciplined habits: confirm addresses on‑device, approve with intention, and keep your recovery phrase offline. Begin with tiny test amounts to get comfortable. As your confidence grows, organize accounts, label transactions, and schedule periodic health checks for backups and updates.

Download Ledger LiveFollow Setup Guide

© 2025 Secure Bitcoin & Crypto Wallet — Independent User Guide.

Disclaimer: This page is an independent educational guide and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ledger. Product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners. Always verify you are on the official website before downloading software or entering sensitive information.