Ledger Live: A Complete Guide to Secure and Smart Crypto Management

If you're serious about cryptocurrency, Ledger Live is your all-in-one tool for safety, control, and growth. Whether you're running the desktop version or the mobile app, Ledger Live connects seamlessly with your Ledger hardware wallet for portfolio tracking, asset transfers, staking, NFTs, DeFi interaction—and none of your private keys ever leave your device.

From setup to staking, discover how Ledger Live safeguards your assets and supercharges your crypto experience.

What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets like the Nano X and Nano S Plus. Available on both desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android), it allows you to:

  • View a real-time portfolio dashboard
  • Send and receive crypto securely
  • Stake assets for passive income
  • View and manage NFTs
  • Connect to DeFi apps via WalletConnect or MetaMask
  • Buy, swap, and sell crypto inside the app
  • Approve actions securely through Ledger login

And the best part? Your private keys never leave your hardware wallet—keeping your assets safeguarded.

Getting Started: Install from Ledger.com/start

Start your secure crypto journey at Ledger.com/start—the only official source to avoid phishing or fake apps.

Setup steps for Desktop or Mobile:

  1. Download Ledger Live for your system
  2. Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (USB for Nano S Plus, USB/Bluetooth for Nano X)
  3. Create or restore a wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase
  4. Secure your device with a PIN
  5. Add crypto accounts like BTC, ETH, ADA, DOT

Once set up, you’re ready to explore Ledger Live's full suite of features.

Stay Protected with Ledger Login

Security sits at the heart of Ledger Live—every sensitive action prompts a Ledger login:

  • Begin an action (send, swap, stake) in Ledger Live
  • Your device displays transaction specifics
  • You verify and authorize on your Ledger hardware
  • No keys are exposed to your computer or mobile

This ensures you're always the decision-maker. Hacks, phishing, malware? Not a chance.

Earn Rewards Easily with Ledger Staking

Want to earn while holding crypto? Ledger staking makes it simple:

Supported assets include: ETH, ADA, DOT, XTZ, ATOM, SOL

How to stake with Ledger Live:

  1. Open the “Earn Rewards” section
  2. Choose an asset and a validator
  3. Confirm the transaction with Ledger login
  4. Track staking rewards right inside the app

Your funds stay secure—while you earn.

Track Everything in One Portfolio

Ledger Live streamlines management across your crypto holdings:

  • Aggregate balance view in your preferred fiat currency
  • Drill-down analytics for each account
  • Transaction logs with CSV export for taxes
  • Price alerts for coins you watch
  • Multiple wallets on desktop and mobile

With Ledger Live, you never lose sight of what matters.

NFT and DeFi Access—Securely

Ledger Live lets you dive into NFTs and DeFi—safely:

  • View Ethereum and Polygon NFTs, complete with metadata
  • Connect to DeFi protocols using WalletConnect
  • Use MetaMask with Ledger device protection
  • Safeguard all interactions thanks to Ledger login
  • Customize gas fees for precise and economical transactions

Explore the crypto frontier without exposing your assets.

Buy, Swap, and Sell Without Leaving the App

Ledger Live has you covered when it comes to trading:

  • Buy crypto via service providers integrated inside the app
  • Swap assets directly from your accounts
  • Sell holdings with clear fee estimates
  • Bi-directional fiat conversions (USD, EUR, GBP…)
  • Specify gas prices for optimized transaction timing

All safeguarded by on-device confirmation before execution.

Ledger Live Desktop vs Ledger Live Mobile

Choose based on your crypto lifestyle:

FeatureDesktop VersionMobile VersionInterfaceDetailed & analyticalSimple & quickPortfolio AnalyticsFull-featured chartsSummary viewsNFTs / DeFi SupportYes, full supportLimited or pending supportLedger loginUSB or BluetoothBluetooth for Nano XBest ForDeep managementOn-the-go monitoring


Use Desktop for in-depth management, Mobile for live monitoring and swift actions.

Why Ledger Live Is Unmatched in Security

Ledger Live stands apart for its robust safety model:

  • Cold-stored private keys on your hardware device
  • On-device approval using PIN and Ledger login
  • Offline seed phrase backup for restoration
  • Customizable gas/fee management
  • Hardware-based NFT and DeFi signatures

You maintain full control—no one else holds your keys.

Conclusion: Ledger Live Powers Your Crypto with Confidence

When it comes to secure, flexible, and user-friendly crypto management, Ledger Live is the ideal choice—whether you're on the desktop or mobile app. Paired with your Ledger hardware wallet, it offers everything from Ledger staking and Ledger login to NFTs and DeFi—while keeping private keys offline and protected.