Ledger Live for Bitcoin & Ethereum

Introduction

Ledger Live is the companion app for Ledger hardware wallets that provides a single interface to view your portfolio, add accounts, and send or receive cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. It pairs with your device (Ledger Nano family) so private keys remain offline while you interact with the wider crypto ecosystem through a familiar desktop or mobile app.

What is Ledger Live?

At its core, Ledger Live is an application that enables secure management of crypto assets while keeping private keys inside a hardware wallet. You can use Ledger Live to add accounts for different blockchains, check real-time balances, install apps on your device, and connect to services that let you buy, swap, or stake assets — all without exposing your seed phrase to external websites or exchanges.

Getting started — step by step

1. Download only from ledger.com: Always download the Ledger Wallet (Ledger Live) app from the official Ledger website to avoid fake builds or malware.
2. Install and open the app: Install the desktop or mobile app, then choose “Get started” and select your Ledger device model.
3. Initialize your Ledger device: Follow on-screen prompts to set a PIN and record your recovery phrase (write it down and keep it offline).
4. Install apps on the device: In Ledger Live → My Ledger, install the Bitcoin and Ethereum apps to enable those accounts on your device.
5. Add accounts: Use Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account to create Bitcoin and Ethereum accounts; Ledger Live reads public keys to show balances without exposing private keys.
6. Send/receive: For receiving, use the receive flow so the address is displayed on your hardware device and verified by you. For sending, confirm every transaction on the device itself.

If anything asks for your 24-word seed phrase: it is a scam. Never reveal your recovery phrase.

Core features

• Portfolio view: Real-time balances and charts across all added accounts so you can track BTC and ETH performance at a glance.
• Account management: Add multiple accounts for the same blockchain (for example multiple Ethereum addresses) and manage them from one interface.
• Buy, swap, stake: Integrated third-party providers let you buy crypto, swap between assets, and delegate/stake supported tokens from within the app.
• App management: Install or remove blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum) on your Ledger device using Ledger Live’s My Ledger tab.
• Notifications & updates: Version updates and security notices appear inside Ledger Live so you stay current with improvements.

Trust & security

Ledger Live works in combination with a Ledger hardware wallet so private keys never leave the device. The app communicates with the device to request signatures; you confirm each sensitive action on the device screen. Ledger also publishes support documentation and recovery solutions; nevertheless, users must keep recovery phrases offline and never share them. Be vigilant for fake apps and phishing — only use official downloads and guides.

FAQs (based on official Ledger guidance)

1. Where should I download Ledger Live?

Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website (ledger.com) or your platform's official app store. This prevents counterfeit apps and malware attempts.

2. How do I add a Bitcoin or Ethereum account?

Open Ledger Live → Accounts → Add account. Select Bitcoin or Ethereum, connect your Ledger device, and follow the prompts to add the account; Ledger Live will read public account data from your device.

3. What if I lose my Ledger device?

Your crypto can be recovered on another Ledger device (or compatible wallet) using your recovery phrase. Keep that phrase secure; Ledger support has step-by-step recovery guides.

4. Is Ledger Live safe to use with staking and swaps?

Ledger Live integrates third-party services for buying, swapping, or staking. The private key never leaves the device, but each service has its own terms; review provider details inside the app.

5. How do I update Ledger Live and the device apps?

Use Ledger Live’s built-in update flow: check for app updates in My Ledger and follow the app prompts to safely install official firmware or app updates.

6. What should I do about fake Ledger apps or scam messages?

Never enter your recovery phrase into any app or website. If you suspect a fake app or malware, remove it, scan your system, and only reinstall Ledger Live from ledger.com. Report scams to Ledger support.

Conclusion

Ledger Live, paired with a Ledger hardware wallet, offers a secure, centralized way to manage Bitcoin and Ethereum without exposing private keys online. Follow official installation instructions, keep your recovery phrase offline, and verify transactions on your device to get the most secure experience possible.