Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It provides a single, secure interface to manage multiple cryptocurrencies, view portfolios, buy/sell/swap, stake supported assets, and access decentralized apps — all while keeping your private keys offline on your Ledger device.
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website and verify the file signature where possible. This avoids counterfeit installers or malicious clones.
Follow the onboard setup: create a PIN, write your recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet (never digital). Consider adding a passphrase only if you understand the risks and recovery implications.
Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install apps for the blockchains you want, add accounts, and perform transactions — the device confirms every operation on its screen.
Use multiple accounts for separation of assets, enable device passphrase for stealth accounts (only if you understand recovery), and keep a small “hot” balance for frequent trades while cold-storing the rest.
Attackers distribute counterfeit Ledger-like installers or websites. Ledger Live defends by signing official releases, urging downloads from the official domain, and requiring physical confirmation on the Ledger device for any sensitive action.
Malware can display fake errors or screens to trick users into revealing their recovery phrase. Ledger’s guidance: never input your seed anywhere; if asked, it is a scam.