Ledger® Wallet™ — Ledger Live Crypto Wallet App

A compact overview: what Ledger hardware wallets and Ledger Live do, how they protect your private keys, and how to get started safely.

Security-first | Offline key storage • Non-custodial

What is Ledger® Wallet™ and Ledger Live?

Ledger® Wallet™ refers to Ledger's line of hardware devices that store private keys offline. Ledger Live is the companion desktop and mobile app that lets you manage your crypto portfolio securely. Together they form a simple, user-focused workflow: the hardware device keeps secrets offline while Ledger Live provides a clean GUI to view balances, send transactions, and install app support for multiple blockchains.

Key features and benefits

  • Non-custodial ownership: You hold your private keys. Ledger never has access to your funds.
  • Cold storage: Private keys are generated and stored in a secure element on the device, isolated from your phone or computer.
  • Wide coin support: Bitcoin, Ethereum, many ERC-20 tokens, Solana, and dozens of other chains through Ledger Live or third-party integrations.
  • Recovery seed: 24-word seed phrase gives you full wallet recovery if your device is lost—store it offline and never share it.
  • Firmware and app management: Ledger Live guides firmware updates and app installs so you keep device software current and secure.

How it protects you — the security model

Ledger devices use a secure element (SE) chip to store cryptographic material and conduct transaction signing. When you send crypto, only the unsigned transaction travels to the device; the device displays human-readable transaction data and requires physical confirmation. This prevents key exfiltration even if your computer is compromised. The 24-word recovery phrase is the last-resort backup. Protect that phrase offline.

Getting started (safe, step-by-step)

  1. Buy from an official vendor. Unboxing from a trusted channel avoids tampered devices.
  2. Initialize the device using the device itself — generate a new wallet and write the 24-word seed on paper (or a steel backup).
  3. Install Ledger Live from the official website and follow the setup wizard to pair your device.
  4. Install the blockchain apps you need inside Ledger Live (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
  5. Always verify transaction details on the device screen before approving.

Best practices

Treat your recovery phrase like the keys to a vault — store offline, never photograph or upload it, and consider a hardware steel backup for long-term protection. Use a strong device PIN and be cautious of phishing attempts that mimic Ledger Live updates or support pages.

FAQ: What if I lose my Ledger device?

You can recover all funds using your 24-word seed on a new Ledger device or another compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44/BIP32 standards. Keep the seed safe.

Can Ledger Live custody my funds?

No. Ledger Live is an interface. Custody remains non-custodial: your keys stay on the hardware device.

Integrations and advanced use

Developers and power users can connect Ledger to third-party wallets and protocols for staking, DeFi, and dApp interactions. Ledger Live also supports delegation interfaces where available. When connecting to dApps, always confirm operations on the device display.