Ledger Live — Wallet, Portfolio Tracking & Desktop Login — combines the ironclad security of a Ledger hardware device with a modern, approachable interface. Whether you're just starting with crypto or managing a diversified portfolio, Ledger Live gives you one place to check balances, approve transactions securely using your hardware device, and connect with decentralized apps safely. The app is purposely designed to separate private key storage (on the device) from the user interface (on your desktop or phone), which reduces the attack surface and keeps sensitive data offline.
The Wallet features are intentionally simple: create or restore accounts, add multiple cryptocurrencies, and maintain multiple accounts per asset. Portfolio Tracking provides real-time value aggregation, historical return charts, and filtering so you can understand performance at a glance. Ledger Live supports a broad range of assets — from major tokens like Bitcoin and Ethereum to many ERC-20 tokens and selected newer networks — making it an ideal single-pane-of-glass for most self-custodial investors.
Desktop Login is a practical capability: you link a Ledger device to your desktop app so that onboarding and transaction approvals happen locally. Instead of entering private keys or long seed phrases into a connected computer, you confirm critical actions on the hardware device display itself — that includes transaction details, amounts, and destination addresses. This flow fosters trust because the final authorization stays under your physical control.
Security-first principles
Ledger Live emphasizes best practices. The recovery phrase (seed) is generated and stored exclusively on the hardware wallet and never leaves it. Ledger Live will never ask you to type or upload your seed. The application also performs on-device verification prompts, signed firmware checks, and encourages users to keep firmware and the app up to date. If you ever see an unexpected prompt or unusual behavior in Ledger Live, disconnect your device and verify on an alternative machine — defense in depth is key.
How Ledger Live helps portfolio management
The portfolio view aggregates holdings across all accounts, shows total market value and a breakdown by asset. Customizable alerts can let you know when an asset moves above or below a threshold, and the history view helps you track realized/unrealized gains. For users who actively rebalance, these simple signals reduce cognitive load and reduce the time needed to make data-driven decisions.
Setup & Desktop Login quick start
To get started, download Ledger Live for your OS, create or restore an account using a Ledger hardware device and follow the in-app steps to install crypto apps on the device. When you enable Desktop Login, the app pairs with your Ledger device; each transaction will require pressing the physical buttons on the device to confirm. This pattern ensures that even if a computer is compromised, the attacker cannot sign transactions without physical access.
Tips for a smoother experience
- Keep your firmware and the Ledger Live app updated to the latest stable version.
- Back up your recovery phrase on paper or a metal backup tool and store it securely offline.
- Use the built-in portfolio tags and notes to track investment rationale or tax lot information.
- Enable notifications to monitor large swings in portfolio value or important app updates.
- When connecting to third-party DeFi apps, double-check the URL and reviews before signing.
Ledger Live — Wallet, Portfolio Tracking & Desktop Login delivers a balance of usability and security in a light, friendly interface. It's designed to reduce friction for everyday tasks while enforcing hardware-backed protections for critical actions. For individuals and long-term holders, it makes hardware custody approachable without compromising the fundamentals of self-sovereignty.