What is Ledger Live Desktop?
Ledger Live Desktop is a native application for macOS, Windows, and Linux that connects to Ledger hardware wallets (like Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) to give users a single, secure interface for viewing balances, sending and receiving funds, staking tokens, and interacting with supported decentralized apps. It acts as both a portfolio manager and a transaction-signer: private keys remain on your Ledger device while the desktop app provides clear, audited UI for every action.
Security-first design
Ledger Live intentionally separates secrets from the networked environment: your recovery phrase and private keys never leave the offline hardware. The app signs transaction payloads while the device displays transaction details for user confirmation. Ledger Live also supports firmware checks, app permissions, and optional passphrase features to add layers of defense for advanced users.
Practical security tips: always verify the device screen before approving, keep your recovery phrase offline and physical, update firmware from official channels, and use a system with up-to-date OS security patches.
Portfolio & reporting
Ledger Live consolidates balances across many blockchains and tokens into one portfolio view. It provides historical charts, performance reports, and filters by asset type. For users that want neat bookkeeping, export CSV features simplify tax reporting and performance tracking. The app also surfaces fiat equivalents and real-time price updates to keep the portfolio contextually informative.
Sending, receiving & staking
Sending and receiving tokens via Ledger Live is a guided process: select an account, build a transaction, and confirm the signed details on your device. Many PoS networks supported by Ledger Live enable staking directly in-app, letting you delegate or stake assets without exposing keys. Fees and network options are presented clearly so you can prioritize cost vs. speed.
// Example quick workflow
1. Connect Ledger device
2. Open the appropriate app on the device (e.g., Ethereum)
3. Build transaction in Ledger Live
4. Verify details on device screen
5. Approve to broadcast signed transaction
DApp & ecosystem integrations
Ledger Live integrates with a range of third-party services and decentralized apps through trusted bridges and connect protocols. For users who interact with DeFi, NFTs, or on-chain governance, Ledger Live can act as the signing layer while keeping long-term custody in hardware.
Design & accessibility
The desktop UI emphasizes clarity: large typographic hierarchy, color-coded token badges, and a simple onboarding flow for adding accounts. Accessibility features include keyboard navigation and readable contrast levels. The theme used by this page mirrors a calm, confident aesthetic—soft glows and mint/sky highlights to emphasize trust and action.