Sign in to Ledger Live

Ledger is the world's leading provider of cryptocurrency hardware wallets, offering unparalleled security for digital assets. In an era where cyber threats are constantly evolving and online exchanges face regular security breaches, Ledger provides a fortress for your cryptocurrency investments. The company was founded in 2014 in Paris, France, and has since become the gold standard in crypto security, trusted by millions of users worldwide.

Unlike software wallets that store your private keys on internet-connected devices, Ledger hardware wallets keep your keys completely offline in a secure chip, similar to those used in credit cards and passports. This fundamental difference makes hardware wallets virtually immune to remote hacking attempts, malware, and phishing attacks that plague online storage solutions.

The Ledger ecosystem consists of hardware devices, the Ledger Live software application, and a comprehensive suite of services designed to make cryptocurrency management both secure and user-friendly. Whether you're a cryptocurrency beginner holding a small amount of Bitcoin or an institutional investor managing millions in digital assets, Ledger provides solutions tailored to your security needs.

At the heart of every Ledger device is a certified secure element chip, the same technology used by governments and financial institutions to protect sensitive data. This chip is designed to resist sophisticated attacks, including side-channel attacks, fault injection, and physical tampering. The secure element generates and stores your private keys in an isolated environment, ensuring they never leave the device.

When you want to make a transaction, the process works differently than with traditional online wallets. The transaction is created on your computer or smartphone using the Ledger Live application, but it's sent to your Ledger device for signing. The private key stored in the secure element signs the transaction inside the device, and only the signed transaction is sent back to your computer. Your private key never touches the internet-connected device, maintaining complete security.

The recovery phrase, also known as a seed phrase, is generated when you first set up your Ledger device. This 24-word phrase is the master key to all your cryptocurrency accounts. Ledger uses the BIP39 standard, which means your recovery phrase is compatible with other wallets if needed. The device displays this phrase only once during setup, and it's crucial to write it down on the provided recovery sheet and store it securely offline.

Ledger devices support over 5,500 different cryptocurrencies and tokens, making them one of the most versatile hardware wallets available. From Bitcoin and Ethereum to emerging DeFi tokens and NFTs, your Ledger can secure virtually any blockchain asset. The Ledger Live application provides a unified interface to manage all these assets, check prices, and execute transactions.

Ledger Live is the companion software that transforms your hardware wallet into a complete cryptocurrency management platform. Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, Ledger Live provides a beautiful, intuitive interface for all your crypto needs while maintaining the security of your hardware wallet.

The application allows you to buy cryptocurrency directly through integrated partners, eliminating the need to use separate exchanges for initial purchases. You can buy crypto with credit cards, bank transfers, or other payment methods, and the purchased assets are immediately secured in your Ledger hardware wallet.

For those interested in earning passive income, Ledger Live offers integrated staking services. You can stake supported cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, Polkadot, and many others directly from the application. Your staking rewards are earned while your assets remain secured by your hardware wallet, providing both security and yield.

The portfolio management features in Ledger Live give you a comprehensive view of your holdings across all supported blockchains. Real-time price tracking, historical performance charts, and detailed transaction history help you make informed decisions about your investments. The application also supports multiple accounts for each cryptocurrency, allowing you to organize your holdings efficiently.

Ledger Live also serves as a gateway to the decentralized finance (DeFi) ecosystem. Through Ledger Live's WalletConnect integration, you can securely connect to thousands of DeFi applications, NFT marketplaces, and decentralized exchanges. Your private keys remain protected in your hardware wallet even while interacting with these applications, providing security that pure software wallets cannot match.

While Ledger provides exceptional security, following best practices ensures maximum protection for your digital assets. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone, including Ledger support staff. Legitimate support will never ask for your recovery phrase. Store this phrase offline in a secure location, preferably in multiple secure places like a safe or bank safety deposit box.

Always purchase your Ledger device directly from the official Ledger website or authorized resellers. Never buy a pre-owned device or one from an unofficial source, as it could be compromised. Ledger devices come with tamper-evident packaging and authenticity checks that you should verify upon receipt.

Keep your Ledger Live application and device firmware updated. Ledger regularly releases security updates and new features. The update process is secure and can be performed directly through Ledger Live. Updates may include support for new cryptocurrencies, improved security features, or enhanced user interface elements.

Be vigilant against phishing attempts. Scammers often create fake websites, emails, or social media accounts impersonating Ledger. Always verify you're on the official Ledger website (ledger.com) before entering any information. Enable all available security features in Ledger Live, including password protection and automatic logout timers.

Consider using a passphrase (25th word) for an additional layer of security. This advanced feature allows you to create a hidden wallet that's protected by a custom passphrase in addition to your recovery phrase. This can protect your funds even if someone gains access to your recovery phrase, though it requires careful management to avoid losing access yourself.