Overview
Ledger Live is the mobile companion application provided by Ledger for iPhone and iPad users who want a seamless way to view and manage their cryptocurrency holdings. Combined with a Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax), Ledger Live enables users to check balances, receive and send crypto, perform swaps, stake supported assets, and interact with decentralized applications — all while the sensitive cryptographic keys remain isolated on the hardware device.
Important: Ledger Live on the App Store is primarily a management and interface app. The private keys that control funds remain on your Ledger device — the mobile app does not hold your private keys.
Key Features
Ledger Live combines convenience with a hardware-backed security model. The main capabilities include:
- Portfolio overview: Real-time balance and performance tracking across multiple accounts and supported assets.
- Receive and send: Generate verified receiving addresses and prepare transactions that are then confirmed and signed on your Ledger device.
- Buy & Swap: Purchase crypto or swap assets inside the app via integrated partners (availability depends on region and regulatory restrictions).
- Stake & Earn: Stake supported tokens directly to earn rewards, while maintaining custody via your device.
- DApp & Web3 integration: Connect to compatible dApps and services; operations that require signing must be authorized on-device.
- Notifications & alerts: Price alerts, incoming funds notifications, and security reminders to help you keep track of your holdings.
Getting Started — Setup & First Steps
To get full value from Ledger Live on iOS, pair it with a Ledger hardware wallet. Here’s a typical quick-start flow:
- Download Ledger Live from the App Store and open the app.
- Create a new profile in the app or choose to restore or connect an existing Ledger device.
- Connect your Ledger hardware using Bluetooth (if supported by your model) or use the recommended wired connection workflow and follow on-screen pairing instructions.
- Install coin apps on your Ledger device using the desktop Ledger Live if necessary, then add accounts to the mobile Ledger Live for viewing and transactions.
- Always confirm addresses and transactions on your Ledger device screen before approving on the phone.
Tip: If you do not yet own a Ledger device you can still install Ledger Live, explore the interface, and learn the features — but you won’t be able to fully sign and send transactions without a hardware wallet.
Security Model & Best Practices
Security is the central design principle behind Ledger Live. Below are the most important things to understand and practice:
- Hardware custody: Your private keys are generated and stored on your Ledger device’s secure element. Signing operations happen inside the device; Ledger Live only transmits unsigned transactions to the device for approval.
- Recovery phrase: The 24-word recovery phrase (seed) is your ultimate backup. Write it down physically and store it securely offline. Never enter it into a phone, email, or website.
- Official downloads only: Only install Ledger Live from the Apple App Store or official Ledger website links. Beware of phishing apps and look-alike domains.
- Firmware & app updates: Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live app up to date. Ledger publishes firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and add features.
- Confirm on-device: Always verify the transaction details (amount and destination address) on your Ledger device display before confirming. The device is the single source of truth.
Notable Capabilities — What You Can Do
Ledger Live supports a growing set of on-chain and off-chain actions. Examples include:
- Token management: Add and manage many cryptocurrencies and tokens (native and ERC-20 tokens) with automatic address derivation per account.
- Integrated services: Some regions offer fiat on-ramp partners to buy crypto directly from the app, and swap providers to exchange assets without using external exchanges.
- Staking: Delegate or stake eligible assets (like Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot depending on availability) directly through Ledger Live to earn rewards.
- NFT viewing: Preview supported NFTs and their metadata within the app portfolio (functionality depends on asset standards and provider support).
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Users sometimes encounter pairing, connectivity, or sync issues. General remedies include:
- Restart the Ledger Live app and your mobile device, then attempt to reconnect.
- Ensure your Ledger device has Bluetooth enabled (if using Bluetooth) and the device firmware supports mobile pairing.
- Update Ledger Live to the latest App Store version and verify you’re on a supported iOS version.
- Check Ledger’s official support pages for device-specific steps or known issues before trying more advanced troubleshooting.
Privacy & Data
Ledger aims to minimize personal data collection in the app. However, some integrated services (like third-party buy/sell providers) might collect KYC details where required by regulation. Always review each partner’s privacy policy before using their service through Ledger Live. For basic portfolio and device operations, keys remain private and local to your Ledger device.
Conclusion
Ledger Live on the App Store is a modern, capable mobile interface that complements Ledger hardware wallets. It provides portfolio visibility, transactional convenience, and access to integrated financial services, all while preserving the core security advantage of hardware custody. For users who prioritize security without sacrificing usability, pairing Ledger Live with a Ledger device delivers one of the most robust mobile wallet experiences available today.