Software wallet guide

Ledger wallet

Ledger combines a hardware signer with the Ledger Wallet mobile or desktop app, formerly called Ledger Live.

Wallet facts

At a glance

Wallet type
Hardware wallet with companion app
Control
You hold the recovery information
Available on
Android, iOS, Desktop
Beginner use
More setup choices to understand

Currency and network combinations covered here

  • BTC on Bitcoin
  • ETH on Ethereum
  • USDT on Ethereum (ERC-20)
  • USDT on Tron (TRC-20)
  • LTC on Litecoin
  • XRP on XRP Ledger
  • TRX on Tron

The Ledger Wallet app, formerly Ledger Live, works with a separate Ledger hardware signer. Device connectivity and full mobile support vary by Ledger model.

Open the official Ledger website

What Ledger is

Ledger is a family of hardware signing devices. The companion application is now called Ledger Wallet and was previously called Ledger Live. The app runs on desktop and mobile, while the separate Ledger device protects keys and confirms transactions.

The application can be explored without a signer, but self-custody transaction signing requires compatible Ledger hardware.

Payment routes covered here

Ledger documents support for all seven routes covered by this website:

  • BTC on Bitcoin;
  • ETH on Ethereum;
  • USDT on Ethereum (ERC-20);
  • USDT on Tron (TRC-20);
  • LTC on Litecoin;
  • XRP on XRP Ledger;
  • TRX on Tron.

Install the corresponding network application on the Ledger device and add the correct account in Ledger Wallet. Device and mobile connectivity can vary by model.

Setup and recovery

Buy a genuine device and begin at Ledger's official setup page. Initialise it yourself. Ledger should not supply recovery words in the box or ask you to type them into a computer.

Record the recovery phrase offline from the device's setup flow. Anyone with that phrase can control the accounts without the physical device. Ledger support never needs it.

Verify on the signer

Use the hardware screen to compare receiving addresses and approve outgoing transactions. Malware on a computer or phone can alter what its screen displays, so the hardware confirmation is the final check.

Read the destination, amount, and network-related information that the device can display. Stop when the hardware screen and app do not match.

USDT on two networks

Ledger Wallet manages ERC-20 USDT through an Ethereum account and TRC-20 USDT through a Tron account. These are separate routes.

Keep ETH for Ethereum token fees or TRX and Tron resources for Tron token fees. Do not send one version to an address supplied only for the other.

Optional services

Ledger Wallet includes optional buying, swapping, staking, and connected services. Many are provided by third parties with separate fees, availability, identity checks, and data practices.

The hardware protects transaction keys, but it does not make every external service private or suitable for a particular payment.

Official sources