Why Ledger Live Mobile?

Ledger Live Mobile is the official mobile companion application for Ledger hardware wallets that lets you check balances, prepare transactions, receive notifications, and interact with third-party services while keeping your private keys secured on your Ledger device. It combines convenience with hardware-backed security: the mobile app acts as an interface, while approvals and private key operations happen on the hardware device itself.

Short summary: Ledger Live Mobile increases accessibility for daily checks and small operations, while the Ledger device remains the single source of truth for signatures and confirmations.

Getting started — download and install

Ledger Live Mobile is available on both iOS and Android via their official app stores. Search for “Ledger Live” and confirm publisher details before installing. Avoid installing packages from unknown sources or downloading APKs from third-party sites. After installing, open the app and follow the guided onboarding: you will be asked to allow Bluetooth permissions (if you intend to pair via Bluetooth), choose privacy settings, and optionally create a local app lock (PIN or biometric) for the mobile app.

Permissions & privacy

Grant only the permissions required for the functionality you want—Bluetooth for device pairing, and optional notifications for transaction alerts. Mobile platforms will surface these permission prompts; read them carefully. Ledger Live respects user privacy and offers opt-outs for telemetry.

Pairing with your Ledger device (Bluetooth & USB)

There are two common mobile pairing paths:

  1. Bluetooth pairing (recommended for Nano X): Enable Bluetooth on your phone and device, open the Ledger Live app, and follow the ‘Pair device’ flow. Confirm the pairing code on the device screen before accepting on the phone. Always verify matching codes to prevent MITM (man-in-the-middle) pairing.
  2. Wired connection (USB OTG): On Android, you can connect via USB OTG for a wired, often higher-assurance connection. iOS does not typically support USB OTG with Ledger devices in the same way; Bluetooth is the standard path there.
Verify pairing codes: When pairing, a code will appear on both the device screen and the mobile app—confirm they match. If they differ, cancel and restart the pairing.

Unlocking and using Ledger Live Mobile

After pairing, unlock the app using your chosen method (PIN or biometric). You can view your portfolio, balances, and pending operations. To initiate a send or interact with a DApp integration, Ledger Live Mobile prepares the transaction and forwards it to your hardware device for signing. This ensures private keys never touch the phone. Approve or reject the transaction on the hardware device screen.

Local app lock vs device PIN

Understand the distinction: the mobile app lock (PIN/biometric) only protects access to the app UI; the device PIN protects the hardware wallet and private keys. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot sign transactions without access to the physical Ledger device and its PIN.

Managing accounts, tokens and NFTs on mobile

Ledger Live Mobile lets you add or hide accounts, view token balances, and browse supported NFTs. For each account, always verify any generated receive address on your device screen before sharing it. Metadata and NFT previews are loaded from partner services; the data shown in the app does not impact security because the signature still occurs on-device.

Token & NFT caveats

Some tokens and NFTs require third-party integrations or additional viewer apps. Do a quick reputation check of any third-party partner before connecting. Always verify contract addresses and network selection; mistakenly using the wrong network can lead to significant loss.

Sending funds — mobile workflow

On mobile, initiate a send by selecting an account, entering the recipient address and amount, then pressing continue. Ledger Live Mobile will display a summary and request device confirmation. The unsigned transaction is sent to the device; your Ledger hardware displays recipient, amount and fee. Carefully verify those details on the device before approving. The mobile UI cannot override what the hardware shows.

Test transfers: For new services or unfamiliar addresses, send a small test amount first to validate the full workflow on mobile.

Built-in services: swaps & staking on mobile

Ledger Live Mobile integrates with vetted partners to offer swaps and staking. When swapping, Ledger Live aggregates quotes—review the offer and fees and confirm on device. Staking options let you delegate tokens to validators; check lockup rules and validator reputation before staking. All approvals still require on-device confirmation.

Security best practices for mobile

  • Install Ledger Live only from official app stores—no APKs from unknown sites.
  • Enable a strong app lock (PIN or biometric) for quick protection if your phone is lost.
  • Always verify addresses and transaction details on the device screen, not the phone display.
  • Keep your phone OS and Ledger Live app updated to benefit from security patches.
  • Use Bluetooth pairing carefully: confirm pairing codes and unpair lost or unused devices promptly.
  • Do not backup or store your recovery phrase on your phone—never take photos of it.

Troubleshooting common mobile issues

Pairing fails or disconnects

Turn Bluetooth off and on, restart the mobile app, reboot the Ledger device, and retry pairing. Ensure the Ledger device battery is charged (Nano X) and that no other active pairing interferes. If using USB OTG on Android, try a different cable and confirm OTG support.

App shows outdated balances

Pull-to-refresh or reopen the app. Ledger Live fetches transactions from network providers—connectivity issues can delay updates. If discrepancies persist, compare with a block explorer using a verified address.

Unexpected prompts for seed or passphrase

Treat any prompt that asks you to enter your seed on the phone or a website as malicious. Disconnect and consult official support. Ledger or legitimate partners will never request your full seed via a web form or chat.

Advanced mobile considerations

For power users, mobile can be part of an air-gapped workflow where the phone acts as an intermediary UI while the actual signing device remains offline—though most air-gapped setups use QR/USB patterns and dedicated secure apps. For institutional use, document pairing policies, device custody, and app access controls.

Wrapping up — when to use mobile vs desktop

Use Ledger Live Mobile for convenience: quick portfolio checks, small transfers, receiving payments, and monitoring staking rewards. For high-value transfers, firmware updates, or complex multisig and contract interactions, perform those operations on a desktop where you can more easily audit and where Ledger Live offers fuller functionality.

Frequently asked questions (mobile)

Can I use Ledger Live Mobile without a Ledger device?

You can view demo or explore some UI elements, but secure signing and full functionality require a Ledger hardware wallet.

Is Bluetooth safe?

Bluetooth is reasonably safe when pairing codes are verified and connections are managed carefully, but wired (USB OTG) connections on Android provide a higher physical assurance if you prefer.

What if my phone is compromised?

If your phone is compromised, an attacker could see your app UI and attempt social engineering. They cannot sign transactions without the Ledger device and the device PIN, but you should unpair, reinstall the app, and use a known-good device if compromise is suspected.