Ledger Live for macOS – Download the Official App
Ledger Live for macOS provides Apple users with the official desktop application for securely managing
cryptocurrency through Ledger hardware wallets. Optimized for Mac computers, Ledger Live Mac delivers native
performance on both Intel-based and Apple Silicon processors, enabling seamless cryptocurrency management
with professional-grade security. Whether you're using a MacBook, iMac, Mac Mini, or Mac Studio, the Ledger
Live download Mac ensures full compatibility and optimal performance for comprehensive digital asset
control.
How to Download Ledger Live Mac
Obtaining the official Ledger Live for Mac requires downloading from verified sources to ensure authenticity
and protect your cryptocurrency investments.
Latest macOS Package
- Official Download Source – Visit ledger.com/ledger-live/download
to access the authentic Ledger Live Mac installer. The website automatically detects your macOS
operating system and presents the appropriate .dmg disk image file optimized for your Mac. This is the
only legitimate source for Ledger Live download Mac—never download from third-party websites, app
repositories, or links in unsolicited emails.
- Universal Binary Support – The Ledger Live for Mac package uses universal binary
format, containing native code for both Apple Silicon processors (M1, M2, M3, M4) and Intel processors
in a single application. This ensures optimal performance on all modern Macs without emulation,
delivering fast launches, smooth animations, and efficient resource usage regardless of your Mac's
architecture.
- Package Size – The installer file is approximately 150-200MB depending on the version.
After clicking the download button, the .dmg file saves to your Downloads folder. Download times
typically range from 1-3 minutes on standard broadband connections. Ensure stable internet connectivity
during download to prevent file corruption.
- Version Information – Ledger releases regular updates for Ledger Live Mac with security
patches, new features, and performance improvements. The download page always provides the latest stable
version. Check release notes to see what's new, what's fixed, and any important changes in each update.
Installation Requirements
- Supported macOS Versions – Ledger Live Mac requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or later.
Supported versions include Big Sur (11.x), Monterey (12.x), Ventura (13.x), and Sonoma (14.x). If you're
running an older macOS version, update your operating system through System Preferences > Software
Update before installing Ledger Live for Mac.
- Hardware Specifications – Your Mac needs at least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended for best
performance), 1GB of free storage space for installation plus additional space for blockchain
synchronization data, a working USB port for connecting Ledger devices, and a stable internet connection
for blockchain network communication. Most Macs from 2015 or later meet these requirements.
- Processor Compatibility – Both Apple Silicon and Intel processors receive full support
with identical functionality. Apple Silicon users (M1, M2, M3, M4 chips) benefit from native ARM
optimization delivering superior performance, faster launches, and improved battery efficiency.
Intel-based Mac users receive the same features with full compatibility.
- Display Requirements – A minimum screen resolution of 1280x768 pixels ensures proper
interface display. Ledger Live for Mac is optimized for Retina displays, providing crisp text and sharp
graphics on high-resolution Mac screens including 4K, 5K, and 6K displays.
Verified Download Steps
- Step 1: Access Official Website – Open Safari or your preferred browser and navigate to
ledger.com/ledger-live/download.
Verify the URL in the address bar shows ledger.com with the padlock icon indicating a secure HTTPS
connection. Bookmark this page for future downloads.
- Step 2: Download Installer – Click the "Download for macOS" button. The website
automatically provides the correct version for your Mac. The .dmg file downloads to your Downloads
folder with a filename like "ledger-live-desktop-2.XX.X-mac.dmg."
- Step 3: Verify File Hash – Before opening the downloaded file, verify its authenticity
by checking the SHA-256 hash. Open Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal) and run:
shasum
-a 256 ~/Downloads/ledger-live-*.dmg. Compare the output hash to the official checksum
published on the download page. Matching hashes confirm file authenticity.
- Step 4: Check Digital Signature – After installation (described in the next section),
verify the application's digital signature using Terminal:
codesign -dv --verbose=4
/Applications/Ledger\ Live.app. The output should display a valid signature from "Ledger
SAS," confirming you're running genuine Ledger software.
Installing Ledger Live on macOS
Follow these installation procedures to properly set up Ledger Live Mac and configure it for secure
cryptocurrency management.
Guided Installation
- Step 1: Open DMG File – Locate the downloaded ledger-live-desktop-*.dmg file in your
Downloads folder and double-click to mount it. A Finder window appears displaying the Ledger Live
application icon alongside an Applications folder shortcut.
- Step 2: Drag to Applications – Click and drag the Ledger Live icon onto the
Applications folder icon shown in the installation window. This copies Ledger Live for Mac to your
system's Applications directory where all Mac programs are stored. The installation process takes 10-30
seconds depending on your Mac's storage type.
- Step 3: Eject Disk Image – After copying completes, eject the Ledger Live disk image by
clicking the eject button next to "Ledger Live" in Finder's sidebar or by right-clicking and selecting
"Eject." You can now safely delete the .dmg file from your Downloads folder to free up disk space.
- Step 4: Launch Application – Navigate to your Applications folder (Shift+Command+A) and
locate Ledger Live. Double-click to launch the application. On first launch, macOS displays a security
warning stating the application was downloaded from the internet—this is normal security behavior for
all downloaded applications.
- Step 5: Authorize First Launch – If macOS blocks the application, click "OK" on the
warning, then open System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General tab. You'll see a message about
Ledger Live being blocked with an "Open Anyway" button. Click this button and authenticate with your Mac
password or Touch ID. This security check only occurs on the first launch.
macOS Security Permissions
- USB Device Permissions – When first connecting your Ledger device, macOS may request
USB accessory permissions. Grant these permissions to allow Ledger Live Mac to communicate with your
hardware wallet. Navigate to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > Privacy if you need to
modify these permissions later.
- Accessibility Permissions – Some features may require accessibility permissions for
proper device communication. If prompted, open System Preferences > Security & Privacy >
Privacy > Accessibility and ensure Ledger Live has access by checking the box next to its name.
- Network Permissions – Ledger Live for Mac needs internet access to communicate with
blockchain networks for transaction broadcasting and balance updates. If using firewall software, ensure
it allows Ledger Live connections. Add Ledger Live to firewall exceptions if network issues occur.
- Notification Permissions – Allow notifications to receive alerts about transaction
confirmations, available updates, and important security announcements. Configure notification
preferences in System Preferences > Notifications > Ledger Live. Choose banner style, alert
sounds, and whether notifications appear on the lock screen.
Connecting Ledger Hardware
- Physical Connection – Connect your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X, or
Stax) to your Mac using the provided USB cable. Macs with USB-C ports may require a USB-A to USB-C
adapter depending on your cable type. Ensure secure connection—your device should power on and display
the Ledger logo.
- Device Unlock – When prompted in Ledger Live Mac, enter your PIN code on your Ledger
device using the physical buttons. Your PIN protects device access—three incorrect attempts trigger
device reset requiring recovery phrase restoration. After correct PIN entry, the device displays the
home screen with app icons.
- Firmware Check – Ledger Live automatically checks your device firmware version upon
first connection. If updates are available, the application displays notifications and guides you
through safe firmware update procedures. Keep firmware current to ensure compatibility with the latest
cryptocurrencies and security improvements.
- Initial Account Setup – After successful connection, click "Add account" to begin
managing cryptocurrency. Select the cryptocurrency from the supported list, install the required app on
your Ledger device if prompted, and Ledger Live Mac scans the blockchain for existing accounts or
creates new ones. Repeat for each cryptocurrency you want to manage.
What You Can Do with Ledger Live on Mac
Once installed and configured, Ledger Live for Mac provides comprehensive cryptocurrency management tools
optimized for macOS.
Overview of Portfolio Tools
- Real-Time Dashboard – View your complete cryptocurrency portfolio with real-time
balance updates and price tracking. The dashboard displays total portfolio value in your preferred fiat
currency (USD, EUR, GBP, etc.), individual asset balances with 24-hour changes, percentage allocations
shown in visual charts, and color-coded gain/loss indicators for quick performance assessment.
- Multi-Account Management – Create unlimited accounts for each cryptocurrency to
organize holdings by purpose—long-term savings, active trading, or daily spending. Customize account
names with descriptive labels for easy identification. Rearrange account order by dragging to prioritize
frequently accessed accounts. Hide empty accounts to reduce clutter.
- Transaction History – Access complete transaction histories for all accounts showing
sends, receives, buys, swaps, and staking operations. Filter transactions by date range, account, or
type. Click any transaction for detailed information including blockchain confirmations, network fees,
timestamps, and blockchain explorer links for independent verification.
- Portfolio Analytics – Analyze portfolio performance with interactive charts showing
value changes over customizable timeframes—24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, 1 year, or all-time. Understand
asset allocation through visual breakdowns. Track individual cryptocurrency performance to identify top
gainers and losers in your portfolio.
Built-In Crypto Services
- Buy Cryptocurrency – Purchase cryptocurrency directly within Ledger Live Mac using
credit cards, debit cards, or bank transfers through integrated third-party providers. Compare rates and
fees from multiple services to find the best prices. Complete purchases without leaving the
application—cryptocurrency arrives directly in your hardware wallet.
- Swap Assets – Exchange one cryptocurrency for another using the built-in swap feature.
Ledger Live for Mac connects to decentralized exchange aggregators providing competitive rates while you
maintain complete custody of your assets. Support for hundreds of trading pairs enables flexible
portfolio rebalancing.
- Staking Integration – Earn passive income by staking supported proof-of-stake
cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, Polkadot, Cosmos, Solana, Cardano, and Tezos. Ledger Live Mac
simplifies validator selection by displaying performance metrics, commission rates, and estimated
rewards. Track staking positions and accumulated earnings through the dashboard.
- Send and Receive – Send cryptocurrency by entering recipient addresses, specifying
amounts, and choosing network fee priorities. Receive cryptocurrency by generating verified addresses
displayed on your Ledger device screen. Always verify addresses on your hardware wallet before sharing
to prevent address substitution attacks.
App Updates & Security
- Automatic Update Notifications – Ledger Live for Mac automatically checks for updates
when launched, notifying you when new versions are available. One-click updates download and install the
latest version while preserving your accounts, settings, and transaction histories. Review release notes
before updating to understand new features and changes.
- Firmware Management – Keep your Ledger device secure with firmware updates managed
through Ledger Live Mac. When updates are available, the application guides you through safe
installation procedures with clear step-by-step instructions. Firmware updates deliver security
enhancements, bug fixes, and support for new cryptocurrencies.
- Security Features – Ledger Live for Mac implements multiple security layers including
hardware wallet private key isolation, physical transaction confirmation requirements, encrypted local
data storage, and secure communication protocols between application and device. These protections
ensure your cryptocurrency remains safe from malware and remote attacks.
- Device Authenticity Check – The application performs automatic authenticity checks when
connecting devices, verifying you're using a genuine Ledger product. Ledger Live Mac validates your
device's secure element certificate and firmware signature, warning you about potential counterfeit
devices that could compromise security.