Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live?
Cryptocurrency wallets come with their own learning curves, and a common question from new users is: Do you need internet to use Ledger Live? The answer depends on what part of the Ledger experience you’re referring to — and understanding how Ledger Live works will help you get the most out of your hardware wallet setup.
What Is Ledger Live — and Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live?
Before diving into technical requirements, it helps to know what Ledger Live actually is. Ledger Live is the companion software for Ledger hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus. It allows users to manage their crypto assets, view portfolios, send and receive transactions, and install apps onto the hardware device.
So, do you need internet to use Ledger Live? In most cases, yes. Since Ledger Live connects to the blockchain to fetch real-time data and broadcast transactions, an internet connection is required for most features.
Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live for Portfolio Management?
One of the most popular features of Ledger Live is its Portfolio tab, where users can track the value of their assets over time. This requires regular syncing with the blockchain and price feeds.
So, do you need internet to use Ledger Live just to check your crypto balances? Absolutely. Without internet, the app cannot fetch live price data or check your on-chain balances. You can open Ledger Live offline, but the data shown will be outdated.
Here’s what you can do with and without an internet connection in Portfolio view:
- ✅ With internet: View updated balances, see real-time charts, and track market movements.
- ❌ Without internet: View old data only; no new transaction or price info.
Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live When Sending or Receiving Crypto?
Do you need internet to use Ledger Live to send or receive Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any other supported coin? Yes — for both sending and receiving.
While your Ledger hardware wallet generates your public address offline and can sign transactions securely, Ledger Live still needs an internet connection to:
- Broadcast signed transactions to the blockchain network.
- Check for incoming funds by syncing with the relevant blockchain.
- Calculate network fees and suggest gas prices (especially for Ethereum-based tokens).
So, even though the private keys never leave your device, you do need internet to use Ledger Live to complete transactions in a secure and verifiable manner.
Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live for Initial Setup?
When you first install Ledger Live and set up your Ledger Nano device, do you need internet to use Ledger Live at this stage? Yes, you do.
The initial setup involves:
- Downloading the Ledger Live app.
- Installing firmware and crypto apps onto your device.
- Adding crypto accounts to your dashboard.
Each of these steps requires internet connectivity, because Ledger Live must communicate with Ledger’s servers and the blockchain to provide accurate device and account setup.
Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live for Security Features?
Security is Ledger’s number-one priority, so it’s worth asking: Do you need internet to use Ledger Live to benefit from its security features?
The good news is that your private keys never touch the internet. They stay safely stored inside your Ledger hardware wallet, which signs transactions internally. However, you still need internet to use Ledger Live’s other security features such as:
- Firmware updates
- App version checks
- Ledger Live integrity checks
So, while the core of Ledger’s security is offline, you do need internet to use Ledger Live for ongoing software protections and updates.
Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live on Mobile Devices?
Ledger Live is also available for mobile (Android and iOS), and users often ask: Do you need internet to use Ledger Live on your phone?
Yes — and perhaps even more so. Mobile apps rely entirely on internet access to retrieve blockchain data, and Bluetooth functionality (used by the Ledger Nano X) does not replace the need for a network connection.
Without internet:
- You can open the app, but no data will load.
- No new transactions can be initiated.
- Syncing with your Ledger device will be incomplete or fail.
In short, you do need internet to use Ledger Live on mobile for full functionality.
Summary: Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live?
Let’s wrap it up clearly: Do you need internet to use Ledger Live? In almost all practical cases, yes.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
FunctionalityInternet Required?Opening Ledger Live❌ No (but limited functionality)Viewing up-to-date portfolio✅ YesSending/Receiving crypto✅ YesInstalling apps on device✅ YesPerforming firmware updates✅ YesSigning transactions❌ No (done offline on device)Broadcasting transactions✅ Yes
So, while your Ledger hardware wallet works offline, you do need internet to use Ledger Live for everything beyond basic viewing and offline signing.
Final Thoughts: Do You Need Internet to Use Ledger Live?
The Ledger ecosystem is designed to strike a balance between security and convenience. Your private keys are never exposed online, which gives Ledger a security edge. But because blockchain access and price updates require online syncing, you do need internet to use Ledger Live for most day-to-day actions.
Whether you're managing your portfolio, sending crypto, or updating firmware, the internet is an essential part of the equation. Understanding when and why you need it can help you stay both secure and efficient in your crypto journey.