Ledger® Live: Getting started — Official Site

A practical, user-friendly guide to install, set up, and get comfortable using Ledger Live with your hardware wallet.

Why Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application designed to let you manage your cryptocurrency portfolios with a hardware-backed security model. It connects to your Ledger hardware device (such as Ledger Nano S or Nano X) and provides a polished interface for checking balances, sending and receiving assets, installing applets, and interacting with supported decentralized applications.

This guide walks through everything a new user needs — from installing the app through completing their first secure transaction — while focusing on safety and best practices.

Quick overview

  • Download Ledger Live from ledger.com only — avoid third-party mirrors.
  • Use a hardware wallet for private key protection; Ledger Live acts as the interface, but the private keys remain on your device.
  • Write down your recovery phrase and store it offline in a secure location.
  • Install only the specific coin apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum) — fewer apps = less firmware space used and smaller attack surface.

Before you begin — checklist

  • A desktop or mobile device meeting Ledger Live system requirements (Windows/macOS/Linux/Android/iOS).
  • A genuine Ledger hardware device purchased from an authorized reseller or ledger.com.
  • Access to a secure, private place to write down your 24-word recovery phrase.
  • A stable internet connection to download Ledger Live and coin app packages.

Install Ledger Live (step-by-step)

1. Download

Open your browser and visit https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Only download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Choose the installer for your operating system (Windows .exe, macOS .dmg, or Linux AppImage).

2. Install

Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On mobile, install Ledger Live from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). Grant only the permissions requested for normal operation.

3. Launch and pair

Open Ledger Live and follow the "Get started" flow. Choose whether you’re setting up a new device or restoring an existing one. If you already have a Ledger device configured, choose Restore device and use your recovery phrase.

4. Create or restore account

When creating a new wallet, your Ledger device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase. Write each word down in order on the supplied recovery card or a secure backup medium. Never store the phrase on an internet-connected device or on cloud storage.

5. Install coin apps

Ledger Live lets you install coin-specific apps on your hardware device. Use the Manager tab in Ledger Live to add apps for Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and others you plan to use. Only install what you need to save space.

Connecting your first account

After installing the coin apps on your Ledger device, use Ledger Live’s Accounts tab to add accounts. For example, to add an Ethereum account:

  1. Open the Ethereum app on your Ledger device.
  2. In Ledger Live, click Add account and select Ethereum.
  3. Follow prompts to view your account addresses and balances.

Ledger Live will synchronize the blockchain data for your supported accounts and display balances and transaction history. This is a read-only operation — your private keys never leave the hardware device.

Sending and receiving funds

Ledger Live makes sending and receiving straightforward while ensuring safety via device confirmations.

  • To receive: click Receive, choose the account, verify the displayed address on your device, and then share that address with the sender. Always confirm the address shown on your computer matches the address on your hardware device screen.
  • To send: click Send, enter the recipient address, choose the amount, and confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device. Never approve a transaction on the device unless the destination and amount are correct.

Security best practices

Ledger Live is secure when paired with a hardware wallet, but safety depends on your habits. Follow these rules:

  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone. Ledger support will never ask for it.
  • Keep your recovery phrase offline and in multiple secure locations if you choose redundancy (for example, a safe and a safety deposit box).
  • Verify firmware updates using Ledger Live and confirm update prompts on your device itself.
  • Avoid downloading third-party applications that claim to work with Ledger unless they are reputable and well-documented.
  • Use a strong device passphrase if you need an extra layer of protection — remember the passphrase is an extension of your seed and if you lose it you may lose access to funds stored under that passphrase.

Troubleshooting

Small errors are common during setup; here are fast fixes:

  • Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port, ensure the device is unlocked, and that your OS has latest drivers installed.
  • Ledger Live crashes or hangs: reinstall Ledger Live from the official site, clear the cache using the app settings, or check for known issues on Ledger’s support pages.
  • Accounts not syncing: ensure the correct app is open on the device and try re-adding the account in Ledger Live.
  • Firmware update failed: do not disconnect the device during update. If an update fails, follow official recovery steps available on Ledger’s support site.

Advanced features you’ll appreciate

  • Portfolio view: get a bird’s-eye view of all your assets across supported chains.
  • Manager: control which coin apps live on your device.
  • Swap and Buy: Ledger Live integrates partner services to buy or swap crypto; these are optional and routed through third-party providers.
  • Staking and delegations: on supported networks, Ledger Live can help you delegate or stake assets while keeping keys on-device.
  • Custom fees and transaction speed: adjust fees where supported to prioritize cost vs speed.

Privacy considerations

Ledger Live collects limited telemetry by default to improve the product, but you can opt out in settings. Always be mindful when interacting with DApps — use separate accounts for different purposes if you want to compartmentalize activity.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

  • Not verifying addresses on-device — always confirm the address on the hardware device screen before sending funds.
  • Storing recovery phrase digitally — never take photos or store your phrase in cloud storage.
  • Falling for phishing sites — double-check domain names and bookmarks before logging in or downloading software.
  • Sharing device PIN or recovery phrase — treat these as the keys to your digital vault.

FAQ — quick answers

Q: Can I recover my funds if I lose my device?
A: Yes — with your 24-word recovery phrase you can restore your wallet on another Ledger device or any compatible wallet that supports BIP39/BIP44 standards.

Q: Does Ledger Live store my private keys?
A: No. Private keys remain on the hardware device and never leave it; Ledger Live is the interface that instructs the device to sign transactions.

Q: Are third-party integrations safe?
A: Integrations add convenience but connect to external services. Assess risk and only use services you trust.

Final notes

Ledger Live is a powerful tool when used in combination with a Ledger hardware wallet. Prioritizing security, verifying every on-device prompt, and keeping your recovery phrase offline will serve you well. As you grow more comfortable, explore Ledger Live’s additional features such as staking, portfolio reporting, and partner exchanges — but always keep the hardware device at the center of your security model.

For official downloads, firmware updates, and the latest support articles, always visit ledger.com. This guide is intended as a practical companion; when in doubt follow Ledger's official documentation and support channels.