Ledger® Live — Getting started

What is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the official desktop and mobile application that connects to Ledger hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X) to manage cryptocurrencies. It provides a single, user-friendly interface to install blockchain apps on your device, add accounts, send and receive crypto, check portfolio balances, and interact with supported third-party dApps — while keeping private keys secure on the Ledger device.

Ledger Live does not store your private keys; it acts as a bridge between your device and the blockchains you use. All signing occurs on your hardware wallet, which means even if your computer is compromised, your keys remain protected.

Before you begin — checklist

• Buy a Ledger device from the official Ledger store or authorized reseller.
• Have your recovery phrase written on paper — never store it digitally.
• Use a secure computer and update your OS before installing new software.
• Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website and verify the download when possible.

Installing Ledger® Live

1. Open your browser and go to the official Ledger website. Select the appropriate download for your platform: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS or Android.
2. Download the installer and run it. On mobile, install the Ledger Live app from the App Store or Google Play.
3. When possible, verify checksums or signatures provided on the website to ensure the file is authentic. This step is optional but recommended for extra security-conscious users.
4. Launch Ledger Live and follow the first-run prompts.

Set up and connect your Ledger device

1. Power on your Ledger device and follow the on-device instructions to create a new wallet or restore an existing one.
2. Choose and confirm a PIN directly on the device.
3. Write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown, in order. Store it offline in multiple secure locations if possible.
4. Back in Ledger Live, choose Initialize as new device or Restore from recovery phrase, and follow the prompts to pair the app with your device using USB or Bluetooth (model dependent).

Installing apps and adding accounts

Ledger devices use small, blockchain-specific apps to interact with each cryptocurrency. Ledger Live includes a Manager interface to install these apps on your device.

1. Open Ledger Live and go to the Manager tab.
2. Connect and unlock your Ledger device, then allow Ledger Live to access it.
3. Install the apps for the blockchains you plan to use (for example: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
4. After apps are installed, navigate to the Accounts tab and choose Add account. Follow prompts to create accounts associated with your device.

Each installed app takes up storage space on the device. If you need space, you can uninstall an app without losing the associated accounts — the accounts are derived from your recovery phrase and will reappear when you reinstall the app.

Receiving and sending crypto

Receiving: In Ledger Live, select an account and click Receive. Always verify the address shown in the app against the address displayed on your Ledger device. Only send funds to the on-device verified address.

Sending: Select Send, provide the recipient address and amount, and review fees. Ledger Live will prompt you to confirm the transaction details on your device screen — verify the amount and destination and approve using the device buttons.

Portfolio, staking and apps

Ledger Live's Portfolio view gives an overview of your balances across added accounts. Ledger Live supports staking for certain assets (for example, Tezos, Ethereum when supported, and others) — follow on-screen guidance to delegate or stake.

For assets or operations not directly supported in Ledger Live, use Ledger Live in combination with reputable third-party wallets and dApps (such as MetaMask, Solflare, or Phantom). When interacting with third-party apps, transactions should always be routed to your Ledger device for signing so keys never leave the secure element.

Security best practices

• Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date; updates include security improvements.
• Use a strong PIN and consider adding a passphrase for an additional hidden wallet.
• Store your recovery phrase offline; do not photograph or store it on cloud services.
• Use a dedicated, clean machine when managing large sums if possible.
• Double-check domains and links before downloading software — phishing sites mimic official pages.

Troubleshooting & FAQs