Ledger® Live | Getting Started™ with Ledger®

Welcome to the Ledger® Ecosystem

Ledger® provides secure tools to protect your digital assets. With Ledger Live — the official companion app for your hardware wallet — you can buy, swap, and stake crypto while keeping full ownership of your private keys. Getting started takes just a few minutes, and once you’re set up, your funds remain safely under your control.

Key Principle: Ledger never stores your crypto or your recovery phrase. You are the only person who controls your assets.

1. What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application that lets you securely manage all your crypto in one place. It connects directly to your Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax) to authorize transactions and display balances without exposing your private keys to the internet.

Track your portfolio in real time
Send and receive crypto safely
Stake coins and earn rewards
Buy and swap assets through trusted partners

All actions are confirmed on your Ledger device, ensuring that even if your computer or phone is compromised, your crypto remains secure.

2. Downloading Ledger Live

The first step is to download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. Avoid unofficial or third-party links.

Visit the official download page: ledger.com/ledger-live/download
Select your operating system: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Install the app and open it once installation is complete.

Important: Fake versions of Ledger Live circulate online. Always confirm you are on the ledger.com domain before downloading.

3. Setting Up Your Ledger Device

Before connecting your Ledger to Ledger Live, initialize it properly. Each Ledger device must be new and sealed. Inside the box, you’ll find:

The Ledger hardware wallet
A USB cable
Blank recovery phrase cards
Instructions and accessories

Power on your Ledger and follow on-screen instructions:

Choose Set up as new device.
Create a secure PIN code (4–8 digits).
Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the provided card.

Tip: Double-check the order and spelling of your 24 words. This phrase is the only way to restore your wallet if the device is lost or damaged.

4. Connecting to Ledger Live

Once your Ledger is initialized, open the Ledger Live app and connect your device:

Connect via USB (or Bluetooth for Nano X).
Unlock the device using your PIN.
Ledger Live will automatically verify that your hardware wallet is genuine.

Security Check: During verification, your Ledger communicates with Ledger servers securely to confirm authenticity. If it fails, contact Ledger Support.

5. Setting Up Ledger Live for the First Time

Once your device is connected, Ledger Live will guide you through initial setup:

Choose “Set up as new device” if you just created your wallet.
Follow the prompts to complete the pairing process.
Enable “Password lock” in Ledger Live for extra privacy on your computer.
Optionally, opt out of analytics for maximum data privacy.

6. Installing Crypto Apps

Each blockchain supported by Ledger requires its own app on your device (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana). Here’s how to install them:

Open the Manager tab in Ledger Live.
Connect and unlock your device.
Browse the list of available apps.
Click Install for the coins you wish to manage.

Pro Tip: You can uninstall and reinstall apps freely — your assets remain safe, as they are tied to your recovery phrase, not the app.

7. Adding Accounts

After installing the necessary apps, add accounts to track your assets in Ledger Live:

Select Accounts → Add account.
Choose your crypto (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
Open the corresponding app on your device.
Confirm the account on your device’s screen.

Ledger Live will now synchronize and show your balance and recent transactions.

8. Receiving Crypto

Receiving funds securely ensures you never expose your private keys. To receive crypto:

Click Receive in Ledger Live.
Choose an account and generate a receiving address.
Verify the full address on your Ledger device screen — it must match exactly.
Copy and share it with the sender.

Be Careful: Always verify the address on your device. Malicious software can alter clipboard contents on your computer.

9. Sending Crypto

Sending crypto is just as straightforward — and just as secure:

Click Send in Ledger Live.
Enter the recipient’s wallet address and amount.
Review transaction fees and details.
Confirm on your Ledger device’s physical screen.

Reminder: You are signing each transaction on your Ledger device. This ensures you never send funds without your explicit approval.

10. Updating Ledger Live and Firmware

Security updates keep your device and app protected against the latest vulnerabilities. Regularly check for updates:

Go to Manager in Ledger Live.
If an update is available, follow on-screen steps to install.
Ensure your recovery phrase is backed up before updating firmware.

Good to Know: Updating firmware does not affect your stored assets. They remain securely tied to your 24-word phrase.

11. Keeping Your Setup Secure

Ledger devices are built with military-grade security chips, but human caution is equally important. Follow these best practices:

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase with anyone.
Only enter your recovery phrase on your Ledger device — never online.
Store the phrase in a fireproof and waterproof location.
Use your Ledger on a trusted computer only.

Scam Alert: Ledger will never contact you asking for your 24 words. Anyone requesting them is attempting theft.

12. Explore More with Ledger Live

Ledger Live is not only a wallet manager — it’s an entire crypto management hub. Once set up, you can explore:

Staking: Earn passive rewards on supported networks like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Solana.
Buy & Sell: Use integrated partner services for direct purchases.
Swap: Exchange one crypto for another securely inside Ledger Live.
NFT Management: Safely view and send NFTs on Ethereum and Polygon.

Every feature is designed to maintain the same core protection model — full self-custody secured by your hardware device.

Conclusion: Your Secure Crypto Journey Begins

By setting up Ledger Live and your Ledger hardware wallet, you’ve taken the most important step toward secure digital ownership. You now have complete control over your assets, protected by industry-leading technology.

With your Ledger, your crypto is offline, safe, and verifiable. Ledger Live adds a user-friendly interface to manage everything confidently — from Bitcoin to NFTs — while keeping your security intact.

Download Ledger Live Now