Ledger® Live — Getting Started | Official Ledger Wallet

Ledger® Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets, designed to help users securely manage, buy, sell, stake, and track their cryptocurrency assets in one place. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, Ledger Live provides a simple yet powerful interface while keeping security at the highest level. This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with Ledger Live safely and confidently.

What Is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is a desktop and mobile application developed by Ledger to work seamlessly with Ledger hardware wallets such as Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, and other supported models. The app allows you to manage your crypto assets while your private keys remain securely stored on your hardware wallet, never exposed to the internet.

Ledger Live supports thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), XRP, and many ERC-20 tokens. It also enables access to advanced features like staking, NFT management, and DeFi services—without compromising security.

Why Use Ledger Live?

Ledger Live stands out because it combines ease of use, full asset control, and industry-leading security. Key benefits include:

Private key ownership: Your keys stay on your Ledger device.
All-in-one dashboard: Track balances, transactions, and portfolio value.
Built-in security checks: Verifies device authenticity and app integrity.
Regular updates: Continuous improvements and new asset support.
Multi-platform access: Available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.

System Requirements

Before installing Ledger Live, ensure your device meets the minimum requirements:

Desktop

Windows 10 or later
macOS 12 or later
Linux (Ubuntu-based distributions)

Mobile

Android 9 or later
iOS 13 or later (for Ledger Nano X via Bluetooth)

A stable internet connection and a genuine Ledger hardware wallet are also required.

How to Download and Install Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live
Visit the official Ledger website and download Ledger Live for your operating system. Always avoid third-party download sources to prevent phishing or malware risks.
Install the Application
Follow the on-screen installation instructions. The setup process usually takes only a few minutes.
Launch Ledger Live
Open the app and select “Get started.”

Setting Up Ledger Live for the First Time

When you open Ledger Live, you will be guided through an initial setup process.

Choose Your Setup Option

You can select:

Set up a new Ledger device
Restore an existing device
Connect an already initialized device

If your Ledger device is brand new, Ledger Live will guide you through creating a PIN and generating your 24-word recovery phrase directly on the device.

Important: Never share your recovery phrase. Ledger Live will never ask for it.

Genuine Check and Security Verification

Ledger Live automatically performs a genuine check when you connect your device. This ensures:

Your Ledger device is authentic
The secure element has not been tampered with
You are interacting with official Ledger software

This step is crucial for protecting your assets and should never be skipped.

Installing Apps on Your Ledger Device

To manage specific cryptocurrencies, you must install their corresponding apps on your Ledger device.

Open Ledger Live
Go to the My Ledger section
Unlock your Ledger device and allow the connection
Select and install the apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)

You can uninstall and reinstall apps at any time without losing funds, as your assets are stored on the blockchain, not on the device itself.

Adding Accounts in Ledger Live

Once apps are installed, you can add accounts:

Navigate to Accounts
Click Add account
Choose the cryptocurrency
Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device
Let Ledger Live synchronize with the blockchain

Your account balance and transaction history will then appear in the dashboard.

Sending and Receiving Crypto

Receiving Assets

Select an account
Click Receive
Verify the address on your Ledger device screen
Share the address with the sender

Always confirm addresses on the device itself to prevent address-replacement attacks.

Sending Assets

Choose an account
Click Send
Enter the recipient’s address and amount
Review details on your Ledger device
Physically confirm the transaction

This physical confirmation ensures no transaction can be made without your approval.

Portfolio Tracking and Features

Ledger Live provides a real-time portfolio overview, including:

Total balance across all assets
Individual asset performance
Historical value charts

Additional features include:

Staking (for supported assets like ETH, SOL, ATOM)
Buy and sell crypto through integrated partners
Swap tokens directly within the app
NFT management for Ethereum and Polygon NFTs

Keeping Ledger Live Secure

To maintain maximum security:

Always keep Ledger Live updated
Never download software from unofficial sources
Ignore emails or messages asking for your recovery phrase
Lock your device with a strong PIN
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure location

Ledger Live itself does not store private keys, making it safe even if your computer is compromised.

Troubleshooting and Support

If you encounter issues such as connection errors or syncing delays:

Check USB cables or Bluetooth settings
Ensure Ledger Live and device firmware are up to date
Restart the application and device

For additional help, Ledger provides extensive documentation and official support resources directly through their website.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live is an essential tool for anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet. It combines powerful asset management features with the highest security standards, allowing you to stay in full control of your cryptocurrency at all times. By following this getting started guide, you can confidently set up Ledger