Introduction
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is Ledger's official desktop and mobile companion app that lets you manage cryptocurrency accounts, send and receive assets, and interact with decentralized applications (DApps) using Ledger hardware wallets. This guide walks you through the first-time setup, login, connection with a Ledger device, account creation, and essential security checks.
Official downloads and documentation are available on the Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Bookmark it and verify any downloads only come from this official source.
Official link: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live
Before you begin
What you'll need
- A supported Ledger hardware device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X).
- A computer (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or a mobile device (iOS/Android) with internet access.
- The official Ledger Live app downloaded from the Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Your 24-word recovery phrase (ONLY if you already have a device and backup). Never share this phrase online.
Security checklist
- Download only from the official Ledger site: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Verify the app signature (optional advanced users).
- Never enter your recovery phrase into your computer or phone. Ledger Live will never ask for it.
Download & install Ledger Live
Step 1 — Get the official app
Open your browser and go to the official Ledger Live download page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live. Choose the correct platform: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, or Android.
Step 2 — Install
Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts. On mobile, download Ledger Live from the App Store or Google Play when directed from the official site.
Tip
Keep your operating system up to date and close other apps during installation to reduce interference.
First-time setup: Create or restore
Option A — Set up a brand new Ledger device
- Power on your Ledger hardware and follow the on-device prompts to create a PIN.
- Write down the 24-word recovery phrase on the recovery sheet provided — do not store it digitally.
- Confirm the recovery phrase on the device when requested.
- Open Ledger Live on your computer or phone, select "Set up as a new device" and follow the instructions to pair.
Option B — Restore from existing recovery phrase
- Choose "Restore device" on your Ledger device and enter your 24-word phrase when prompted (directly on the device only).
- Open Ledger Live and select "Restore from recovery phrase" to link your accounts.
Ledger Live is an interface — the private keys always remain on your hardware device. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase in the app. If any website, email, or person asks for your 24-word phrase, stop immediately — it’s a scam.
Login & device connection
How login works
Ledger Live uses a device-based workflow. You "unlock" Ledger Live by connecting your Ledger device and entering the PIN on the device itself. The app may ask you to confirm actions on the hardware device to complete sensitive operations.
Connecting your Ledger device
- Connect the Ledger to your computer with a USB cable or pair via Bluetooth (Ledger Nano X).
- Open Ledger Live and navigate to the "Manager" tab.
- When prompted, enter your PIN on the hardware device to unlock it.
- Allow Ledger Live to access the device — follow the on-screen prompts.
Bluetooth / Pairing notes
For Bluetooth pairing (Nano X only), ensure you pair the device from Ledger Live and confirm the pairing on the device. Avoid pairing Ledger with unknown or public devices.
Adding accounts
Supported currencies
Ledger Live supports many blockchains (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, and many ERC-20 tokens). Use the "Accounts" tab to add an account for any supported currency. Each account corresponds to an address derived from your Ledger's seed.
Steps to add an account
- Open Ledger Live > Accounts > Add account.
- Select the currency, then connect and unlock your device.
- Open the corresponding app on your Ledger device (e.g., the Bitcoin app for BTC accounts).
- Ledger Live will scan your device and show the addresses — choose which accounts to add and confirm.
Send & receive crypto
Receiving funds
- Go to the Accounts tab and choose the receiving account.
- Click "Receive" and choose the address. Ledger Live will show an on-screen QR code and address.
- Confirm the address on your hardware device to ensure it matches the one shown in Ledger Live.
Sending funds
- Click "Send" in the account you control.
- Enter the destination address, amount, and fees.
- Review the transaction on Ledger Live, then confirm the transaction details on your Ledger hardware (the device displays the address and amount for you to approve).
Safety tip
Always confirm the full receiving address on your Ledger device screen — malware on your computer can alter addresses displayed in apps.
App manager & firmware
Installing blockchain apps
Ledger hardware runs small apps for each supported blockchain. Use Ledger Live > Manager to install or remove these apps. Installing an app does not affect your seed or existing accounts.
Firmware updates
Ledger will occasionally release firmware updates. Update firmware only when official instructions appear in Ledger Live. During firmware updates, do not unplug the device and ensure a stable power source.
Security best practices
Protecting your recovery phrase
- Write the phrase on the provided recovery sheet and store it in a secure, offline place (safe deposit box, home safe).
- Consider a metal backup for extra resilience against fire, water, and physical damage.
- Never type the phrase into a website or share it with anyone.
Other recommendations
- Enable a strong PIN on your Ledger device.
- Use passphrase feature only if you understand its implications — a lost passphrase cannot be recovered.
- Always download Ledger Live from: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Troubleshooting common issues
Device not recognized
- Try a different USB cable or port.
- Restart Ledger Live and reconnect the device.
- Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN).
App not opening / errors
- Update Ledger Live to the latest version from the official page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Reinstall the blockchain app in Manager.
- Check Ledger's status page or support resources for ongoing incidents.
Advanced features
Integrations & dApps
Ledger Live supports certain integrations and can work with third-party wallets/websites through a secure connection. Always verify the third-party site and never provide your 24-word phrase.
Staking and earn
Some assets support staking inside Ledger Live. Review validators carefully and follow Ledger Live's guidance for staking or delegating assets.
FAQ
Will Ledger Live ever ask for my recovery phrase?
No. Ledger Live never requests your recovery phrase. If prompted anywhere to enter the 24-word phrase, treat it as a phishing attempt.
Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
You can browse the app and learn the interface, but to manage funds you must connect a Ledger hardware device — private keys are stored only on device.
Where can I get official support?
Use Ledger's official help center and downloads page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Checklist — Quick start
10-step quick checklist
- Download Ledger Live from https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Install and open Ledger Live.
- Power on and set up your Ledger device or restore it with your recovery phrase on-device.
- Install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) via Manager.
- Add accounts in the Accounts tab.
- Receive funds by verifying addresses on-device.
- Send funds by approving transactions on-device.
- Enable firmware updates when prompted (official only).
- Securely store your recovery phrase offline.
- Bookmark the official Ledger Live page: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
Resources & further reading
Official resources
- Ledger Live download & documentation: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Ledger Support & Help Center (search "Ledger Live").
- Community guides and trusted third-party tutorials (cross-check with official docs).
Final words
Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet provides a strong security model for managing cryptocurrencies. The device keeps private keys isolated while Ledger Live offers a convenient management interface. Follow best practices, never share your recovery phrase, and use official sources for downloads and support.