Ledger® Live: Getting started™ with Ledger®

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets (for example Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X). It provides a secure interface to manage accounts, monitor portfolio value, install blockchain-specific apps on your device, and build transactions that are signed on-device. Ledger Live is available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and as a mobile app. This guide walks you through everything a new user needs to get started securely — from downloading the app to daily usage and troubleshooting.

Why use Ledger Live with a hardware wallet?

Hardware wallets isolate private keys in a secure element on the device, protecting them from malware and keyloggers. Ledger Live acts as a management layer that never has access to private keys — it creates unsigned transactions and sends them to your Ledger device for verification and signing. This on-device approval model ensures that even if a computer is compromised, attackers cannot extract or use your keys without physical control of the device and the PIN.

Private keys stay offline: All signing happens on-device.
On-device verification: Confirm addresses and amounts directly on the Ledger screen.
Wide ecosystem: Ledger Live supports many coins and integrates with trusted third-party services for swaps or DeFi.

Download & install Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live from Ledger’s official site. Typing the URL directly or using a trusted bookmark reduces the risk of phishing.

Visit ledger.com/start.
Choose the correct platform (Windows, macOS, Linux) or download the mobile app from official stores.
Install the app and open it. Grant permissions the installer requests only if you trust the source.

Tip: verify the website's HTTPS padlock and watch for misspellings or suspicious URLs when downloading.

Initial device setup

When you connect a new Ledger device for the first time, Ledger Live guides you through device initialization or recovery.

Choose Set up as new device or Restore from recovery phrase if you already have a seed.
Create a secure PIN directly on the device; PIN entry occurs on-device, not on the computer.
Write down the recovery phrase (24 words by default) on the supplied sheet or a durable metal backup; store it offline.
Confirm the recovery phrase when prompted — only then is the device ready.

Never type your recovery phrase into a computer or share it. Ledger staff will never ask for it.

Adding accounts and installing apps

Ledger devices require small blockchain-specific apps to manage different coins. Ledger Live handles app installation through the Manager and links them to accounts.

Open Ledger Live and go to Manager.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Install the apps for the blockchains you want to use (for example Bitcoin, Ethereum).
After apps are installed, add corresponding accounts in the Accounts tab. Ledger Live will synchronize balances and transaction history.

App sizes are limited by your device's storage; remove unused apps to free space and reinstall when needed.

Daily use: send, receive, stake

Ledger Live offers common wallet operations with on-device confirmations that keep your keys safe.

Receive

Generate a receive address in Ledger Live, then verify the same address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. Always confirm addresses on-device to prevent host-level manipulation.

Send

Build the transaction in Ledger Live (recipient, amount, fee). Ledger Live sends the unsigned transaction to your device where it is displayed for you to verify and approve. Only after on-device approval is the transaction broadcast to the network.

Staking & services

Ledger Live supports staking for selected proof-of-stake assets and partners with trusted third-party service providers for additional features. When interacting with third parties, verify details on-device and choose reputable services.

Security best practices

Download Ledger Live and firmware only from ledger.com/start or official app stores.
Write your recovery phrase on durable media and store copies in separate secure locations (safe deposit box, home safe).
Never store the recovery phrase digitally (no photos, cloud backups, or text files).
Use a strong PIN; do not use obvious sequences.
Verify every transaction and address on the device screen, not just in the app UI.
Keep your desktop and browser updated to reduce exposure to known vulnerabilities.

If ever asked for your recovery phrase outside the device (email, chat, website), consider it a scam — stop and contact official support.

Ledger Live Mobile & Bluetooth

Ledger Live Mobile (iOS and Android) pairs with Bluetooth-capable devices like Ledger Nano X. For USB-only models, desktop is recommended. To pair Nano X:

Install Ledger Live Mobile from the App Store or Google Play.
Enable Bluetooth on your phone and device, then follow pairing prompts.
Approve the pairing on your Ledger device. After pairing, you can manage accounts and prepare transactions — signing still happens on-device.

Bluetooth adds convenience but be mindful of pairing in public spaces and confirm pairing codes on-device.

Privacy considerations

Blockchain transactions are public. To reduce linkability, avoid address reuse, consider using new addresses for each incoming payment, and understand the privacy implications of third-party services. Ledger protects host-level secrecy by ensuring signatures happen on-device — on-chain privacy is determined by how you use addresses and services.

Troubleshooting — common issues

Device not detected

Try a different data-capable USB cable and port. Some cables are power-only. Restart Ledger Live and the computer. On the web version, ensure you allowed USB access.

Firmware / app update problems

Follow the prompts in Ledger Live exactly. If an update fails, reconnect the device and retry. If issues persist, consult Ledger support for guided recovery steps.

Forgot PIN

Resetting the device clears the PIN; you must restore from your recovery phrase. This is why secure seed backups are essential.

Lost recovery phrase

Without the recovery phrase (and any passphrase), funds cannot be recovered. Search secure locations and backups; if unrecoverable, the assets are effectively lost.

FAQ

Do I need a Ledger device to use Ledger Live?

To securely hold private keys you need a Ledger device. Ledger Live can display public information without a device, but sending or signing transactions requires the hardware wallet.

Is Ledger Live free?

Yes — Ledger Live is free to download and use. Hardware devices are purchased separately. Third-party services connected through Ledger Live may charge fees.

Can I restore my wallet on any Ledger device?

Yes — recovery phrases follow standards (BIP39/BIP44) and allow restoration on compatible Ledger devices or other compatible wallets. Be careful with passphrase usage, as a passphrase-protected wallet will not restore without the exact passphrase.

What should I do if I suspect compromise?

If you suspect malware or compromise, stop using the affected machine, move to a trusted computer, and consider restoring funds to a new device with a fresh recovery seed generated in a secure environment.

Get started with Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live from the official start page, connect your Ledger device, and follow the guided setup. Take time to secure your recovery phrase and confirm transactions on-device. With proper setup, Ledger Live paired with a Ledger hardware wallet provides a strong, user-friendly security foundation for managing cryptocurrencies.

Download Ledger Live — ledger.com/start

For device-specific issues or official support, visit Ledger's Help Center via the official website. Never share your recovery phrase or private keys.