Introduction — take control of your crypto
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for Ledger hardware wallets (Nano S Plus, Nano X, and others). It provides a secure, polished interface to initialize and manage your device, install coin apps, monitor balances, perform transactions, and access integrated services like staking and swaps. Ledger Live does not hold your keys — your hardware wallet does — but it acts as the trusted bridge between your device and the wider crypto ecosystem. This guide covers the complete getting-started flow and practical security habits so you can use Ledger Live with confidence.
Why Ledger + Ledger Live?
Hardware wallets reduce exposure to online attacks by keeping private keys inside a secure element on the device. Ledger Live complements that by giving you a user-friendly app to manage accounts and verify transactions. Together they reduce risk from phishing, malware, and human error while making account management straightforward for beginners and flexible for advanced users.
Before you begin — quick safety checklist
- Always download Ledger Live from
ledger.com/start. - Use a trusted computer or mobile device; avoid public or untrusted machines.
- Keep your recovery phrase offline — never photograph or store it digitally.
- Ledger support will never ask for your recovery phrase or PIN.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live
Open your browser and visit ledger.com/start. Choose the correct installer for your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS) and download Ledger Live. After installation, launch the app. Optionally, verify the installer checksum for maximum assurance. Ledger Live is the recommended, trusted way to initialize devices and manage firmware.
Step 2 — Connect your Ledger device
Plug your Ledger device into your computer using the supplied USB cable. If you use a Bluetooth-enabled model (Nano X), follow pairing instructions in Ledger Live for mobile. Unlock the device with the PIN you set during initialization. Ledger Live will detect the device and propose setup options: create a new device or restore from an existing recovery phrase.
Step 3 — Create or restore a wallet
If you choose to create a new wallet, the device generates a 24-word recovery phrase. Write these words down on the recovery sheet provided, in the exact order, and keep them offline. If restoring, enter your existing 24-word phrase using the device interface when prompted. Never type your seed into a computer — always use the hardware device to minimize risk from keyloggers.
Step 4 — Set a secure PIN
During setup you will choose a PIN. This stops someone with physical access from using your device. Choose a PIN that you can remember but that’s not easily guessable (avoid birthdays, repeated digits). If the PIN is entered incorrectly too many times, the device may reset to protect your keys — you’ll then need the recovery phrase to restore your accounts.
Logging in — Ledger Live + your device
Ledger Live does not use standard username/password login. Instead, access is tied to your hardware wallet and PIN. To "log in": connect and unlock your Ledger device, open Ledger Live, and the app will sync your accounts. This model ensures only a person with physical possession and the correct PIN can access the app's full features.
Adding accounts & installing apps
To manage a specific cryptocurrency you must install its app from Ledger Live's Manager. Connect and unlock the device, open Manager, and approve the "Allow Ledger Manager" prompt on-device. Search and install apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). Then add the corresponding account to the Accounts tab to view balances and transactions.
Receiving crypto — verify on-device
To receive funds: Generate a receiving address in Ledger Live for the chosen account. Crucially, verify the same address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it. Malware can change displayed addresses on a computer, so on-device verification prevents address substitution attacks. Only after confirming should you share the address with the sender.
Sending crypto — approve on-device
To send funds: enter recipient address and amount in Ledger Live and initiate the transaction. Ledger Live displays a summary, and the device will show the final details for your approval. Double-check recipient, amount, and fees on the device before approving — the device display is the ultimate source of truth.
Updating firmware and apps
Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware up to date. Ledger periodically releases updates to patch vulnerabilities and add features. Perform firmware and app updates only via Ledger Live and confirm updates on the device display. Avoid installing firmware from unofficial sources.
Security best practices
- Always download Ledger Live from the official site.
- Verify all addresses and transaction parameters on the device screen.
- Never share your recovery phrase, PIN, or passphrase with anyone.
- Use strong OS security (updates, antivirus, minimal untrusted apps).
- Test unfamiliar services with small transactions before committing larger amounts.
Optional advanced: passphrase (hidden wallets)
Ledger supports an optional passphrase that functions like an extra (25th) word appended to your recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet. This provides additional security and plausible deniability, but losing the passphrase means the hidden wallet cannot be recovered. Use passphrases only if you can securely manage and back them up.
Staking, swaps and integrations
Ledger Live integrates with third-party services for swapping tokens and staking supported assets. These operations ask the device to sign transactions while keeping keys offline. When using integrated services, ensure the provider is reputable and always confirm details on-device.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Device not detected: try a different USB cable/port; ensure the device is unlocked.
- Bluetooth pairing problems (Nano X): re-pair in OS and Ledger Live, and ensure Bluetooth is allowed in app settings.
- Firmware update failed: restart Ledger Live and device; follow official troubleshooting docs if needed.
- Forgot PIN: recover funds on a new device using your recovery phrase.
Backup strategies — durability & redundancy
The recovery phrase is the canonical backup. Consider using a metal seed backup for fire and water resistance and storing copies in separate secure locations (safe, safety deposit box). Balance redundancy with exposure risk — each copy increases a potential attack surface.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Never store seed words in digital form (photos, cloud notes).
- Don't respond to unsolicited support requests asking for your seed or PIN.
- Avoid unbranded USB cables that might cause connectivity issues.
- Don't approve transactions that show unexpected recipients or values on-device.
Final thoughts — self-custody with confidence
Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet gives you secure, practical self-custody. The setup is straightforward, but the security model depends on good habits: protect your recovery phrase, verify everything on-device, keep firmware and apps updated, and use Ledger Live from its official source. Follow these steps and you'll have a robust foundation for long-term crypto management.
Ready to get started? Visit the official Ledger start page below to download Ledger Live and follow the guided onboarding in the app.
Download Ledger Live — ledger.com/start