Ledger® Live — Getting Started™

Overview

Ledger Live is the official application that lets you interact with your Ledger hardware wallet (such as the Ledger Nano X and Ledger Nano S Plus). It provides an integrated dashboard for account balances, transaction history, market data, staking, and secure connections to decentralized applications. Importantly, Ledger Live is a management interface only — your private keys remain on the hardware device and are never exposed to your computer or the internet.

Ledger device with Ledger Live dashboard

This guide explains how to download and install Ledger Live, initialize a Ledger device, install apps and accounts, send/receive crypto, stake assets, connect to third-party services, and apply best security practices. It is aimed at new users who want a clear, step-by-step onboarding experience without sacrificing safety.

Download & install Ledger Live

Always download Ledger Live directly from the official Ledger website. Ledger Live is available for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. Installing from the official source protects you from phishing sites and compromised installers.

Open a browser and go to https://www.ledger.com/start.
Select your platform and download the installer or mobile app link.
Run the installer and follow the on-screen steps. On some platforms Ledger Live may prompt to install a helper (bridge) for device communication — accept only official prompts.
Open Ledger Live and allow it to perform initial checks; accept analytics or opt out in settings according to your privacy preference.

Tip: Keep Ledger Live up to date. New releases include security fixes, support for additional assets, and feature improvements.

Set up your Ledger hardware wallet (step-by-step)

Ledger devices use a simple onboarding flow that emphasizes generating and protecting your recovery phrase. Follow these steps exactly.

1

Unbox & verify

Check the packaging and tamper-evident seal. Confirm contents: the device, USB cable, recovery card, and quick start guide. If anything looks altered, contact the seller or Ledger support.

2

Connect device & power on

Plug the device into your computer or pair via Bluetooth (Nano X). Use the device buttons to navigate and choose your language.

3

Create a PIN

Set a PIN on the device. This PIN protects access to the device if it is physically stolen. Do not write the PIN on your recovery sheet.

4

Write the recovery phrase

The device will display a 24-word recovery phrase (also known as the seed). Write these words down in order on the supplied recovery sheet. Do NOT take photos or store this phrase digitally.

5

Confirm words

The device will ask you to confirm some words to ensure you recorded the phrase correctly. Only proceed once confirmed.

Pro tip: Consider a metal backup solution (e.g., Cryptosteel, Billfodl) for long-term protection against fire, water, and physical degradation.

Connect Ledger Live to your device

After installing Ledger Live and initializing your device, connect them to manage accounts.

Open Ledger Live and choose Get Started.
Select whether you're setting up a new device or restoring one from a recovery phrase.
When prompted, connect and unlock your Ledger device and confirm the connection on-screen and on-device.
Use the Manager in Ledger Live to install blockchain apps (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.) on your device as needed.

Important: Ledger Live does not store private keys. Installing and uninstalling apps does not change the addresses derived from your recovery phrase.

Install apps & add accounts

Each supported blockchain uses a lightweight app installed on the Ledger device. Use Ledger Live's Manager to add and remove apps.

Open Ledger Live → Manager. Connect your device.
Search for the app (e.g., Bitcoin) and click Install. The app will be loaded to the device.
Go to Accounts > Add account, choose the currency, and follow instructions to synchronize addresses.

Accounts are deterministic: they are derived from the same 24-word recovery phrase, so reinstalling an app or using another compatible wallet will restore the same accounts when the same recovery phrase is used.

Receive & send crypto

Receiving

Open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
Connect and unlock your device; open the corresponding app on-device.
Confirm the address displayed in Ledger Live matches the address shown on your device screen, then share the address with the sender.

Sending

Click Send and enter the recipient address and amount in Ledger Live.
Review fee options and transaction details carefully.
Confirm the transaction details on your device. The device will display the exact destination address and amount — confirm both before approving.

Security reminder: Always verify addresses on-device. Malware on a computer can alter addresses displayed in software wallets — the hardware device check prevents this.

Staking & earning rewards

Ledger Live supports staking for multiple assets, enabling users to earn rewards while keeping keys in cold storage. Supported assets and staking mechanics vary by protocol.

Open a supported asset account in Ledger Live (e.g., Tezos, Polkadot, Cosmos, some Ethereum staking flows).
Click Stake or follow the UI to delegate assets to a validator or participate in the protocol's staking process.
Confirm the staking transaction on your device as you would with any other transaction.

Be aware of lock-up periods, unbonding windows, and validator selection. Ledger Live surfaces key staking details, but consult protocol documentation before staking large amounts.

Third-party integrations & DeFi

Ledger Live acts as a secure bridge to the wider DeFi ecosystem. Through integrations (WalletConnect, MetaMask, and native connectors), you can interact with decentralized exchanges, NFT marketplaces, and other dApps while keeping private keys on the Ledger device.

When connecting to a dApp, choose the Ledger/WalletConnect option in the dApp interface.
Confirm the connection and all actions on your Ledger device.
Be especially careful with contract approvals — only approve interactions you understand and that come from reputable contracts.

DeFi caution: Smart contracts can be risky. Signing a malicious contract can allow loss of funds. Restrict approvals and use well-reviewed contracts.

Security best practices

Ledger's security model relies on keeping private keys in hardware. Adopt these practices to maintain strong custody hygiene:

Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger support will never ask for it.
Write your recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet and store it offline. Consider a metal backup for durability.
Choose a strong PIN and do not store it with your recovery phrase.
Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date; only install updates from official sources.
Beware of phishing: bookmark official Ledger URLs; do not follow links from unsolicited emails or messages.
Consider using a passphrase (advanced): a passphrase creates hidden wallets but must be managed securely — losing it means losing access.

Troubleshooting & support

Common problems and preliminary fixes:

Device not recognized: try a different USB cable or port; avoid USB hubs for initial setup.
Ledger Live won't open: reinstall the app from the official site and restart your computer.
App installation fails: update device firmware via Ledger Live and retry.
Forgot PIN: a forgotten PIN requires resetting the device — you can restore from your recovery phrase afterward.

If issues persist, consult the official Ledger Support Center. Never reveal your recovery phrase to anyone, even support reps (they will never ask for it).

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?: A: Ledger Live can be opened without a device, but managing or signing transactions requires a Ledger hardware wallet.
Q: What if I lose my device?: A: If you have your recovery phrase, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If you lose both the device and recovery phrase, funds are unrecoverable.
Q: Is Ledger Live open source?: A: Portions of the Ledger ecosystem are open source. Ledger publishes many components and libraries for community review; check the Ledger GitHub for details.
Q: Will Ledger Live ever ask for my recovery phrase?: A: No. Ledger support will never request your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, treat it as a scam.

Glossary & resources

Term	Definition
Hardware wallet	A physical device that stores private keys offline and signs transactions.
Recovery phrase	A sequence of words (seed) used to recover deterministic wallets on compatible devices.
Passphrase	An optional extra secret added to the recovery phrase to create hidden wallets.
Ledger Live	The companion application for managing Ledger devices and accounts.

Final notes

Ledger Live paired with a Ledger hardware wallet is one of the most widely used solutions for secure self-custody. The combination gives you a friendly interface without exposing private keys to the internet. The responsibility for keeping funds safe rests with the user — secure the recovery phrase, verify transactions on-device, and keep software updated. If you follow the practices outlined in this guide, you'll be well-positioned to manage and grow your crypto holdings securely.

Download Ledger Live