Welcome — what is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a companion desktop and mobile app for Ledger hardware wallets. It helps you install apps on your device, add cryptocurrency accounts, check balances, and send or receive coins and tokens. Using a hardware wallet like Ledger keeps your private keys offline and adds strong protection against remote attacks. This guide walks you through initial setup, using Ledger Live confidently, and safety tips for daily use.
Before you begin
- Have your Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) and its USB or Bluetooth cable handy.
- Download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website only — never from third-party sites or links in emails.
- Set aside 15–30 minutes for setup and to write down your recovery phrase securely.
Step 1 — Install Ledger Live
Download & install
Visit the official Ledger website, choose your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, or iOS), and install the Ledger Live app. When you first open the app, accept prompts for updates and permissions if you trust the device.
Create or restore
Ledger Live will ask whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing one. Choose Create a new wallet if this is your first Ledger device, or Restore if you have a recovery phrase from a previous device.
Step 2 — Initialize your Ledger device
Follow the on-device instructions: choose a PIN, confirm it, then write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown. This recovery phrase is the most important backup — keep it offline, never photograph or share it, and store it in a secure place like a safe.
Step 3 — Add accounts in Ledger Live
In Ledger Live, open Accounts → Add account, pick the cryptocurrency you want to manage, and follow the prompts while your device is connected. Ledger Live will read addresses from your device to display balances securely.
Sending and receiving crypto
To receive, create an account in Ledger Live, click Receive, choose the account and verify the address on your Ledger device before sharing it with others. To send, click Send, enter the destination address and amount, then confirm the transaction on your Ledger device. Always double-check addresses — malware can alter copy-paste buffers.
Security best practices
- Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger staff will never ask for it.
- Keep your recovery phrase physically secure — consider a fireproof safe or a secret metal backup.
- Enable firmware updates only from official Ledger Live prompts and verify update prompts on-device.
- Use a strong PIN and consider a passphrase for an extra layer of protection (advanced users).
Troubleshooting tips
If Ledger Live fails to detect your device, try a different USB cable or port, enable Bluetooth on mobile for Nano X, or reboot your computer. If an update stalls, do not disconnect the device unless instructed. Refer to official support channels for persistent issues.
Wrap up
Ledger Live makes managing crypto easier while keeping keys safe on your hardware device. After the setup, practice small transactions first to build confidence. With secure backups and careful habits, you can use Ledger Live for daily management with peace of mind.