Ledger® Live Wallet — Getting Started

Official guide to downloading, installing, and using Ledger Live with your Ledger hardware wallet. Learn secure setup, account management, backups, and troubleshooting.

Introduction

Ledger Live is the official application that lets you manage crypto assets with your Ledger hardware wallet (Nano S Plus, Nano X and other models). It provides a single interface for adding accounts, sending and receiving funds, staking supported assets, installing blockchain apps on your device, and applying firmware updates. Ledger Live ensures private keys stay on-device while giving you a modern dashboard to manage your portfolio.

Download & Installation

  1. Official source: Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website to avoid malicious copies. (ledger.com/ledger-live)
  2. Choose platform: Ledger Live supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android.
  3. Install: Run the installer and follow the prompts. On mobile, install from official app stores.
  4. Permissions: Grant USB permissions on desktop or Bluetooth access on mobile (Nano X) as prompted.

Security tip: verify the installer’s checksum if Ledger provides one, and keep your OS and antivirus software up to date.

Initial Login & Device Connection

Once Ledger Live is installed, connect your Ledger hardware wallet and open the app:

  • Open Ledger Live and select Get Started (first-time) or Already have a device if migrating.
  • Choose your device model and follow on-screen instructions to pair the device.
  • Enter your device PIN on the hardware wallet to unlock it.
  • Ledger Live will request permission to access accounts — approve interactions on-device.

Adding Accounts

Ledger Live organizes holdings into accounts by blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.). To add an account:

  1. Open the Accounts tab and choose Add Account.
  2. Select the cryptocurrency and let Ledger Live scan your device for existing addresses.
  3. Confirm addresses and add the account to your dashboard.

You can add multiple accounts for the same asset (e.g., different Ethereum accounts) and name them for clarity.

Receiving and Sending Crypto

To receive funds:

  1. Select the receiving account, click Receive.
  2. Ledger Live will display a receiving address — always confirm the address on your Ledger device screen before sharing it to ensure it hasn't been tampered with by malware.

To send funds:

  1. Choose the account and click Send.
  2. Enter recipient address and amount. Ledger Live may estimate fees — confirm them.
  3. Review transaction details carefully, then confirm and approve the transaction on your Ledger device. The transaction is signed on-device and broadcast by Ledger Live.

Staking & Third-Party Integrations

Ledger Live supports staking for selected assets and integrates with third-party apps for DeFi and NFTs. When using third-party integrations, prefer well-reviewed partners and understand the security model — the Ledger device still signs transactions, but external services may interact with network data.

Backup & Recovery

During initial setup, your Ledger device will generate a recovery phrase (24 words). This is the ultimate backup for your wallet — anyone with the phrase can access your funds.

  • Write the recovery phrase on the provided card or use a secure metal backup for durability.
  • Store backups offline in a secure, preferably geographically separated location.
  • Never enter your recovery phrase into a website or share it with anyone — Ledger support will never ask for it.

Security Best Practices

  • Always confirm addresses and transaction details on the device screen, not only in Ledger Live.
  • Keep firmware and Ledger Live up to date to receive security fixes.
  • Use a strong PIN and consider enabling a passphrase (25th word) if you need an additional layer of hidden accounts.
  • Purchase devices only from Ledger or authorized resellers to avoid tampered units.
  • For high-value holdings, consider multisignature setups or cold storage strategies that limit exposure.

Troubleshooting

  • Device not detected: Try a different USB cable or port and ensure your device is unlocked with the PIN.
  • Ledger Live not responding: Restart the app and reconnect the device. Check for updates to Ledger Live and firmware.
  • Bluetooth issues (Nano X): Ensure Bluetooth permissions are granted and the device is in pairing mode.
  • Reset or lost PIN: If you forget your PIN you must reset the device and restore using your recovery phrase.

Privacy Considerations

Ledger Live may query nodes or APIs to fetch balances and transaction history. If privacy is a priority, you can connect Ledger Live to a personal node (where supported) or use privacy-preserving tools. Remember that while your keys remain on-device, third-party services may see addresses and balances.

Advanced Workflows

  • Multisig: Use multiple hardware wallets or signers for shared control of funds.
  • Air-gapped signing: Prepare transactions on an offline machine and sign them with a device that remains air-gapped if extreme security is needed.
  • Developer integrations: Use Ledger's developer tools and APIs to integrate hardware-backed signing into apps while delegating UI to Ledger Live or custom software.

FAQ

Can Ledger Live be used without a Ledger device?
No. Ledger Live requires a Ledger hardware wallet for key management. Some read-only functions may be available, but signing always requires the device.
Is Ledger Live open-source?
Ledger provides many resources and some code is open; however, Ledger Live is distributed as an official application. Always use the official executables from Ledger.
What happens if I lose my recovery phrase?
If you lose the recovery phrase and your device, funds cannot be recovered. Secure, redundant backups are essential.

Ledger Live is designed to be approachable for beginners while offering advanced features for power users. Follow security practices, verify everything on-device, and keep backups safe to enjoy a secure crypto management experience.