Ledger® Live | Getting started™ with Ledger® | live*

In today’s fast-moving digital economy, securing your cryptocurrency assets is essential. Ledger®, one of the most trusted names in the crypto space, offers powerful hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X. These devices keep your private keys offline and secure. To interact with them easily, Ledger has developed Ledger® Live, an intuitive and secure app that helps users manage, track, and grow their crypto portfolios — all in one place.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started™ with Ledger® Live, including setup, functionality, and best practices for staying safe while managing your digital assets.

What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger® Live is the official app for Ledger hardware wallets. Available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS and Android), it lets users manage their assets securely, while ensuring all sensitive operations like sending, receiving, and signing transactions are approved through the physical device.

With Ledger Live, users can:

  • Set up their Ledger device
  • Add crypto accounts
  • Install crypto apps on the wallet
  • Send and receive crypto assets
  • Track real-time portfolio value
  • Stake supported coins
  • Use integrated services like swapping and buying

All this happens with hardware-level security, ensuring your private keys never leave your device.

Step 1: Downloading Ledger® Live

To get started, download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website. It’s available for:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android
  • iOS

Always ensure you are downloading the app from the official site to avoid fake software or phishing attacks. Once downloaded, follow the standard installation steps based on your device.

After installation, launch the app and choose your path: Set up a new device or Connect an existing device.

Step 2: Setting Up Your Ledger Device

If you’re using a brand-new Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X, the app will guide you through the setup process.

You’ll need to:

  1. Power on your Ledger device
  2. Create a secure PIN code
  3. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase on the card provided in the box
Important: This 24-word phrase is your only backup. Ledger does not store it and cannot help recover it if lost. Write it down carefully and store it offline, in a safe place.

If you already have a recovery phrase and want to restore a wallet, simply choose that option and follow the prompts on the device.

Step 3: Pairing Your Device with Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized, connect it to Ledger Live. The app will walk you through verifying the device and checking for firmware updates. After confirming authenticity, you’re ready to begin managing your assets.

At this point, you can create your first crypto accounts — Bitcoin, Ethereum, and many others — by selecting “Add account” and choosing the cryptocurrency you want to manage.

Ledger Live will install the necessary app onto your Ledger device and create the account within the app’s dashboard.

Step 4: Sending and Receiving Cryptocurrency

Ledger Live makes it simple and secure to send and receive digital assets:

  • To receive crypto:
  1. Click “Receive”
  2. Choose your account (e.g., Bitcoin)
  3. Verify the receiving address on your Ledger device
  4. Share the address with the sender
  • To send crypto:
  1. Click “Send”
  2. Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  3. Confirm the transaction on your device’s screen
  4. Approve the transaction with your PIN

All transactions are signed and approved on the Ledger device itself, protecting your private keys from exposure.

Step 5: Using Ledger Live’s Advanced Features

Ledger Live offers more than just basic wallet functions. You can also:

  • Stake crypto like Ethereum, Polkadot, or Tezos to earn passive rewards
  • Swap assets using integrated third-party services
  • Track your portfolio across multiple accounts and assets
  • Buy crypto through integrated fiat on-ramps (varies by region)

The app is designed to be modular and secure, allowing users to customize their experience while maintaining the highest levels of protection.

Security Tips for Ledger® Live Users

  1. Always verify the address on your hardware wallet before sending or receiving funds.
  2. Never share your 24-word recovery phrase. Ledger will never ask for it.
  3. Update firmware and Ledger Live regularly to ensure the latest security patches.
  4. Use only official channels to download software and get support.
  5. Keep your recovery phrase stored offline in multiple safe locations.

Remember: The Ledger device and Ledger Live together give you full control over your assets. But with great power comes great responsibility — and your security is in your hands.

Conclusion

Ledger® Live is more than just a wallet app — it’s your secure command center for managing digital assets. Whether you're new to crypto or an experienced investor, Ledger Live provides the tools and trust you need to manage your portfolio safely and confidently.

By pairing your Ledger device with Ledger Live, you're combining hardware security with user-friendly software, giving you the best of both worlds: complete control and peace of mind.