Ledger® Live — Getting Started | Official Ledger™ Live App
Ledger® Live is the official companion application designed to work seamlessly with Ledger™ hardware wallets. It allows users to securely manage cryptocurrencies, monitor portfolios, install apps, and perform transactions—all while keeping private keys safely offline. Whether you are new to crypto or an experienced investor, Ledger Live provides a simple and secure way to take full control of your digital assets.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know to get started with the official Ledger™ Live app.
What Is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is a free application available on desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). It acts as the control center for your Ledger hardware wallet, enabling you to:
Manage multiple crypto assets in one place
Send and receive cryptocurrency securely
Track your portfolio value in real time
Install and manage blockchain apps on your device
Access staking, swapping, and buying features
Update firmware safely
Most importantly, Ledger Live never has access to your private keys. All sensitive actions must be physically confirmed on your Ledger device, ensuring maximum security.
Why Use the Official Ledger™ Live App?
Using the official Ledger® Live app is essential for maintaining security and avoiding counterfeit or malicious software. Ledger Live is developed and maintained by Ledger, with regular updates and security enhancements.
Key Benefits
Top-tier security with hardware-based key protection
User-friendly interface for beginners and professionals
Wide asset support including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of tokens
Offline key storage, protecting against online threats
Transparent verification of transactions on your device
System Requirements
Before installing Ledger Live, ensure your system meets the requirements:
Desktop
Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
macOS 12 or later
Linux (Ubuntu recommended)
Mobile
Android 9 or later
iOS 14 or later
A Ledger hardware wallet (such as Ledger Nano S Plus or Ledger Nano X) is required to use most features.
How to Download Ledger® Live
Visit the official Ledger website
Navigate to the Ledger Live download section
Choose your operating system or mobile platform
Download and install the application
⚠️ Security Tip: Always download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website. Avoid third-party links or unofficial app stores.
Setting Up Ledger® Live for the First Time Step 1: Install and Open the App
Once installed, open Ledger Live and choose “Get Started.”
Step 2: Choose Your Device
Select your Ledger hardware wallet model and confirm that it is genuine.
Step 3: Initialize or Restore a Wallet
You can:
Set up a new Ledger device, or
Restore an existing wallet using your recovery phrase
Ledger Live will guide you through each step with clear on-screen instructions.
Connecting Your Ledger Device
To connect your Ledger device:
Plug it into your computer or connect via Bluetooth (Nano X)
Enter your PIN on the device
Open the required app (e.g., Bitcoin or Ethereum) on the device
Ledger Live will automatically detect the connection once confirmed.
Adding Accounts in Ledger® Live
After setup, you can add crypto accounts:
Open Ledger Live
Go to Accounts
Click Add Account
Select the cryptocurrency
Confirm on your Ledger device
Ledger Live syncs blockchain data securely while keeping your private keys offline.
Sending and Receiving Crypto Receiving Assets
Select an account
Click Receive
Verify the address on your Ledger device
Share the verified address with the sender
Sending Assets
Click Send
Enter the recipient address and amount
Review transaction details
Physically confirm the transaction on your device
This confirmation step ensures protection against malware and address manipulation.
Managing Apps on Your Ledger Device
Ledger devices have limited storage, but Ledger Live makes app management easy:
Install blockchain apps as needed
Uninstall apps without losing funds
Reinstall apps anytime
Your crypto remains safe on the blockchain even if an app is removed.
Portfolio Tracking and Insights
Ledger® Live provides real-time portfolio tracking, allowing you to:
View balances across all assets
Monitor price changes
Analyze historical performance
You can display values in your preferred fiat currency and customize views for better clarity.
Advanced Features in Ledger Live
Ledger Live also offers advanced options, including:
Staking for supported assets
Buying crypto through integrated partners
Swapping assets directly in the app
Firmware updates for enhanced security
All features maintain Ledger’s strict security standards.
Security Best Practices
To stay safe while using Ledger® Live:
Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
Verify all transaction details on your device
Keep Ledger Live updated
Avoid phishing emails and fake websites
Store your recovery phrase offline in a secure place
Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase—ever.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues:
Restart Ledger Live and reconnect your device
Update the app and firmware
Check USB cable or Bluetooth connection
Ensure the correct blockchain app is open on the device
Ledger Live includes a built-in help section for additional guidance.
Conclusion
Ledger® Live — Getting Started is your first step toward secure and independent crypto management. By combining a trusted hardware wallet with a powerful companion app, Ledger empowers users to control their digital assets with confidence.
Whether you’re buying your first cryptocurrency or managing a diverse portfolio, the official Ledger™ Live app offers the perfect balance of usability, transparency, and industry-leading security. Take control of your crypto—safely, simply, and securely—with Ledger® Live.Sign up for a demo
Submit the form below. Once submitted, you'll receive a calendar invite for a 30-minute demonstration.