Overview
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger hardware wallets. It lets you manage multiple blockchains, check balances, receive and send crypto, stake eligible assets, and connect to decentralized applications while keeping private keys offline on your Ledger device.
This guide covers everything a new user needs to start: downloading Ledger Live, initializing a Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus), installing crypto apps, adding accounts, sending/receiving funds, staking, integrations with third-party wallets, and practical security measures to protect your assets.
Download & Install Ledger Live
Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger website: https://www.ledger.com/start. Only install software from trusted sources to avoid phishing or compromised builds.
- Visit ledger.com/start and choose the correct installer for your OS (Windows, macOS, or Linux) or mobile store (iOS / Android).
- Run the installer and follow on-screen prompts to complete installation.
- Open Ledger Live and allow it to perform an initial setup and checks. Ledger Live may request to install a companion bridge component (on some OSes) — follow the official prompts.
Note: Ledger Live is available as both desktop and mobile apps. Use the version that fits your workflow — mobile for on-the-go checks and ledger nano x bluetooth support; desktop for deeper account management and firmware updates.
Connect Your Ledger Hardware Wallet
Ledger Live communicates with your Ledger device (Nano X or Nano S Plus) to sign transactions. Follow these steps:
- Power on your Ledger device and enter your PIN if it has been set.
- Connect the device to your computer with the supplied USB cable (or pair via Bluetooth for Nano X on mobile).
- In Ledger Live, choose Get Started → Set up a new device or Restore device from recovery phrase.
- Follow the device prompts to initialize or restore your wallet. If creating a new wallet, write down the 24-word recovery phrase exactly as shown.
Warning: Never enter your recovery phrase into a computer, phone, or website. Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase. Keep it offline and secure.
Install Apps & Add Accounts
Ledger devices support multiple cryptocurrencies through installable apps. Use Ledger Live's Manager to add the apps you need:
- Open Ledger Live → Manager.
- Connect and unlock your device.
- Find the crypto app you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana) and click Install.
- After installing, go to Accounts → Add account, pick the currency, and synchronize the account.
Note: Each app occupies device memory. The Nano X can store more apps simultaneously than the Nano S Plus. You can uninstall and reinstall apps without losing funds — your accounts remain derived from the same recovery phrase.
Receive & Send Crypto
Receiving funds
- Open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive.
- Select the address and verify the address shown in Ledger Live matches the one displayed on your device. ALWAYS confirm on-device.
- Share the verified address with the sender.
Sending funds
- Click Send in Ledger Live and enter the recipient address and amount.
- Review transaction details in Ledger Live, then confirm the details on your device. The device displays the exact address and amount for verification.
- Approve the transaction on-device to sign and broadcast it.
Tip: For large transfers, send a small test transaction first to ensure addresses and confirmations are correct.
Staking & Earning Rewards
Ledger Live supports staking for selected assets (e.g., Ethereum, Tezos, Polkadot, Cosmos). Staking lets you earn rewards while keeping custody of your keys via the Ledger device.
- Open the asset account that supports staking in Ledger Live.
- Click Stake or Earn rewards, follow the prompts, and confirm actions on your device.
Staking involves protocol-specific rules and lock-up periods; review the details in Ledger Live and understand the risks before staking.
Third-party Integrations & DeFi
Ledger Live integrates with third-party services and supports connecting your device to wallets and DApps through WalletConnect, MetaMask (via browser extension), and native integrations. Use these integrations to access DeFi, NFTs, or decentralized exchanges while keeping your keys on the Ledger device.
- In Ledger Live, find integrations or use the Connect button from an account to pair with a supported third-party app.
- For browser integrations like MetaMask, use the Ledger bridge or supported connectors and confirm all transactions on-device.
Security reminder: When using third-party apps, always verify the transaction details on your Ledger device screen before approving.
Security Best Practices
Security is the primary reason to use a hardware wallet. Follow these essentials:
- Recovery phrase: Write your 24-word recovery phrase down on the provided sheet and store it securely offline. Consider a metal backup for fire and water protection.
- PIN: Choose a PIN you will remember but that is hard to guess. Do not store your PIN with the recovery phrase.
- Firmware and app updates: Keep your Ledger device firmware and Ledger Live up to date. Ledger Live notifies you of available updates.
- Phishing: Bookmark official Ledger pages and never download software from unknown links. Ledger will never contact you asking for your recovery phrase.
- Passphrase (advanced): A passphrase adds an extra secret to your recovery phrase (creating hidden wallets). Only use this if you understand the management complexity.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
If you encounter problems, try the following steps first:
- Restart your computer/phone and reconnect the Ledger device.
- Try a different USB cable or USB port (avoid USB hubs for initial setup).
- Ensure Ledger Live is updated to the latest release.
- Check device firmware and apply official updates via Ledger Live.
- Consult official Ledger Support articles before trusting third-party advice.
If issues persist, open a support ticket with Ledger Support and avoid sharing your recovery phrase with anyone offering help.
Privacy & Data
Ledger Live collects limited telemetry to improve user experience. You can opt out of analytics in the app settings. Consider privacy when broadcasting transactions — addresses are public on the blockchain, and additional privacy tools (coin mixers, privacy-centric chains) have their own trade-offs and legal considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Do I need Ledger Live to use a Ledger device?
- A: Ledger Live simplifies account management but you can also use compatible third-party wallets and developer tools with your Ledger device.
- Q: Can I restore my wallet on another device?
- A: Yes — use your 24-word recovery phrase to restore your wallets on another Ledger device or compatible wallet that accepts standard recovery seeds.
- Q: What if I lose my recovery phrase?
- A: Without your recovery phrase, you cannot recover access to funds. Protect the phrase carefully and consider multiple secure backups.
- Q: Is Ledger Live open source?
- A: Portions of Ledger software are open-source. Ledger provides documentation and some components for community review; check the official Ledger GitHub for details.
- Q: Will Ledger Live ever ask for my recovery phrase?
- A: No. Ledger support will never request your recovery phrase. Any request for it is a scam.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|
| Hardware wallet | A physical device that stores private keys offline for secure signing of transactions. |
| Recovery phrase | A sequence of 24 words that can be used to restore a wallet and its private keys. |
| Firmware | Software that runs inside the hardware device. Keep it updated from official sources. |
| Passphrase | An optional extra secret added to the recovery phrase to create hidden wallets. |
Resources & Further Reading
Download Ledger Live
Final Notes
Ledger Live combined with a Ledger hardware wallet provides a powerful balance of usability and security. Ownership of your keys means responsibility: protect your recovery phrase, verify transactions on-device, and keep your firmware/software updated. Follow the guidance in this guide to get started safely and confidently managing your crypto assets.
This document is for educational purposes. For official instructions, warranty details, and support, always consult the official Ledger website and support channels.