Official Site | Ledger Live Wallet® | Getting Started
Welcome to the official getting started guide for Ledger Live Wallet® — the secure software companion to your Ledger hardware device. Whether you’re managing Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFTs, or staking tokens, Ledger Live gives you complete visibility and control — without ever compromising your private keys. 🔐
🔰 What Is Ledger Live Wallet®?
Ledger Live is the official desktop and mobile application for interacting with your Ledger hardware wallet. It enables you to:
- Check balances and track performance
- Send, receive, and stake crypto
- Securely approve transactions with your hardware wallet
- Install apps for multiple blockchains
- Manage NFTs and DeFi positions
🧰 What You Need to Get Started
Before installing and using Ledger Live, prepare the following:
- A genuine Ledger device: Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax
- A computer (Windows, macOS, Linux) or smartphone (iOS/Android)
- A secure USB cable (for desktop setup)
- Internet access
- Pen and paper to write your recovery phrase (never digitize it!)
⚠️ Important: Ledger, support agents, or apps will NEVER ask for your 24-word recovery phrase. If anyone asks — it’s a scam.
⬇️ Step 1: Download Ledger Live from the Official Site
- Go to ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Select your operating system (Windows, Mac, Linux).
- Download the installer and run it.
- Follow on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live.
💡 Verification Tip: Always verify the software signature or checksum if you’re downloading Ledger Live on Linux or for high-security use cases.
🔐 Step 2: Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device
Launch Ledger Live and connect your hardware wallet. You’ll have two options:
- Set up a new Ledger device – create new private keys and generate a recovery phrase.
- Restore existing wallet – input your recovery phrase directly into the device (NOT on your PC).
📝 Write down your 24-word recovery phrase securely. Store it offline. Never save it as a digital file or take a photo.
🔄 Step 3: Update Firmware and Install Apps
Next, go to the “Manager” tab in Ledger Live:
- Install the latest firmware update for your device.
- Choose the blockchain apps you want (e.g. Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana).
- Each app corresponds to one blockchain — install as many as you need.
📂 Step 4: Add Crypto Accounts
To manage assets, add accounts inside Ledger Live:
- Click Accounts → Add Account
- Select the currency (e.g., Bitcoin)
- Unlock your Ledger device and open the correct app
- Ledger Live scans for available addresses and displays your balance
Repeat the process for each crypto you want to manage.
💸 Step 5: Receive Cryptocurrency
- Click Receive in Ledger Live
- Select the account and asset
- Connect and unlock your Ledger device
- Open the asset app (e.g. Ethereum)
- Ledger Live shows a receive address — confirm the address on your device screen
🔍 Always verify the receive address on your Ledger screen. If the address differs from the app, do NOT proceed — your computer may be compromised.
📤 Step 6: Send Cryptocurrency
Sending is just as secure:
- Click Send
- Enter recipient address, amount, and fee preference
- Confirm the transaction on your Ledger device
- Only after confirmation, the transaction is broadcast to the network
🧠 Backup and Recovery: Best Practices
- Use only the official Ledger-supplied recovery sheet — or better, a steel plate backup
- Store your recovery phrase in a fireproof, waterproof, offline location
- Never store it in cloud storage, password managers, or digital notes
- Consider using a secure location like a safety deposit box for long-term storage
🔄 Stay Updated & Secure
Keep both Ledger Live and your device firmware updated. Updates often include:
- New token and NFT support
- Bug fixes and performance improvements
- Important security patches
🌐 Use Ledger Live with DeFi & NFTs
Ledger Live now supports: