Ledger® Live — Getting Started
Ledger® Live is the official companion application developed by Ledger to securely manage your cryptocurrency portfolio when using a Ledger hardware wallet. It acts as a bridge between your physical device (like Ledger Nano S Plus, Nano X, or Ledger Stax) and the blockchain networks you interact with, enabling you to view balances, send and receive crypto, install apps for different coins, stake assets, and explore decentralized finance (DeFi) features — all while keeping your private keys secure offline. Ledger+1
The purpose of this guide is to take you step-by-step from knowing nothing about Ledger Live to confidently managing your assets with it. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just need a refresher, you’ll find clear, actionable information here.
The official Ledger Live download and getting started page is here:
https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live Ledger
What is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a secure wallet application that works with your Ledger hardware wallet. Its most important role is to keep your private keys offline — inside your Ledger device — while giving you a user-friendly interface to manage all your crypto. This means even though you use an app, your assets remain protected by hardware-level security. Ledger Live Help
With Ledger Live you can:
• Track and manage balances across multiple cryptocurrencies
• Send and receive assets securely
• Buy, sell, and swap crypto via integrated partners
• Stake supported coins for rewards
• Track portfolio performance
• Install updates and blockchain apps on your Ledger device
• View live market data
• Manage NFTs and interact with decentralized apps (depending on app version) Ledger Live
In essence, Ledger Live transforms the Ledger hardware wallet into a powerful, easy-to-use crypto dashboard that never exposes your keys to the internet. Ledger Live Help
Why Use Ledger Live?
The core strength of Ledger Live is security. Because private keys never leave your hardware device, your crypto is far less vulnerable to hacks, malware, and phishing attacks than in software-only wallets. Every transaction — whether sending crypto or staking — must be physically confirmed on the Ledger device. That extra verification step is critical for protecting your funds. Ledger Live Help
Other reasons to choose Ledger Live include:
• All-in-one management: View all your assets in one place
• Wide coin support: Thousands of coins and tokens supported
• Portfolio tracking: Real-time price charts and historical metrics
• DeFi & NFT features: Support for decentralized finance and NFTs
• Mobile and desktop access: Manage crypto wherever you are
• Official and trusted: Developed by Ledger, trusted by millions worldwide Ledger Live
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live
The first step is to get Ledger Live from the official source. Always use the Ledger website and never download the app from random sources or links you find in search results, emails, or social media — fake versions of Ledger Live are used by scammers to steal credentials and seed phrases. TechRadar
Visit the official Ledger Live page:
https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live Ledger
On that page, you will find download options for:
• Windows
• macOS
• Linux
• iOS (via App Store)
• Android (via Google Play) Ledger
Click the version that matches your device and operating system. The app download is free and does not require payment or subscription.
Step 2 — Install and Launch Ledger Live
Once the installer has downloaded:
Open the installer file.
Follow the on-screen instructions to install Ledger Live.
Launch the app once installation is complete.
When you first open Ledger Live, you’ll be greeted by a setup wizard that walks you through initializing Ledger Live for your device.
Step 3 — Set Up or Restore Your Ledger Device
Ledger Live works only with a physical Ledger hardware wallet. Before you can manage crypto, you’ll need to initialize your Ledger device or restore an existing one:
New Device Setup
• Connect your Ledger wallet to your computer or phone using USB or Bluetooth (for compatible models).
• The device will prompt you to set a PIN code.
• You’ll then be shown a 24-word recovery phrase. Write this down on the sheet provided and keep it safe — this phrase is the only backup for your wallet. Ledger will never ask for this phrase in any email or online form. Ledger Live Help
Restore Existing Wallet
If you already have a Ledger wallet, choose the option to restore your wallet using your 24-word recovery phrase. Enter the phrase carefully on the device itself. Ledger Live Help
This step ensures that only you control access to your crypto. Ledger Live does not store your private keys; your hardware device does. Ledger Live Help
Step 4 — Connect and Verify Your Device in Ledger Live
After initialization or restoration, Ledger Live will detect your device. Ledger Live will guide you to verify that your device is genuine before moving forward — this Genuine Check protects you from counterfeit hardware. Ledger Live
You will also set a Ledger Live password. This password protects access to the app on that computer or phone. It is not the same as your recovery phrase or device PIN.
Step 5 — Install Cryptocurrency Apps on Your Device
Each type of cryptocurrency you want to manage requires a corresponding app installed on your Ledger device:
In Ledger Live, go to the Manager tab.
Connect and unlock your Ledger device.
Browse the app catalog and install the apps you need (for example, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.).
Ledger Live will download the correct app version and install it on your device. This step prepares the device to interact with each blockchain. Ledger Live Help
Step 6 — Add Accounts
Once apps are installed:
Click the Accounts tab in Ledger Live.
Select the cryptocurrency you want to add (e.g., Bitcoin).
Ledger Live will scan the blockchain for accounts associated with your device.
Add as many accounts as you wish for supported coins and tokens.
Now your portfolio view will include balances and transaction history.
Step 7 — Sending and Receiving Crypto
Receiving Crypto
In Ledger Live, open the account for the coin you want to receive.
Click Receive.
Confirm the receiving address shown in Ledger Live by verifying it on your Ledger device screen.
Copy the address and share it with the sender.
Always verify the address on the device screen — this ensures that malware has not altered it. Ledger Live Help
Sending Crypto
Open the account for the coin you want to send.
Click Send.
Enter the recipient address and amount.
Confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device.
Your private keys never leave the device — signing happens securely inside the hardware wallet. Ledger Live Help
Step 8 — Explore Additional Features
After basic setup, you can explore many advanced features:
• Buy Crypto: Use integrated partners to purchase crypto directly within Ledger Live. Ledger Live
• Swap Tokens: Swap between supported cryptocurrencies without leaving the app. Ledger Live
• Staking: Delegate supported coins (like ETH or SOL) to earn rewards. Ledger Live
• NFT Management: View and manage NFTs directly from Ledger Live. Ledger Live
• DeFi Integration: Access decentralized applications securely through WalletConnect or similar features. Ledger Live
Each of these features helps you do more with your portfolio while keeping your keys offline.
Security Tips
Your security practices are as important as the hardware wallet itself. Here are key tips:
• Always download Ledger Live from the official Ledger site (https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live). Fake apps exist that try to steal funds. TechRadar
• Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase online or share it with anyone.
• Verify transaction details on your Ledger device screen before confirming.
• Keep your recovery phrase offline — written on the official sheet or a metal backup.
• Keep both Ledger Live and device firmware up to date. Ledger Live
Common Questions
Is Ledger Live Free?
Yes, Ledger Live is free. You only pay network fees when sending crypto, not for using the app itself. Ledger Live
Can I Use Ledger Live Without a Ledger Device?
No. Ledger Live requires a Ledger hardware device to manage crypto securely. Ledger Live
Can I Use Ledger Live on Mobile?
Yes, Ledger Live is available on both iOS and Android, offering nearly the same core features as the desktop version. Ledger
Conclusion
Ledger Live is an essential tool for anyone using a Ledger hardware wallet. It combines powerful functionality — including portfolio management, transactions, staking, DeFi access, and NFT support — with unmatched hardware security. Following the steps in this guide, you’ll be able to securely manage your crypto from installation to daily transactions and beyond.
Start your journey with the official Ledger Live app at: https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live