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

When it comes to securing and managing your cryptocurrency, Ledger® is a globally trusted name. Known for its industry-leading hardware wallets like the Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X, Ledger provides users with secure, offline storage for digital assets. But owning the hardware wallet is just the beginning. To manage, send, receive, and stake your assets efficiently, you’ll need Ledger® Live, the official software interface developed by Ledger.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting started™ with Ledger® Live — from downloading the app to setting up your wallet and managing your crypto safely.

What Is Ledger® Live?

Ledger Live is a powerful desktop and mobile application that lets you interact with your Ledger hardware wallet. It provides a user-friendly interface to:

  • View and manage your portfolio
  • Send and receive cryptocurrencies
  • Install crypto apps on your device
  • Swap assets using third-party services
  • Stake coins for passive income
  • Securely sign transactions

Ledger Live connects directly to your Ledger device, ensuring all sensitive operations—like signing transactions—are done within the hardware wallet itself. This keeps your private keys offline and protected at all times.

Step 1: Download Ledger Live

To begin, download Ledger Live for your operating system:

  • Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Android (mobile)
  • iOS (limited functionality)

You can find the download links on the official Ledger website. Always ensure you’re on the correct domain before downloading to avoid fake versions or phishing attempts.

After downloading, follow the installation instructions for your system. Once installed, launch the application to begin setup.

Step 2: Set Up Your Ledger Device

If this is your first time using a Ledger device, you’ll need to set it up before connecting it to Ledger Live.

  1. Unbox and power on your device
  2. Choose “Set up as new device”
  3. Create a secure PIN
  4. Write down your 24-word recovery phrase
⚠️ Important: Your recovery phrase is your backup. If you lose it, Ledger cannot help you recover your funds. Store it securely and offline.

If you already have a recovery phrase, choose the option to restore a wallet and input your 24 words using the device.

Step 3: Connect Your Device to Ledger Live

Once your device is initialized:

  1. Open Ledger Live
  2. Choose “Initialize as new device” or “Connect your device”
  3. Follow the prompts to pair your device with the app
  4. Enter your PIN on the device when prompted

Ledger Live will then check for device authenticity, confirm firmware versions, and ensure you're using a secure connection.

Step 4: Add Accounts

Now it’s time to add your cryptocurrency accounts. In Ledger Live:

  • Click on “Accounts”
  • Select “Add account”
  • Choose the cryptocurrency you want to manage (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum)
  • Allow Ledger Live to install the necessary app on your hardware wallet
  • Confirm actions directly on your device

Once added, your accounts will appear on the dashboard. You can now receive and manage funds securely.

Step 5: Send and Receive Crypto

Sending and receiving crypto through Ledger Live is simple:

  • To receive:
  • Click “Receive”
  • Choose the account
  • Confirm the address on your device
  • Share the verified address with the sender
  • To send:
  • Click “Send”
  • Enter the recipient’s address and amount
  • Confirm the transaction details on your device screen
  • Sign the transaction

All transactions must be manually approved on the device, which prevents unauthorized access or phishing.

Step 6: Explore Advanced Features

Ledger Live isn’t just for storing and sending coins. It also offers advanced features such as:

  • Swapping crypto using integrated third-party services
  • Staking assets like Ethereum or Polkadot to earn rewards
  • Buying crypto directly from the app (depending on your region)
  • Tracking portfolio performance in real-time
  • Installing additional apps for new assets or tokens

Each feature is designed with security and ease of use in mind.

Security Tips When Using Ledger Live

  • Always verify actions on your device screen before approving
  • Never share your 24-word recovery phrase
  • Keep Ledger Live and your device firmware updated
  • Only download Ledger Live from the official website
  • Use a strong computer password and antivirus software

Ledger Live never stores or transmits your private keys, ensuring full self-custody of your assets.

Final Thoughts

Ledger® Live is the secure, official gateway to managing your cryptocurrency with a Ledger hardware wallet. From simple transfers to advanced features like staking and swapping, Ledger Live gives you full control over your digital assets—without compromising on security.

By combining the robust protection of a hardware wallet with the convenience of a polished software interface, Ledger delivers a seamless experience for both beginners and advanced users. Once you’re set up, managing your crypto becomes not only safer but also easier and more efficient.