Ledger Live Wallet – Download & Setup Desktop & Mobile App
Ledger Live is the official companion app for Ledger hardware wallets. It’s the secure interface where you manage your cryptocurrencies, NFTs, DeFi interactions, staking, and more — all while your private keys stay offline in your Ledger device.Ledger
Unlike exchange wallets, Ledger Live puts you in full control of your crypto — no third-party holds your keys or your funds.Ledger
1. What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is software from Ledger that connects securely with your Ledger hardware wallet (like Nano X, Nano S Plus, Stax, etc.) and provides one dashboard to:
- Check real-time balances
- Send and receive crypto
- Track your portfolio performance
- Swap, buy, and sell crypto
- Stake assets and earn rewards
- Manage NFTs and Web3 interactions
Ledger Live itself doesn’t store your private keys — the keys always remain on your Ledger hardware device. Transactions are signed on the device for maximum security.Ledger
2. Why Use Ledger Live? (Benefits & Features)
Here’s what makes Ledger Live a powerful and secure wallet interface:
🔒 Bank-Grade Security
- Your private keys never leave the Ledger device — even when transacting.Ledger
- Every transaction must be verified manually on the Ledger hardware.Ledger
- Ledger Live works with a 24-word recovery phrase stored only on the device.Ledger
📊 Full Portfolio Management
- View balances across multiple crypto accounts in one place.
- Track performance and history of your assets.Ledger
💱 Buy, Swap & Sell Crypto
- Integrated options to buy crypto with fiat using third-party providers.
- Swap assets directly within Ledger Live.Ledger
🪙 Staking & Rewards
- Stake supported assets like ETH or DOT and earn rewards inside Ledger Live.Ledger
🖼 NFT & DeFi Interface
- View and organize NFTs.
- Connect to Web3 applications through standardized secure connectors.Ledger
📱 Cross-Platform (Desktop & Mobile)
Ledger Live supports:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
- iOS
- Android
so you can manage crypto on the go or at your desk.Ledger
3. Safety First — Never Download From Unofficial Sources
Before we begin the setup steps:
👉 Always download Ledger Live only from the official sources:
• For all devices: Ledger.com/start
• For desktop/mobile installers: direct Ledger.com links or official app stores (App Store/Google Play)Ledger+1
⚠️ Crypto scammers often distribute fake Ledger Live installers that steal your recovery phrase and funds. A recent campaign targeted Mac users with a fake Ledger Live prompting them for their seed phrase — this is NOT legitimate.TechRadar
Never enter your 24-word recovery phrase into any website, app, or message — Ledger Support will never ask for it.Ledger
4. Step-by-Step: Download & Install Ledger Live (Desktop)
✔ Step 1 — Visit the Official Download Page
Open your web browser and go to:
👉 https://ledger.com/start — this is the safe official portal that ensures you get the real Ledger Live downloads.Ledger
From there, select Ledger Live Desktop.
✔ Step 2 — Choose Your Operating System
Ledger Live has installation packages for:
🔹 Windows (.exe)
🔹 macOS (.dmg)
🔹 Linux (.AppImage)
Select the correct installer for your system.Ledger
✔ Step 3 — Install on Your Computer
Windows
- Open the downloaded
.exefile. - Follow the installation wizard.
- When complete, launch Ledger Live.
macOS
- Open the
.dmgfile. - Drag the Ledger Live app to Applications.
- Launch the app from your Applications folder.
Linux
- Make the
.AppImageexecutable (chmod +x ledger-live-*.AppImage). - Run it from your terminal or file manager.
Ledger Live will open and present you with a setup wizard.Ledger Live Download
5. Step-by-Step: Download & Install Ledger Live (Mobile)
✔ Step 1 — Official App Store
- iOS: Open the Apple App Store and search “Ledger Live”
- Android: Open Google Play Store and search “Ledger Live”
Make sure the publisher/developer is Ledger — not a third party.Ledger
✔ Step 2 — Install & Open the App
Once installed:
- Tap Open
- You’ll see a welcome screen with onboarding options like “Get started.”Ledger Getting Started Guide
6. First-Time Setup (Desktop & Mobile)
At this point, Ledger Live is installed. You’ll now connect your Ledger hardware wallet to begin setup.
✔ Step 1 — Connect Your Ledger Device
- Desktop: Use the USB cable to connect your Ledger Nano device.
- Mobile: Use Bluetooth (Nano X) or a USB-OTG cable (if supported).Ledger Getting Started Guide
✔ Step 2 — Unlock Your Ledger Device
On your hardware wallet:
- Turn it on.
- Enter your PIN code using the buttons.
- If new, choose “Set up as new device.”
- The device will generate your 24-word recovery phrase — write this down offline, ideally on steel/metal backed storage.Ledger
🔐 This recovery phrase is your master key — never store it digitally or share it with anyone.Ledger
✔ Step 3 — Finish Device Setup in Ledger Live
Once the device is unlocked:
- Ledger Live will detect it automatically.
- Follow on-screen steps to confirm the device and firmware.
- You can verify your device’s authenticity inside Ledger Live.Ledger
7. Adding Crypto Accounts
Now that Ledger Live is ready:
✔ Step 1 — Go to “Accounts” Tab
Click Add Account.
✔ Step 2 — Choose Your Cryptocurrency
Select the coin you want to manage — e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc. Each coin requires its own app installed on the Ledger device.Ledger
✔ Step 3 — Install Apps via Manager
- Open Manager inside Ledger Live.
- Install the blockchain app for the crypto you choose.
After installation, you can add the account to Ledger Live.Ledger
8. Send/Receive Crypto
✔ Receive Crypto
- Click Receive in Ledger Live.
- Choose the account.
- Ledger will display your receiving address.
- Verify the address on your hardware device screen — never trust screen copy only.Ledger
✔ Send Crypto
- Click Send.
- Enter the recipient address.
- Confirm amount.
- Your Ledger device will require manual confirmation for the transaction.Ledger
9. Other Ledger Live Features
💱 Swap
Exchange one crypto for another inside Ledger Live via trusted partner services.Ledger
📈 Staking
Stake assets like ETH, DOT, ADA, etc., and earn rewards. Rewards and staking status are tracked in the app.Ledger
🖼 NFT Viewing
Manage supported NFTs directly inside Ledger Live.Ledger
🔗 Web3 & DApps
Connect to decentralized applications using secure connectors (like WalletConnect) without exposing your keys.Ledger
10. Mobile vs Desktop — Which Should You Use?
| Feature | Desktop | Mobile |
|---|---|---|
| Big dashboard & analytics | ✔️ | ❌ |
| On-the-go portfolio | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Bluetooth support (Nano X) | Limited | ✔️ |
| Quick swaps & buys | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| NFC compatibility | ❌ | Depends |
Both versions sync with your Ledger device and offer robust crypto management features.Ledger Live
11. Ledger Sync (Optional)
Ledger Sync lets you sync desktop accounts with mobile — so you see the same portfolio on both. If you enable Sync in settings, your accounts will match across devices. (This applies to the latest releases.)Reddit
12. Security Best Practices
🔐 Never Share Your Recovery Phrase
Your 24-word phrase is the key to your funds. Ledger Support or apps will never ask for it.Ledger
🔑 Keep Firmware & Software Updated
Ledger Live and your hardware device firmware should always be current before managing funds.Ledger
🛡 Avoid Fake Installers
Only use ledger.com/start and official app stores. Fake Ledger Live installers have been used to steal funds.TechRadar
✔ Manual Confirmations
Every transaction must be confirmed on the Ledger device screen — this prevents malware from forging transactions.Ledger
13. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Device Not Detected
- Try a different USB cable or port.
- Update drivers (Windows).
- Restart Ledger Live and your device.Ledger Wallet
App Not Syncing
Clear cache and restart Ledger Live. Ensure you're on the latest version.Ledger Wallet
Accounts Not Showing on Mobile
Add accounts on mobile or enable Ledger Sync. Accounts don’t automatically sync between desktop/mobile — they both see blockchain data.Reddit
14. Conclusion
Ledger Live is the essential hub for securely managing your crypto assets with a Ledger hardware wallet. With strong security features, cross-platform support, and powerful tools like staking and swaps, it’s one of the most trusted tools in crypto.Ledger
By following the steps above — from downloading the app safely to adding accounts and transacting — you can confidently manage your portfolio whether you’re at home or on the go.