Ledger® Live — Getting Started | official Ledger Wallet App
Ledger Live is the official companion application for Ledger’s hardware wallets (such as Ledger Nano X, Nano S Plus, and Stax). It’s the tool you use to securely manage, send, receive, buy, sell, swap, and stake cryptocurrencies and NFTs while keeping your private keys safely stored offline on your Ledger device. Ledger+1
With Ledger Live, you get:
✔ A user-friendly dashboard for tracking your crypto portfolio and NFTs
✔ Multi-asset support for thousands of coins and tokens
✔ Built-in services for trading, swapping, and staking
✔ Firmware updates and device management tools
✔ A secure connection to Web3 apps and decentralized finance (DeFi)
✔ Cross-platform access (desktop and mobile)
✔ Trusted security backed by Ledger’s cold-storage architecture Ledger+1
1. What Is Ledger Live?
Ledger Live is a crypto management application developed by Ledger — the makers of secure hardware wallets used by millions of crypto users worldwide. It connects to your hardware wallet and lets you interact with your assets without ever exposing your private keys online. Ledger
Key aspects:
- Security-first design: Your private keys stay offline on the Ledger device — Ledger Live only displays and manages them through secure communication. Ledger
- Cross-platform support: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. Ledger
- Trusted by millions: Ledger Live is used by millions of crypto holders for secure on-chain transactions. Ledger
- All-in-one crypto hub: Manage coins, tokens, NFTs, DeFi, and apps — all in one place. Ledger
2. Why Use Ledger Live?
Ledger Live isn’t just a wallet interface — it’s your crypto dashboard, marketplace, security center, and management suite. Here’s why it’s essential: Ledger
Security with Cold Storage
All your private keys are held inside the Ledger hardware wallet’s secure chip, never on your computer or phone. Ledger Live connects to the device but does not expose the keys. Ledger
Transaction Verification
Every transaction — whether sending crypto, swapping tokens, or staking — must be confirmed manually on your Ledger device (by pressing physical buttons). This ensures that even if your computer or phone is compromised, hackers can’t sign transactions without physical access. Ledger
Portfolio Management
Ledger Live gives you a real-time view of your balances and market values for all your supported assets, making it easy to manage and track performance. Ledger
Extensive Asset Support
You can manage thousands of coins and tokens, including major assets like Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Solana (SOL), and many more. Ledger Live also supports NFT viewing and management. Ledger
DeFi & Web3 Integration
Ledger Live connects you to DeFi applications, decentralized apps (dApps), and Web3 services while maintaining key security safeguards via the hardware wallet. Ledger
3. Before You Begin — What You Need
Before installing Ledger Live, make sure you have:
📌 A genuine Ledger hardware wallet (Nano X, Nano S Plus, or Stax).
📌 A computer or smartphone with USB or Bluetooth support (depending on model).
📌 A blank sheet to write your recovery phrase. Ledger devices provide a recovery sheet for your seed phrase — this is crucial.
📌 A secure, offline backup location for your recovery phrase (not on cloud storage). Onelink
⚠️ Important: Ledger Live must be downloaded only from the official Ledger website (e.g., Ledger.com/start or Ledger.com/ledger-live). Fake Ledger Live installers are commonly used in scams that try to steal your seed phrase or assets. TechRadar
4. Step-by-Step Getting Started with Ledger Live
Here’s a detailed walkthrough from downloading Ledger Live to sending your first transaction.
Step 1 — Download Ledger Live (Official Source)
- Open your browser and visit:
https://www.ledger.com/start or https://www.ledger.com/ledger-live - Select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android).
- Download the installer or app from the official page only. Ledger+1
⚠️ Don’t download Ledger Live from email links, third-party websites, or social media ads — these are often scams. Ledger
Step 2 — Install and Launch Ledger Live
✔ Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions.
✔ On mobile, install from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
✔ Once installed, open Ledger Live. Ledger
Step 3 — Connect Your Ledger Device
- Connect your Ledger hardware wallet using the USB cable or Bluetooth (for Nano X on mobile).
- Turn on the device; you’ll be prompted to choose “Set up as new device” if it’s new, or “Restore” if recovering an existing wallet. docs-ledger-eng.teachable.com
Step 4 — Initialize the Ledger Wallet
💡 Choose Language:
Pick a language on the device screen.
💡 Set a Secure PIN:
Choose a PIN code (4–8 digits). This PIN will be required every time you use the device. docs-ledger-eng.teachable.com
💡 Write Your Recovery Phrase:
The device displays a 24-word seed (recovery phrase). Carefully write it down in order on the provided recovery sheet.
Do not take photos, store it digitally, or share it. This phrase is the only way to recover your funds if the device is lost. Onelink
Step 5 — Verify Your Recovery Phrase
Ledger will ask you to confirm a few words from the phrase — this ensures it was written correctly. 🛡️
Once confirmed, your Ledger wallet is initialized and ready. Onelink
Step 6 — Add Crypto Accounts in Ledger Live
- In Ledger Live, go to Manager.
- Install the blockchain apps you want (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).
- After installing the apps on your Ledger device, click Add Account for each supported asset you want to manage. docs-ledger-eng.teachable.com
Step 7 — Your First Transaction
Now that your accounts are added:
✔ To receive crypto, click “Receive” → select the asset (e.g., BTC) → connect your Ledger → verify the address on your hardware device screen before sharing it. docs-ledger-eng.teachable.com
✔ To send crypto, click “Send” → enter the recipient address → enter amount → approve the transaction on your Ledger device. docs-ledger-eng.teachable.com
5. Key Features of Ledger Live
Once set up, Ledger Live offers many powerful features:
Portfolio Dashboard
Track balances and value changes across all wallets in one place. Ledger
Buy & Sell Crypto
Purchase crypto through integrated partners available inside the app. en-ledgerlive-guide.teachable.com
Swap Tokens
Swap thousands of supported coins and tokens directly within Ledger Live. en-ledgerlive-guide.teachable.com
Staking & Rewards
Earn passive income by staking supported assets like ETH, DOT, ADA, and more. en-ledgerlive-guide.teachable.com
NFT Management
View and manage your non-fungible tokens (NFTs) across supported networks. en-ledgerlive-guide.teachable.com
DeFi & dApp Access
Interact with decentralized finance platforms and Web3 apps with high security. en-ledgerlive-guide.teachable.com
Firmware & App Updates
Ledger Live notifies you when firmware updates are available for your device. ledger-com-about.framer.ai
6. Security Best Practices
Security is at the heart of using Ledger Live and your hardware wallet:
Only Download Official Software
Always use official Ledger.com/start links. Fake installers can steal your seed phrase. TechRadar
Protect Your Recovery Phrase
Never store your seed phrase digitally, photograph it, or share it with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it. Onelink
Verify Addresses on Device
Always verify transaction addresses on the physical device before approving. Ledger
Use Strong PIN Codes
Choose a non-trivial PIN and keep it secret. Onelink
Keep Firmware & App Updated
Updates include security patches — install them promptly. ledger-com-about.framer.ai
7. Tips for Ongoing Use
✔ Mobile vs Desktop: Ledger Live works across desktop and mobile; choose whichever suits your workflow. Ledger
✔ Test Before Large Transfers: When sending to a new address, send a small test amount first. faq-ledgire-us.pages.dev
✔ Keep Backups Safe: Consider metal backups for your recovery phrase. faq-ledgire-us.pages.dev
✔ Beware of Phishing: Never enter your seed phrase into any website or app. TechRadar
8. Troubleshooting Common Issues
Ledger Live Doesn’t Detect Device
👉 Try different USB cables/ports or Bluetooth (for mobile).
👉 Ensure firmware and app are up to date. ledgerlive-login-en.pages.dev
App Won’t Open
👉 Check system compatibility.
👉 Update the app or reinstall from official site. ledgerlive-login-en.pages.dev
Sync Issues on Mobile
👉 Try disconnecting and reconnecting your device and Bluetooth. ledgerlive-login-en.pages.dev
9. Final Points
Ledger Live is the official, secure, and trusted way to manage your hardware wallet and crypto assets. It provides a bridge between the offline security of the Ledger device and the online world of crypto transactions and DeFi. With careful setup and strong security practices, Ledger Live can be your long-term crypto management hub. Ledger