Ledger™ Live: Download | Getting Started™

What is Ledger Live?

Ledger Live is the desktop and mobile companion app for Ledger hardware wallets (for example Ledger Nano S Plus and Ledger Nano X). It lets you manage your crypto portfolio, send and receive funds, install/remove apps on your device, and connect to popular DeFi and Web3 apps. The private keys always remain on your Ledger device — Ledger Live acts as the secure interface.

Estimated read time: 8 minutes — full reference & troubleshooting included below.

Step 1 — Download Ledger Live

Download Ledger Live only from the official Ledger website or your platform's official store. Avoid third-party downloads or links sent over chat/email.

Desktop (Windows / macOS / Linux): Visit the official ledger.com/ledger-live page. Choose the appropriate installer.
Mobile (iOS / Android): Search for "Ledger Live" on the App Store or Google Play.

Tip: Verify the website's SSL certificate (the padlock on the browser) and confirm the domain is ledger.com. If you see any unusual pop-ups or instructions to install unrelated software, stop and verify.

Offline checksum (advanced)

If you want to be extra cautious, compare the file checksum published on the official site with the checksum of the downloaded installer using an SHA256 tool. This verifies the file integrity.

Step 2 — Install Ledger Live

Run the downloaded installer and follow on-screen instructions.
Open Ledger Live after installation.
On first launch you will be prompted to choose whether to set up a new device or to restore an existing one.

Step 3 — Initialize your Ledger hardware

Ledger Live will guide you through these steps when you choose "Set up a new device". Keep in mind the following secure practices:

Never share your recovery phrase (24 words) with anyone. Ledger will never ask for it.
Write down the recovery phrase on the provided recovery sheet. Do not take photos or store it digitally.
Set a PIN on your device. This prevents unauthorized physical access.

Quick flow

Connect

Plug your Ledger device into USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X) and open Ledger Live.

Create

Follow prompts to create a new wallet, choose a PIN, and write down your 24-word recovery phrase.

Verify

The device will ask you to confirm a few words of the recovery phrase to ensure they match what you wrote.

Install apps

Use Manager in Ledger Live to install the cryptocurrency apps you need (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum).

Step 4 — Add accounts & manage crypto

Once apps are installed on the device, add accounts inside Ledger Live. Each account corresponds to a blockchain (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.).

Click Accounts > Add Account and follow the prompts while your device is connected.
Ledger Live will synchronize your blockchain balances and transaction history.

Send & Receive

To receive, open the account in Ledger Live and click Receive. Always verify the address shown on the device screen matches the address in Ledger Live.

To send, click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, and confirm on the device. Transactions must be physically approved on your Ledger device to be signed.

Security best practices

Your security model with Ledger relies on keeping the recovery phrase secret and ensuring your device firmware is genuine. Here are best practices:

Never disclose your recovery phrase: No legitimate service or support will ask for it.
Check device packaging: Only use devices bought from authorized retailers or ledger.com. Tampered packaging could indicate compromise.
Keep firmware up to date: Ledger periodically releases firmware updates to improve security and compatibility.
Use a strong PIN: Choose a PIN that’s not easily guessed and avoid writing it on the recovery sheet.
Store recovery offline: Use the supplied recovery sheet or a metal backup for disaster resistance.
Beware phishing: Type ledger.com manually or use bookmarks. Don’t click links in unsolicited emails or messages.

Using a passphrase (advanced)

Ledger devices support an optional passphrase added to your 24-word recovery phrase, creating a hidden wallet. This increases security but also increases the risk of permanent loss if you forget the passphrase. Use only if you understand the trade-offs.

Troubleshooting & common issues

Ledger Live won't open

Try reinstalling the app, ensuring your OS meets requirements, and checking that no security software is blocking Ledger Live.

Device not recognized

Try a different USB cable or port.
Ensure your device is unlocked and on the home screen before connecting.
On desktop, allow the app to access USB devices when prompted.

Restore from recovery

If you need to restore a device with your recovery phrase, choose "Restore device" in Ledger Live and follow the on-device prompts. Only use your 24-word phrase on the device; never enter it into a website or software wallet.

Lost or stolen device

If your Ledger device is lost or stolen but your recovery phrase is safe, you can restore your wallet on a new Ledger device or compatible wallet. If the recovery phrase is compromised, move funds immediately to a new wallet with a new recovery phrase.

Connect to DeFi, NFTs & third-party apps

Ledger Live supports integrations with many Web3 apps and wallets. Use the "Connect" feature or the Connect to dApp options to safely sign transactions via your Ledger device. Always verify transaction details on device.

Popular integrations: MetaMask (via Ledger Bridge or direct connection), Ledger Live's built-in swap providers, NFT marketplaces that support hardware wallets.

FAQ

Q: Can Ledger Live hold my private keys?

A: No. Private keys are stored only on your Ledger hardware device in a secure element. Ledger Live interacts with the device but never holds the private keys.

Q: Is Ledger Live free?

A: Yes. Ledger Live and its core features are free to download and use. Third-party services (like certain swap providers) may charge fees.

Q: Can I use Ledger Live on multiple computers?

A: Yes. Ledger Live can be installed on multiple devices — but the private keys remain on your hardware wallet, so you must physically connect or pair your Ledger to each computer/mobile device where you want to use it.

Q: What if I forget my PIN?

A: Entering an incorrect PIN multiple times will reset the device and you will need to restore using your recovery phrase. This is why storing the recovery phrase safely is critical.

Additional resources & links

Official Ledger website: ledger.com — downloads, support articles, and firmware updates.
Ledger Academy — in-depth tutorials.
Community forums and verified social channels (watch for impersonators).

If you need step-by-step screenshots or a printable quick-start, use the print function in your browser to save this page as PDF for offline reference.