Overview — What is Ledger® Live?
Ledger® Live is the official application from Ledger SA that allows you to manage your Ledger hardware wallet and the cryptocurrencies stored on it. Available for desktop (Windows, macOS, Linux) and mobile (iOS, Android), Ledger Live provides a secure interface to view balances, send and receive funds, add accounts for different blockchains, install blockchain-specific apps on your Ledger device, and apply firmware updates. Crucially, Ledger Live does not hold your private keys — signing is performed on your hardware device, which keeps keys offline and isolated from network risks.
Who should use Ledger Live?
This guide is for new and intermediate users who own a Ledger device (Ledger Nano S Plus, Ledger Nano X, or other Ledger models) and want a safe, step-by-step walkthrough to set up Ledger Live, pair it with their device, and adopt strong security practices. If you’re a developer or power user, scroll to the Advanced Features section for passphrases, third-party integrations, and staking options.
Before you start — what you’ll need
- Your Ledger device (e.g., Ledger Nano S Plus or Nano X) and an official USB cable (data-capable).
- A computer or mobile device with internet access.
- Time to carefully write down your 24-word recovery phrase during initial setup — never store it digitally.
- Optional: a metal seed backup device for durable storage of your recovery phrase.
1) Download Ledger Live safely
Only download Ledger Live from the official source: ledger.com/ledger-live. Avoid third-party sites and lookalike domains. On mobile, use the official App Store or Google Play listing. Before running any installer, verify the domain name and prefer HTTPS connections. Ledger digitally signs firmware updates and Ledger Live releases — keeping these checks in place ensures authenticity.
2) Install and open Ledger Live
Run the installer on desktop or open the app on mobile and follow the setup prompts. Ledger Live will ask whether you are setting up a new device or restoring an existing wallet using a recovery phrase. If this is your first Ledger, choose Create a new wallet. For a device you already use, select Restore device and carefully enter your 24-word recovery phrase when prompted.
On desktop, you may be prompted to allow USB access or to install drivers (platform-dependent). On macOS, Gatekeeper may ask you to confirm the app — allow only officially signed installers.
3) Initialize your Ledger device
- Power on the Ledger device and follow the on-device prompts to choose language and set a device PIN. Choose a PIN that you can remember but is not trivial.
- The device will generate a 24-word recovery phrase — write these words down in order on the provided recovery sheet or using a durable metal backup. Never photograph or store the recovery phrase digitally.
- Confirm your recovery phrase on the device when prompted. This step ensures your written seed matches the device’s.
Security note: Ledger staff or official support will never ask for your recovery phrase. If anyone asks for it, treat the request as a scam.
4) Pairing Ledger Live with your device (adding accounts)
Connect your Ledger device to your computer via USB (or pair via Bluetooth for Ledger Nano X). Unlock it with your PIN and open Ledger Live. Choose Get started → select your device model → follow the prompts to add accounts. For each blockchain you want to manage (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, etc.), Ledger Live will fetch public account information — you’ll approve any changes or transactions on the device screen.
When Ledger Live asks you to install blockchain apps on the device (e.g., Bitcoin app, Ethereum app), open the Manager in Ledger Live and install the desired apps — this allows the device to handle specific blockchain protocols.
5) Sending and receiving crypto
To receive crypto, click Receive in Ledger Live, select the account, and verify the address shown in the app on your device screen — only use addresses that match both the app and the device display. For sending, click Send, enter the recipient address and amount, then review and confirm the transaction details on your Ledger device’s screen before approving. This hardware confirmation is the keystone of Ledger’s security model.
Always verify the address characters on the device — malware or clipboard hijackers can alter addresses in your OS clipboard.
Security best practices — practical and essential
- Official downloads only: Use Ledger’s official download page and verified app stores.
- Protect your recovery phrase: never store it digitally, never share it, and consider a metal backup for long-term durability.
- Verify on-device: always confirm addresses and transaction details on the Ledger device screen before approving.
- Keep firmware & app updated: Ledger regularly releases updates with security patches and new features.
- Use a strong PIN and passphrase carefully: passphrases create hidden wallets but are irreversible if lost — only use them if you understand the tradeoffs.
- Harden your environment: keep your OS and browser updated, avoid suspicious browser extensions, and use strong, unique passwords and MFA for associated accounts (email, exchanges).
Advanced features
Ledger Live supports advanced capabilities such as staking (for supported assets), third-party integrations (e.g., connecting to dApps or exchanges via secure integrations), and passphrase support for hidden wallets (BIP39 passphrase). For developers or power users, Ledger also provides APIs and documentation to integrate Ledger device support into third-party applications. Always consult Ledger’s developer docs for best practices when building integrations.
Troubleshooting common issues
- Try a different USB cable/port; some cables are for charging only and lack data lines.
- Ensure the device is unlocked (enter PIN) before attempting to add accounts.
- Restart Ledger Live and your computer if the issue persists; use the "Reset USB" feature in Ledger Live settings if available.
- Open the Manager section in Ledger Live and install the needed blockchain app (Bitcoin, Ethereum, etc.) on your device.
- Toggle Bluetooth on the device and your phone, remove old pairings, and try re-pairing from Ledger Live mobile.
- Check mempool status and network fees; some transactions take longer depending on blockchain congestion and chosen fees.
Recovering from a lost device
If your Ledger device is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can restore access to your crypto using the 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger device or another compatible hardware wallet. Do not use online services to restore your seed — prefer a trusted device and ensure you are operating in a secure environment. If you suspect your recovery phrase was exposed, move assets to a new seed immediately.
FAQ (quick answers)
- Does Ledger Live hold my crypto?
- No — Ledger Live is an interface. Private keys remain on your Ledger hardware device and never leave it.
- Can I use Ledger Live without a Ledger device?
- Some read-only features may work, but for signing transactions you need a Ledger device.
- Is Ledger Live free?
- Yes, Ledger Live is free to download and use; blockchain transaction fees still apply when sending crypto.
Checklist — printable
- Buy Ledger device from official store or authorized reseller.
- Download Ledger Live from ledger.com/ledger-live.
- Install Ledger Live and run initial setup.
- Initialize device: choose PIN, write down 24-word recovery phrase.
- Install needed blockchain apps via Ledger Live Manager.
- Add accounts and verify addresses on-device before receiving funds.
- Confirm all transactions on-device before sending.
- Store recovery phrase offline (paper or metal). Do not share.